What is a Wormhole in Pokémon GO? The Ultimate Guide!

You open Pokémon GO, ready to check on a nearby Gym, but something is different. Instead of the usual Raid Egg, a swirling, cosmic vortex is churning in the sky. What is a wormhole in Pokémon GO? You've come to the right place.

These mysterious portals are your gateway to some of the rarest and most powerful Pokémon in the game. This guide will explain exactly what these wormholes are, what emerges from them, and how you can successfully conquer these unique challenges to add an Ultra Beast to your collection.

Part 1: What is a Wormhole in Pokémon GO?

Let's demystify this strange phenomenon with a clear and simple explanation.

The Quick Answer: A Portal for an Ultra Beast Raid

An Ultra Wormhole is a special visual effect in Pokémon GO that signals an upcoming Ultra Beast Raid.

Think of it as a unique, more dramatic-looking Raid Egg. When you see an Ultra Wormhole, you know that a specific type of powerful, extradimensional Pokémon known as an Ultra Beast will be the Tier 5 Raid Boss at that Gym.

The In-Game Sequence

The process is straightforward and replaces the standard raid countdown:

• Appearance: An Ultra Wormhole appears above a Gym. This signals the start of the event.
• Countdown Timer: Just like a regular raid, a timer will be displayed on the Gym. This tells you how long you have until the raid begins.
• The Raid Begins: Once the timer hits zero, the Ultra Beast is revealed as the Raid Boss. The Gym is now active for a Tier 5 raid battle.
• Battle and Capture: You and other trainers can use a Raid Pass to battle the Ultra Beast. If you succeed, you'll get a chance to catch it.

Part 2: Every Ultra Beast from Wormhole Raids

Ultra Beasts are a special group of Pokémon originating from a different dimension called Ultra Space. They were first introduced in the Pokémon Sun and Moon games. Each one has a unique design and powerful stats. Here are the ones that have appeared from Ultra Wormholes in Pokémon GO.

Nihilego: A Rock/Poison-type parasite Pokémon. It's a formidable Rock and Poison-type attacker.

Buzzwole: A muscular Bug/Fighting-type. It boasts strong attack stats and good bulk.

Pheromosa: A Bug/Fighting-type known for its incredible speed and attack, but very low defense.

Xurkitree: A pure Electric-type that looks like a bundle of wires. It's one of the best Electric-type attackers in the entire game for raids.

Celesteela: A massive Steel/Flying-type with incredible defensive stats, making it a monster in PvP.

Kartana: A tiny Grass/Steel-type made of folded paper. Don't let its size fool you; it's a top-tier Grass-type attacker with a massive Attack stat.

Guzzlord: A Dark/Dragon-type with an astronomical HP stat, making it a tanky contender in PvP leagues.

Stakataka: A Rock/Steel-type that resembles a walking fortress. It is incredibly defensive.

Blacephalon: A Fire/Ghost-type with a detachable, explosive head. It's a powerful glass cannon attacker.

Part 3: How to Beat and Catch Ultra Beasts

Facing an Ultra Beast is a true test of your skills. Here's how to prepare for the battle and the crucial catch phase that follows.

Preparing Your Counter Team

Success in any Tier 5 raid starts with preparation. Before the raid begins, tap on the Gym to see which Ultra Beast you'll be fighting. Then, build a team of six Pokémon with moves that are super-effective against it.

Check the Typing: This is the most important step. For example, to fight Kartana (Grass/Steel), you should use Fire-type Pokémon, as Fire is double super-effective. To fight Xurkitree (Electric), bring your best Ground-type attackers.
Use Strong Counters: Don't just use any Pokémon with the right type. Power up your best attackers like Shadow Machamp, Reshiram, or Mamoswine. Check online resources for the top counters for the specific Ultra Beast currently in raids.
Team Up: You cannot defeat an Ultra Beast alone. You'll need a group of at least 3-5 well-prepared trainers, or more for a comfortable victory. Use apps like Poke Genie or invite friends to ensure you have enough firepower.

The Catch Phase: Premier Balls vs. Beast Balls Explained

After you defeat the Ultra Beast, you'll move to the bonus challenge: catching it. This is where a key mechanic comes into play, and it's vital to have the correct expectations.

Premier Balls:

For most Ultra Beast appearances (e.g., standard Raid Hours, most returning events), you will receive a number of Premier Balls after the raid. The number depends on factors like damage dealt, team contribution, and Gym control. The catch process is identical to any other Legendary Raid. Use Golden Razz Berries and aim for Excellent Curveball Throws to maximize your chances.

Beast Balls:

During select special events, like the initial global debut at Pokémon GO Fest 2022, Niantic has replaced Premier Balls with Beast Balls. These special balls are designed specifically for catching Ultra Beasts and have a very high catch rate against them. If you are in an event that awards Beast Balls, the catch is nearly guaranteed.

How do you know which you'll get? Always read the official in-game news announcement for the event. Niantic will specify if Beast Balls will be featured. If they aren't mentioned, assume you will be using Premier Balls.

Part 4: Are Ultra Beasts Worth the Raid Pass? A Meta Analysis

So, you know what a wormhole is and how to beat what comes out of it. But should you spend your valuable Raid Passes? Absolutely. Many Ultra Beasts are meta-defining.

Top-Tier for Raids (PvE)

Kartana: A must-have. It's one of the best Grass-type attackers for raids, shredding through Water, Ground, and Rock-type bosses. Its Attack stat is one of the highest in the game.

Xurkitree: An elite Electric-type attacker, rivaling even top Shadow and Mega Pokémon. Essential for taking down Water and Flying-type raid bosses.

Nihilego: A fantastic dual-role attacker. It serves as both a top-tier Poison-type and a very strong Rock-type attacker.

Dominant in GO Battle League (PvP)

Celesteela: A titan in the Ultra League. Its Steel/Flying typing and incredible bulk allow it to win a huge number of matchups.

Guzzlord: Its massive HP makes it an absolute tank in the Ultra League, able to absorb charge moves that would fell other Pokémon.

Buzzwole: A powerful contender in both Ultra and Master Leagues, where its Fighting-type moves and good stats make it a major threat.

Part 5: How to Find Wormholes in Pokémon GO without Walking

Want to find a wormhole in Pokémon GO without leaving the comfort of your home? With a third-party tool like TunesKit Location Changer, you can easily change your GPS location while playing Pokémon GO on both iOS and Android devices. TunesKit Location Changer makes it simple and effective to explore the game without actually walking or going outside. This powerful tool offers five main ways to change your location, including: instant location change, two-spot movement, multi-spot movement, teleport mode, and joystick movement.

Conclusion

The next time you see that swirling vortex in the Pokémon GO sky, don't be confused—be excited. An Ultra Wormhole is not just a cosmetic effect; it's a call to action. It's your chance to team up with fellow trainers, battle a unique and powerful Pokémon from another dimension, and potentially add a game-changing monster to your roster.

So prepare your best teams, coordinate with your friends, and get ready to raid. The Ultra Beasts are waiting. To find a wormhole without walking, just download and try using TunesKit Location Changer.