In the ever-evolving world of Pokémon GO, trainers are constantly looking for ways to strengthen their Pokémon for raids, battles, and PvP matchups. One of the most coveted transformations in the game is Primal Groudon, an enhanced form of the Legendary Ground-type Pokémon. To unlock this transformation, you need a special resource called Primal Energy.
This comprehensive guide explains what Primal Energy is, how to get it efficiently, and why Primal Groudon is such a powerful asset in your Pokémon GO lineup. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting back into the game, this guide will give you everything you need to know.
What Is Groudon in Pokémon GO?
Groudon is a Legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation III, and in Pokémon GO, it’s a Ground-type powerhouse known for its high base stats, excellent raid performance, and PvP potential. Groudon often appears in five-star raids, making it a valuable target for trainers aiming to build a top-tier team.
Key Features of Groudon:
- Type: Ground
- Weaknesses: Water, Ice, and Grass
- Best Move: Precipice Blades (Signature Move)
- Uses: Master League PvP, Elite Raids, Ground-type raid counter
- Shiny Variant: Yes
Groudon is not just a fan favorite—it’s also a strategic addition to any serious trainer’s roster. And when you unlock its Primal Reversion, its power multiplies, making it one of the most dominant Ground-type Pokémon in the game.
What Is Primal Energy in Pokémon GO?
Primal Energy is a special resource used exclusively to trigger a temporary transformation called Primal Reversion. This is akin to Mega Evolution but specific to the ancient Legendary Pokémon: Groudon and Kyogre.
Once a Groudon undergoes Primal Reversion, it takes on a new visual form and gains boosted stats, expanded typing, and even additional bonuses during battles.
Benefits of Primal Groudon:
- Gains Fire typing in addition to Ground
- Boosts Fire- and Ground-type attacks for all players in the raid
- Increases candy and XP gains for catches during its active time
- Appears more frequently on the map after transformation
This transformation requires Primal Energy, making the resource essential for competitive and raid-focused players.
How to Get Primal Energy for Groudon
There are three main ways to obtain Groudon’s Primal Energy in Pokémon GO:
1. Complete Primal Raids Featuring Groudon
The primary and most reliable way to earn Primal Energy is by defeating Primal Groudon in special Primal Raids.
- What Are Primal Raids?
These are enhanced 5-star Raid Battles where Groudon appears in its Primal form. You must defeat it to earn Primal Energy. - How Much Energy Do You Earn?
The amount varies based on your performance:- Fast victory: Up to 90–100 Primal Energy
- Slower victory: 60–70 Primal Energy
- Minimum reward: 50 Primal Energy
- Tips for Winning Primal Raids Quickly:
- Use Water-type Pokémon like Kyogre, Swampert, or Kingler.
- Join raids with at least 5–6 high-level trainers.
- Focus on type effectiveness and high DPS Pokémon.
Recommended Counters for Primal Groudon:
| Pokémon | Best Moves |
|---|---|
| Kyogre | Waterfall + Surf |
| Swampert | Water Gun + Hydro Cannon |
| Gyarados | Waterfall + Aqua Tail |
| Feraligatr | Water Gun + Hydro Cannon |
| Roserade | Razor Leaf + Grass Knot |
Winning more efficiently means getting more Primal Energy—so make every second count in these raids.
2. Complete Special Research Tasks
Niantic occasionally rolls out limited-time events and Special Research quests that reward players with Primal Energy. These are often part of:
- Seasonal events (e.g., GO Tour, GO Fest)
- Legendary-themed challenges
- Anniversary or holiday events
Example Tasks That May Reward Primal Energy:
- Catch 15 Ground-type Pokémon
- Win 5 raids
- Walk 5 kilometers with a Ground-type buddy
- Defeat Team GO Rocket Leaders
Be sure to keep an eye on the Today tab and check the Field and Special Research regularly to avoid missing these limited opportunities.
3. Walk with Groudon as Your Buddy
Once you’ve Primal Reverted a Groudon once, you unlock a passive method to collect more Primal Energy by simply walking with Groudon as your Buddy Pokémon.
- Rate: 100 Primal Energy per 20 kilometers
- Requires: At least one previous Primal Reversion
- Progress: Tracked automatically in the Buddy tab
While this is a slower method, it ensures consistent progress toward your next Primal Reversion, especially if you don’t have time for raids.
How Much Primal Energy Do You Need?
To perform a Primal Reversion, you need:
- 400 Primal Energy for the first transformation
- 80 Primal Energy for each subsequent transformation (with cooldown)
Once you perform it a few times, Groudon enters a cooldown-based reversion, allowing you to use the transformation for free after a few days, similar to Mega Evolutions.
Can You Use Primal Groudon in PvP?
Yes, but only in limited formats or specific leagues where Primal or Mega Pokémon are allowed. Currently, you cannot use Primal Groudon in standard GO Battle League formats.
However, its regular form is still top-tier in Master League, and Primal Reversion makes it an unmatched raid attacker for Ground- and Fire-type challenges.
Primal Groudon vs Mega Evolutions
Here’s a quick comparison to show how Primal Groudon stacks up against Mega Pokémon:
| Feature | Primal Groudon | Mega Garchomp | Mega Charizard X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typing | Ground/Fire | Dragon/Ground | Fire/Dragon |
| DPS | Extremely High | Very High | High |
| Utility | Ground & Fire boost, spawns bonus | Ground boost | Fire boost |
| Rarity | Event-based | Occasionally in raids | Frequent |
While Mega Evolutions offer solid boosts, Primal Groudon is unmatched in Ground-type performance. Its typing also opens up new coverage in both raids and team compositions.
Is Shiny Primal Groudon Available?
Yes! Shiny Groudon has been available in raids for some time, and when transformed, it becomes Shiny Primal Groudon, a rare and prestigious addition to any trainer’s roster.
- Standard Shiny Groudon: Green body
- Shiny Primal Groudon: Glowing neon green with golden accents
Shiny chances are boosted during special events, such as GO Fest or Primal Raid Days, so keep an eye on your event calendar.
Future Events Featuring Primal Groudon
Niantic frequently cycles Legendary Pokémon in and out of events. Based on past trends, Groudon and its Primal form are likely to appear during:
- Pokémon GO Fest 2025
- Earth Day events
- Ground-type themed weeks
- Anniversary Celebrations
To ensure you don’t miss these opportunities:
- Follow Pokémon GO’s official Twitter and blog.
- Join local Discord or Facebook raid groups.
- Use apps like PokéRaid or Campfire to find active Primal Raids.
Final Tips for Earning Groudon’s Primal Energy Faster
- Stack Bonuses: Use Lucky Eggs or other boosts during raid events for extra XP and rewards.
- Raid in Groups: Larger groups clear faster and earn more energy.
- Coordinate With Friends: Remote Raids can help you access Groudon battles from anywhere.
- Stay Active During Events: Log in daily and complete all tasks while Groudon is in rotation.
- Invest in High-IV Groudon: Maxing out a powerful one ensures its long-term value in both PvE and PvP.
Conclusion
Earning Primal Energy for Groudon in Pokémon GO isn’t just a reward—it’s a strategic necessity for players who want to dominate raids and enjoy the benefits of one of the game’s most powerful forms. Whether you’re tackling Primal Raids, completing research tasks, or walking with your buddy, every step brings you closer to unleashing Primal Groudon’s full power.
Now that you know all the methods, tips, and benefits, it’s time to start raiding, walking, and grinding. Don’t miss out—start collecting that Primal Energy today and watch Groudon transform into the beast it was always meant to be!