Kartana in Pokemon GO: Spotlighthour Guide 2024

Kartana in Pokemon GO is a powerful Ultra Beast, which has made a significant impact in Pokemon GO. Known for its distinct design and devastating attack power, Kartana stands out as a highly sought-after Pokemon in raids and special events. This guide provides a deep dive into Kartana’s background, its role in Pokemon GO, and why players should prioritize adding this Ultra Beast to their collection. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to maximize Kartana’s potential, ensuring you’re prepared for its next appearance in raids. Welcome to SpotlightHour’s in-depth guide on Kartana, your go-to source for mastering the Ultra Beast in Pokemon GO.

What is Kartana in Pokemon GO?

Kartana’s Background and Origins

Kartana is part of the mysterious and powerful Ultra Beasts, a group of extradimensional Pokemon introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon (Generation VII). Kartana, specifically known as UB-04 Blade, is recognized for its origami-like design and razor-sharp edges, symbolizing precision and lethality. Hailing from the Alola region, Kartana is a dual-type Grass/Steel Pokemon, offering a unique combination of offensive prowess and defensive resistances.

In the Pokemon Universe, Ultra Beasts are said to originate from Ultra Space, an alternate dimension connected to the Pokemon world through Ultra Wormholes. Kartana is one of these enigmatic creatures, often considered one of the most dangerous due to its high attack power and blade-like body, which can slice through anything. Its origin story ties into the Ultra Beasts’ invasion of the Alola region, where players must battle and capture them. In Pokemon GO, Kartana retains its fearsome reputation, especially during raid events.

Kartana’s Appearance in Pokemon GO

Kartana was officially introduced to Pokemon GO during special raid events featuring Ultra Beasts. Typically available through 5-star raids, Kartana offers a tough challenge to players but rewards those who succeed with an immensely powerful addition to their roster. Players encounter Kartana during specific events, such as the Ultra Beast-themed events, making its appearances highly anticipated.

To catch Kartana, players must engage in high-level raids that often require team coordination due to Kartana’s formidable stats. These raids are usually announced during special events, such as Ultra Unlocks or Raid Hours, which allow players to participate in multiple attempts to capture this Ultra Beast. If Kartana is not currently available in raids, players will need to keep an eye on future announcements from Niantic, as Ultra Beasts often rotate back into the game through themed events.

Is Kartana Good in Pokemon GO?

Kartana’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Kartana is a dual-type Grass/Steel Pokemon, giving it a unique mix of strengths and weaknesses. Thanks to its typing, Kartana has access to powerful resistances, including Dragon, Fairy, Psychic, Steel, Water, Grass, and Electric-type moves, making it a formidable defender in specific matchups. Its Grass typing helps against Water, Ground, and Rock-type Pokemon, while its Steel typing protects it against Poison and Fairy-type threats.

However, Kartana is not without its weaknesses. It is particularly vulnerable to Fire, Fighting, and Ground-type moves. Given its double weakness to Fire, players should be cautious when facing opponents who can exploit this vulnerability. For instance, Pokemon like Charizard, Reshiram, or Heatran can deal devastating damage to Kartana in raids or PvP battles. Kartana’s low HP and Special Defense further make it susceptible to strong Fire and Fighting-type moves, which can quickly knock it out if unprepared.

Kartana’s Performance in Raids and PvP

Kartana shines brightly in raids, especially against Water and Rock-type Pokemon, due to its high attack power and typing advantages. In raids where the boss is vulnerable to Grass-type moves, such as Kyogre, Swampert, and Groudon, Kartana’s Leaf Blade and Razor Leaf moves make it one of the top counters. Its high offensive stats allow it to deliver powerful blows quickly, making it a valuable asset in timed battles where speed and damage output are critical.

In PvP, Kartana’s performance is more nuanced. It excels in the Master League, where its high attack and CP can be put to good use. Its Grass and Steel typing gives it an edge over popular Water-types like Kyogre and Swampert, as well as Dragon-types like Dialga. However, its weaknesses to Fire and Fighting-type moves make it a risky choice in PvP, as popular picks like Machamp, Conkeldurr, and Metagross can pose significant threats. In the Great League and Ultra League, Kartana’s low bulk may limit its utility compared to other Pokemon, but it can still be a dangerous pick in certain niche matchups.

