Blacephalon, the Ultra Beast with a firework-inspired design, has been turning heads in Pokémon GO ever since its introduction. With its unique Fire/Ghost typing and dazzling appearance, many trainers wonder: is Blacephalon worth adding to your team?
In this guide, we’ll break down its stats, moves, performance in battles, and whether you should invest your Stardust and Candy in this explosive Pokémon.
Blacephalon’s Stats Overview
Blacephalon is built for offense. Its base stats in Pokémon GO highlight its high Attack but relatively low Defense and Stamina. Here’s a quick look:
| Stat | Value | What it Means |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | 283 | Very high – can deal massive damage quickly |
| Defense | 163 | Low – can’t take many hits |
| Stamina | 181 | Low – frail in prolonged battles |
From these stats, it’s clear that Blacephalon is a glass cannon: it hits hard but can’t take much punishment. This makes it perfect for quick, high-damage strikes in PvE but tricky in PvP without careful dodging.
Best Moveset
The moves you choose can make or break Blacephalon’s performance. Here’s what works best:
Fast Moves:
- Fire Spin – Charges energy quickly for big attacks.
- Confusion – Provides coverage against Psychic and Fighting types.
Charged Moves:
- Mind Blown – Signature move, very high damage but costs a lot of energy.
- Shadow Ball – Effective against Ghost and Psychic types.
- Overheat – Great for raw damage, but lowers Blacephalon’s attack after use.
💡 Tip: For PvE raids, pairing Fire Spin with Mind Blown is devastating. In PvP, Fire Spin + Shadow Ball allows more flexibility against different opponents.
Also Read: How to Catch Scatterbug in Pokémon GO: Tips, Locations & Best Strategies
PvE Performance (Raids & Gyms)
Blacephalon shines when used in Raids against Grass, Bug, and Ice Pokémon due to its Fire typing. For example:
- Against Tangrowth (Grass) – Fire Spin + Mind Blown deals huge damage.
- Against Deoxys (Psychic) – Shadow Ball hits hard.
However, Blacephalon struggles against Rock, Water, Ghost, and Dark types, so it’s important to check the opponent’s type before deploying. Its low stamina means it can be taken down quickly if left in a prolonged fight.
PvP Performance (Trainer Battles)
In PvP, Blacephalon is a bit of a gamble. Its low defense and stamina make it vulnerable to fast-hitting Pokémon. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Great League: Not recommended – gets KO’d too easily.
- Ultra League: Can work if used carefully, but still frail.
- Master League: Best PvP option – can surprise opponents with its high attack and unique typing.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Blacephalon as a closer rather than a lead, dodging charged moves and timing your attacks for maximum impact.
How to Obtain Blacephalon
Blacephalon is not your typical wild spawn. Trainers can catch it via:
- EX Raids – Sometimes featured as an Ultra Beast boss.
- Special Research Events – Occasionally available during Ultra Beast-themed events.
Because of its rarity, capturing Blacephalon is a special achievement for dedicated trainers.
Evolution & Candy Requirements
Blacephalon is an Ultra Beast, which means it has no evolutions. To maximize its CP:
- Use Blacephalon Candy and Stardust to power it up.
- Prioritize powering up Pokémon with high IVs for the best results.
💡 Tip: Focus on increasing CP for PvE damage output rather than PvP longevity.
Also Read: How to Reset Pokémon Scarlet (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)
Is Blacephalon Worth Investing In?
Pros:
- Extremely high Attack – one of the best in its type.
- Unique Fire/Ghost typing – covers Grass, Bug, Ice, and Psychic.
- Stunning animations make it a visually satisfying choice.
Cons:
- Low Defense and Stamina – frail in long battles.
- Limited PvP usability – requires careful strategy.
- Rare and resource-intensive to power up.
Verdict: Blacephalon is worth investing in for PvE raids and niche PvP situations, especially if you enjoy a high-risk, high-reward Pokémon. Casual players may want to prioritize sturdier Fire-types for general use.
Alternatives to Blacephalon
If Blacephalon isn’t a fit for your team, these Pokémon offer similar Fire/Ghost power or high Attack stats:
- Chandelure – Fire/Ghost, slightly more durable.
- Mewtwo – Psychic-type powerhouse with versatility.
- Reshiram – Legendary Fire/Dragon, great in PvE and PvP.
Conclusion
Blacephalon is flashy, powerful, and undeniably fun to use in Pokémon GO. Its glass-cannon nature makes it perfect for strategic trainers who can leverage its strengths and minimize exposure to weaknesses. If you enjoy explosive damage and rare Pokémon, Blacephalon is a must-have. Otherwise, consider more balanced alternatives for everyday battles.