Learn how to get Black Kyurem and White Kyurem with fusion in Pokémon Go

The arrival of fusion mechanics in Pokémon Go has introduced an exciting twist, allowing players to merge Kyurem with Reshiram and Zekrom to create White Kyurem and Black Kyurem, respectively. Launched during the Go Tour: Unova event in March 2025, this feature transforms Kyurem into powerful forms with abilities that extend beyond battles, offering unique effects in the open world. For fans of the franchise, this update provides a fresh opportunity to explore new strategies and capture rare variants, such as the highly sought-after shiny Kyurem.

Fusion follows a process similar to that seen with Necrozma, requiring specific energy and candies from the involved Pokémon. Debuted at the event, this functionality isn’t limited to Kyurem caught during Go Tour: Unova—any Kyurem with the correct move can be fused, provided the necessary resources are available. Additionally, the fused forms, Black Kyurem and White Kyurem, come with Adventure Effects that enhance Pokémon catching, making them valuable in both raids and map exploration.

With Pokémon Go surpassing 600 million global downloads since its 2016 launch, the introduction of these fusions reflects Niantic’s ongoing effort to keep the game engaging. In 2025, as players gear up to maximize events like Go Tour: Unova, understanding the details of this process is key to mastering the updates and strengthening their teams.

Requirements to unlock Black Kyurem and White Kyurem

Securing Black Kyurem and White Kyurem involves combining specific Pokémon and gathering in-game resources. For Black Kyurem, players need a Zekrom, a Kyurem, 1,000 Volt Fusion Energy, 30 Kyurem Candies, and 30 Zekrom Candies. For White Kyurem, the requirements are a Reshiram, a Kyurem, 1,000 Blaze Fusion Energy, 30 Kyurem Candies, and 30 Reshiram Candies. Once fused, the secondary Pokémon (Zekrom or Reshiram) becomes unavailable for use, appearing grayed out in the collection screen but still visible.

Fusion energy is earned through raids against the respective forms: battling Black Kyurem yields Volt Fusion Energy, while defeating White Kyurem provides Blaze Fusion Energy. Additional sources include completing the branching Special Research “It’s Not Over Yet” and redeeming free fusion energy codes distributed before the event concludes. These resources are essential for enabling fusion and unlocking the full potential of these legendary forms.

To ensure Black Kyurem and White Kyurem wield their signature moves, like Freeze Shock and Ice Burn, the Kyurem must know Glaciate prior to fusion. If it doesn’t, players can teach it using an Elite Charged TM, a rare item that demands careful resource management to deploy effectively.

Adventure Effects enhance gameplay

Black Kyurem and White Kyurem stand out not only in battles but also with their Adventure Effects, offering practical benefits for catching Pokémon. White Kyurem’s Ice Burn slows the target ring for 10 minutes, making wild Pokémon easier to catch. Black Kyurem’s Freeze Shock locks the target Pokémon in place for the same duration, preventing it from moving on the screen. Both effects make Pokémon “much easier to catch,” a perk that extends to connected devices like the Pokémon Go Plus.

Activating these effects costs 5,000 Stardust and five Kyurem Candies, with the option to extend the duration up to 24 hours by repeating the investment. Preliminary data suggests White Kyurem boosts catch rates by 50%, while Black Kyurem offers a 25% increase, though these figures await official confirmation from Niantic. These abilities make the fused forms valuable tools for players aiming for efficiency during events or rare Pokémon encounters.

The prerequisite of Glaciate on Kyurem before fusion is a critical detail. Without it, the fused forms lose access to Adventure Effects, limiting their utility. Choosing the right path in the “It’s Not Over Yet” research can ensure Kyurem comes with this move, saving precious resources like the Elite Charged TM.

Fusion and unfusion: managing your Pokémon

Fusing Kyurem with Reshiram or Zekrom isn’t permanent—players can undo it anytime via the fused Pokémon’s info screen. However, refusion requires another 1,000 units of the corresponding energy plus candies, making the decision to unfuse a strategic one. Players should weigh whether they need Zekrom or Reshiram separately for raids or other battles before reversing the process, as these legendaries remain potent in their standalone forms.

Selecting the strongest Kyurem for fusion is a smart move, as the fused form’s stats derive from it, not Zekrom or Reshiram. Pairing a high-level Kyurem with a weaker Zekrom or Reshiram allows players to keep their stronger secondary Pokémon available for other in-game activities. This approach optimizes team-building for competitions or events like Go Tour: Unova.

Shiny Kyurem, with its striking light indigo accents, is a fusion highlight. It determines the shiny appearance of Black Kyurem and White Kyurem, while Zekrom and Reshiram don’t influence the look. This makes catching a shiny Kyurem a top goal for collectors during the event.

Extra details about fusion in Pokémon Go

Beyond the basics, several nuances enhance the fusion experience. Black Kyurem and White Kyurem cannot be traded, transferred to Pokémon Home, or sent to the professor for candies, locking them into the player’s active collection. Their Adventure Effects also can’t be used alongside those of other Pokémon, such as Necrozma or Origin Forme Dialga and Palkia, forcing players to prioritize which benefit to activate.

The Go Tour: Unova event offers extra resources, like free fusion energy codes and rotating habitats that boost encounters with Kyurem, Zekrom, and Reshiram. The “It’s Not Over Yet” Special Research provides specific rewards, including fusion energy, and guides players in choosing between Black Kyurem and White Kyurem, affecting available moves.

Kyurem shines in raids during the event, with weaknesses to Fairy, Dragon, and Steel types requiring well-prepared teams. Rewards, including fusion energy, make the effort worthwhile, with seasoned players recommending Pokémon like Gardevoir and Dialga for effective counters.

Go Tour: Unova event timeline

The debut of Kyurem fusion ties into the Go Tour: Unova, kicking off on March 1, 2025. Key moments include:

• March 2025: Kyurem fusion launches during Go Tour: Unova.
• Event duration: Free fusion energy codes distributed.
• Post-event: Fusion energy available only via Black Kyurem and White Kyurem raids.
• Throughout 2025: “It’s Not Over Yet” research remains active for new players.

This timeline steers players toward collecting resources and engaging in exclusive activities.

Tips to master Black Kyurem and White Kyurem

Here are some strategies to maximize these legendary forms:

• Focus on catching a Kyurem with Glaciate to avoid extra TM costs.
• Use White Kyurem for tough catches, leveraging its 50% catch rate boost.
• Deploy Black Kyurem against mobile Pokémon, like legendaries in raids.
• Save Stardust to extend Adventure Effects during long events.

These tactics enhance efficiency and make fusions even more valuable in-game.

Why Kyurem fusion is a milestone in Pokémon Go

The introduction of Black Kyurem and White Kyurem marks a leap in Pokémon Go’s gameplay, blending collection, strategy, and exploration. Following Necrozma’s fusion debut, Niantic has expanded this mechanic, with Kyurem reinforcing the appeal of Unova’s legendaries from Pokémon Black and White (2010). With over 80 million monthly active players in 2024, the game continues to evolve to meet community expectations.

Shiny forms, like Kyurem with its indigo hues, elevate both aesthetic and competitive value. White Kyurem excels in raids with its Ice and Fire-type power, while Black Kyurem impresses with Electric and Ice attacks, offering tactical variety. Paired with Adventure Effects, these forms become essential for dedicated players.

The Go Tour: Unova’s impact extends beyond fusions, with rotating habitats and bonuses driving exploration. Niantic estimates such events generate millions of daily interactions, cementing Pokémon Go’s status as a global phenomenon nearly a decade after its debut.