Comparing Kartana to Other Ultra Beasts

Kartana’s role among the Ultra Beasts is often compared to others like Celesteela, which shares its Steel typing but brings Flying as a secondary type. While Celesteela is more defense-oriented, Kartana is an offensive powerhouse, making them quite different in battle roles. Compared to other Ultra Beasts like Nihilego and Buzzwole, Kartana is often regarded as one of the most potent Ultra Beasts in terms of damage output. Its stellar attack stat and ability to shred through Water and Ground-types place it near the top tier of Ultra Beasts in Pokemon GO.

However, Kartana’s vulnerabilities make it more of a glass cannon, so while it may excel in specific roles, it requires more strategic play and careful team composition to protect against its weaknesses. In terms of overall power, Kartana is often considered one of the best Ultra Beasts, especially when used in the right circumstances.

Kartana’s Moveset in Pokemon GO

Best Moveset for Kartana

Kartana has access to an array of strong moves that capitalize on its high attack stat. The optimal moveset for Kartana in Pokemon GO typically involves the following:

Fast Move: Razor Leaf or Air Slash
Charged Move: Leaf Blade and Night Slash

This combination takes advantage of Kartana’s Grass typing and maximizes its offensive potential. Razor Leaf is the preferred fast move for dealing high Grass-type damage quickly, while Air Slash can be used as an alternative in specific matchups. For charged moves, Leaf Blade is an excellent choice due to its low energy cost and high damage output, making it perfect for raids and PvP battles. Night Slash adds type coverage and can help deal with Ghost and Psychic-type Pokemon that may otherwise threaten Kartana.

Moveset Strategy: Offense vs. Defense

When strategizing for Kartana, the moveset can be tailored for either offense or defense depending on the situation:

Offensive Moveset: Focus on Razor Leaf and Leaf Blade for raids where Kartana’s Grass typing can shine. This moveset is optimized for dealing maximum damage to opponents like Kyogre or Groudon, who are vulnerable to Grass-type moves.
Defensive Moveset: While Kartana is not typically used as a defender due to its low bulk, Air Slash and Night Slash can be viable options in niche defensive scenarios. These moves offer better coverage and can surprise opponents with unexpected damage types.

Ultimately, the best moveset for Kartana depends on the role it’s playing in your team. For most players, prioritizing its Grass-type moves in raids will yield the best results. However, for PvP players, balancing offense and defense by mixing in coverage moves like Night Slash or Air Slash can provide Kartana with added versatility.

Kartana Counters and How to Defeat It

Top Counters for Kartana

Given Kartana’s typing as a Steel/Grass Pokemon, its primary weaknesses are Fire, Fighting, and Ground-type moves. To defeat Kartana in raids, you’ll want to focus on Pokemon that can exploit these weaknesses. Here are some of the best Pokemon to use against Kartana in Pokemon GO:

Mega Charizard X/Y: With its Fire-typing and access to powerful Fire-type moves like Fire Spin and Blast Burn, Mega Charizard is one of the top counters. It deals massive damage and takes advantage of Kartana’s double weakness to Fire.
Reshiram: As a Fire/Dragon-type Pokemon, Reshiram excels with its Fire Fang and Overheat combo. It can burn through Kartana quickly, making it a top-tier counter.
Heatran: Heatran’s unique Fire/Steel typing makes it resistant to many of Kartana’s moves while dishing out significant damage with Fire Spin and Flamethrower.
Moltres: This Fire/Flying-type legendary Pokemon is another strong counter, utilizing Fire Spin and Overheat to maximize damage.
Darmanitan (Standard and Galarian): Both versions of Darmanitan can be effective counters. Standard Darmanitan excels with Fire Fang and Overheat, while Galarian Darmanitan with its Ice-type moves can also serve as a niche option.
Chandelure: This Fire/Ghost-type Pokemon offers a combination of high DPS and access to Fire Spin and Overheat, making it a solid counter against Kartana.
Conkeldurr: As a Fighting-type Pokemon, Conkeldurr uses Counter and Dynamic Punch to take advantage of Kartana’s weakness to Fighting-type moves.
Landorus (Therian Forme): With Mud Shot and Earth Power, Landorus can exploit Kartana’s Ground-type weakness, making it a powerful counter in raids.

These Pokemon are highly effective because they exploit Kartana’s double weakness to Fire-type moves or its single weaknesses to Fighting and Ground-type moves. Their combination of high damage output and typing advantages makes them the best choices for taking Kartana down.

Strategies for Beating Kartana in Raids

To successfully defeat Kartana in raids, it’s crucial to employ the right strategies and team compositions:

Focus on Fire-Type Attackers: Because Kartana has a double weakness to Fire-type moves, prioritize using Pokemon with Fire-type fast and charged moves. This will allow you to deal the maximum possible damage in the shortest amount of time.
Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather boosts when battling Kartana. Fire-type moves are boosted in sunny/clear weather, while Fighting-type moves gain a boost in cloudy conditions. Plan your raid team based on the current weather to maximize your chances of victory.
Team Composition: While it’s possible to duo Kartana with high-level counters like Mega Charizard or Reshiram, it’s recommended to bring a team of at least 3-4 trainers to make the raid easier. A mix of Fire, Fighting, and Ground-type attackers ensures you can continue to apply pressure even if Kartana knocks out one of your key Pokemon.
Dodge Smartly: Kartana’s attacks can be powerful, especially when boosted by the raid level or weather conditions. Learn to dodge its charged moves to prolong your team’s survival and deal more damage over time.

Following these strategies will ensure you can efficiently defeat Kartana during raids and maximize your damage output.

How to Catch Kartana in Pokemon GO

Kartana’s Availability and Catch Rate

Kartana is primarily available in Pokemon GO through special raid events. As a part of the Ultra Beasts lineup, Kartana makes its appearances during themed events, typically Ultra Beast raids or events tied to the Alola region storyline. Players can encounter Kartana in Tier 5 raids, and it will require coordination with other trainers due to its high CP and formidable stats.

When it comes to catching Kartana, it is known to have a relatively lower catch rate, as is the case with most Legendary and Ultra Beast Pokemon in Pokemon GO. On average, the base catch rate for Kartana hovers around 2%. To maximize your chances of catching it after a successful raid, consider the following tips:

Use Golden Razz Berries: Golden Razz Berries significantly boost your chances of catching Kartana. Always use them during each throw to increase the likelihood of a successful capture.
Aim for Excellent Throws: Focus on landing Excellent Curveball Throws, as these will give you the highest catch rate boost. Kartana’s catch circle is relatively small, so practice your throws to improve accuracy.
Take Advantage of Weather Conditions: If Kartana is weather-boosted during the raid, it will be at a higher level, but your catch rate may be slightly lower. Be prepared for more challenging encounters but potentially better IV Kartanas.

Special Raid Events Featuring Kartana

Kartana typically appears during special raid events such as Ultra Beast events or special Pokemon GO Fest activities. These events may feature Raid Hours dedicated to Kartana, offering players multiple opportunities to encounter and catch this Ultra Beast. Players should stay informed about upcoming events via Pokemon GO’s official channels and announcements.

If Kartana is not currently available in raids, don’t worry. Niantic often cycles Ultra Beasts back into rotation, so it’s likely that Kartana will return during a future event. Keep an eye out for announcements on when Kartana and other Ultra Beasts will make their comeback in raids.

Can Kartana Be Shiny in Pokemon GO?

Shiny Kartana in Pokemon GO

As of 2024, Shiny Kartana has not yet been officially released in Pokemon GO. While many players eagerly anticipate its shiny form, Niantic has a history of staggering the release of shiny Ultra Beasts and other Legendary Pokemon to coincide with special events, such as raid days or Pokemon GO Fest.

Once shiny Kartana is made available, players can expect a visual difference between the regular and shiny versions. In the mainline Pokemon games, Shiny Kartana exhibits a shift in its color palette, with its usual white and green tones turning into a striking orange and red combination. This distinct variation makes shiny Kartana a highly sought-after version among players and collectors.

How to Get Shiny Kartana in Pokemon GO

When shiny Kartana is eventually introduced in Pokemon GO, it will likely be available through special raid events and other limited-time activities. Based on previous shiny Ultra Beast releases, players should keep an eye out for Shiny Raid Days, GO Fest, or Ultra Beast-themed events, where the shiny odds are often increased for the featured Pokemon.

Once shiny Kartana is available, here are some tips to maximize your chances of encountering one:

Participate in Raid Events: Engage in as many raids featuring Kartana as possible during events where the shiny form is released. Events that increase the shiny odds or raid frequency will be the best opportunity.
Shiny Odds: Typically, the shiny odds for Ultra Beasts follow the same format as other Legendary and Mythical Pokemon, which can range from 1 in 20 to 1 in 50 encounters during special events. These odds can be higher during specific occasions like Raid Hours or GO Fest.
Team Coordination: To efficiently tackle Kartana raids and maximize your shiny attempts, coordinate with local raid groups or online communities to ensure you are hitting the maximum number of raids possible.

Stay tuned for announcements from Niantic regarding Kartana’s shiny release, as it will most likely coincide with a major event or celebration.

Kartana’s Role in Pokemon GO PvP

Is Kartana Good in PvP?

Kartana’s unique Steel/Grass typing and impressive attack stat make it a formidable force in PvP, though it has certain limitations. Here’s how Kartana fares across the various PvP leagues:

Great League: Kartana struggles in the Great League due to its high CP, which makes it difficult to fit within the 1500 CP limit. Its limited bulk and multiple weaknesses (especially to Fire and Fighting) also diminish its effectiveness in this format. As a result, Kartana is rarely seen in competitive Great League play.
Ultra League: In the Ultra League, Kartana can be more viable but remains niche due to its susceptibility to common threats like Charizard, Talonflame, and Giratina. Its high attack stat allows it to hit hard, but its poor defensive capabilities mean it can be easily taken down by Pokemon that resist its moves or exploit its weaknesses. Kartana can be a situational pick, excelling against specific matchups like Swampert and Melmetal.
Master League: Kartana truly shines in the Master League. Here, its high CP ceiling, coupled with its powerful Steel/Grass typing, allows it to stand toe-to-toe with some of the strongest Pokemon in the game. It can effectively counter threats like Kyogre, Groudon, and Togekiss, thanks to its strong Grass-type moves and resistances. However, it still needs to be cautious around prevalent Fire-types like Reshiram and Ho-Oh, which can exploit its double weakness to Fire.

Kartana’s Role in PvP Battles

To make the most of Kartana in PvP, players need to be mindful of its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some strategies for using Kartana effectively:

Best PvP Moveset: For PvP battles, Kartana’s optimal moveset includes Razor Leaf as the Fast Move and Leaf Blade and Night Slash as Charged Moves. This combination allows Kartana to deal significant Grass-type damage, while Night Slash provides coverage and the potential for a stat boost.
Team Composition: When building a team around Kartana, consider pairing it with Pokemon that can cover its weaknesses. For example, pairing Kartana with a Water-type Pokemon can help mitigate its Fire-type weakness, while a bulky Dragon-type like Dialga or Dragonite can cover its Fighting and Ground weaknesses.
Strategy in PvP: Kartana excels as a glass cannon, dealing heavy damage quickly but requiring protection due to its low defense. Use it as a closer in battles, where it can come in after your opponent’s Fire or Fighting-type threats have been neutralized. Kartana’s high attack power can help clean up remaining opponents in the endgame.

By leveraging Kartana’s strengths and being aware of its vulnerabilities, trainers can strategically use this Ultra Beast in PvP battles to great effect.

How to Maximize Kartana’s Potential

Optimal IVs and CP for Kartana

To unlock Kartana’s full potential in Pokemon GO, paying attention to its Individual Values (IVs) and Combat Power (CP) is essential. Ideally, players should aim for perfect IVs (15/15/15) for optimal performance in both raids and PvP battles. The best way to obtain a Kartana with perfect IVs is through raids, where the likelihood of high IVs increases. When catching Kartana, you’ll want to look for a CP range that reflects a 100% IV, which can vary depending on weather boosts:

Kartana Perfect IV CP (Non-Boosted): 2101 CP (for Level 20 raids).
Kartana Perfect IV CP (Weather-Boosted): 2626 CP (for Level 25 raids during Sunny or Snowy weather).

Powering Up Kartana

To reach Kartana’s full potential, power it up to its max CP, especially for Master League battles or high-level raids. Kartana can achieve a CP of around 3750+ at Level 50 with perfect IVs. Maxing out Kartana will require significant Stardust and Candy, so participating in as many Kartana raids as possible during its availability is recommended.

Kartana in Raid Teams

Kartana’s Steel/Grass typing makes it a top choice for certain raid scenarios. In particular, Kartana excels against Water, Rock, and Ground-type raid bosses, thanks to its powerful Grass-type moves like Razor Leaf and Leaf Blade. Additionally, Kartana’s Steel-type moves give it an advantage against Fairy, Ice, and Rock-type bosses.

When building a raid team around Kartana, consider pairing it with other Pokemon that complement its offensive prowess while covering its weaknesses. For example:

Grass-type Raid Team: Kartana, Mega Venusaur, Zarude, Roserade.
Steel-type Raid Team: Kartana, Metagross, Dialga, Excadrill.

By incorporating Kartana into well-structured raid teams, you can maximize its damage output and efficiency during battles.

Kartana’s Impact on the Meta

Kartana’s Place in the Current Meta

Kartana’s introduction into Pokemon GO has had a noticeable impact on the meta, particularly in Master League PvP and raids. With its unique Steel/Grass typing, Kartana has filled a niche role as both a hard-hitting Grass-type attacker and a Steel-type tank in certain scenarios. However, its double weakness to Fire significantly limits its usage in formats where Fire-types like Reshiram, Charizard, and Talonflame are common.

In raids, Kartana has become a go-to option for tackling Water-type and Ground-type bosses, where its Grass-type moves allow it to deal massive damage. Its position as a reliable raid attacker has cemented its place as one of the top Ultra Beasts in the current meta.

Future Prospects for Kartana in Pokemon GO

Looking ahead, Kartana’s future prospects in Pokemon GO could see improvements depending on the potential introduction of new moves or buffs. For example, if Kartana were to gain access to a move like Bullet Punch or a powerful Steel-type Charged Move, it could significantly boost its viability in PvP, particularly in Ultra and Master Leagues.

Speculations also point to future events or special raid days that might further highlight Kartana, possibly introducing a shiny version or increasing its availability for players. The overall role Kartana plays in the meta will likely evolve as new Pokemon, moves, and mechanics are introduced to the game.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kartana in Pokemon GO

Is Kartana a Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon GO?

Common Player Questions

Is Kartana a Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon GO? No, Kartana is not a Legendary Pokemon. It is classified as an Ultra Beast, a unique group of Pokemon introduced in Generation VII from the Pokemon Sun and Moon games.
Can Kartana be soloed in Pokemon GO? Soloing Kartana in raids is extremely difficult due to its high attack and CP stats. While possible under certain conditions (such as ideal weather boosts and a team of maxed-out counters), it is recommended to take on Kartana with a team of at least 2-3 players.
Is Shiny Kartana available in Pokemon GO? As of 2024, Shiny Kartana has not yet been released in Pokemon GO. Players should keep an eye on future events that may feature the shiny form.
How to catch Kartana in Pokemon GO? Kartana can be caught after defeating it in 5-star raids. Players will have a limited number of Premier Balls to catch it, so using Golden Razz Berries and Excellent Throws is advised to increase your catch rate.
What are the best counters for Kartana? Kartana’s biggest weaknesses are Fire, Fighting, and Ground-types. Top counters include Reshiram, Charizard, Moltres, Conkeldurr, and Machamp.

Kartana and Celesteela: Differences and Similarities

While both Kartana and Celesteela are Ultra Beasts from Generation VII, they serve different roles in Pokemon GO. Kartana is a highly offensive Steel/Grass-type Pokemon, whereas Celesteela is a defensive Steel/Flying-type Pokemon. In raids and PvP, Kartana focuses on dealing heavy damage, while Celesteela is known for its bulk and ability to withstand attacks. Depending on the situation, players may favor one Ultra Beast over the other based on their specific team needs and strategy.

Conclusion

Kartana is a powerful Ultra Beast in Pokemon GO, known for its Steel/Grass typing, strong offensive stats, and versatility in raids and PvP battles. Despite its double weakness to Fire, Kartana excels at defeating specific raid bosses and competing in PvP leagues. Whether aiming for a perfect IV or testing it in the Master League, Kartana offers unique advantages in the meta. While Shiny Kartana hasn’t debuted yet, future events may boost its role. With the right strategy and knowledge of its counters, players can fully maximize Kartana’s potential.

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