Can 2 People Beat Kartana? A Deep Dive into Raid Viability
Yes, two skilled trainers CAN beat Kartana in Pokémon GO raids, but it’s going to be a nail-biting, strategic, and weather-dependent affair. Don’t go in thinking it’s a walk in the park! This requires optimal conditions, maxed-out counters, best friend bonuses, and flawless execution. This isn’t for the faint of heart, but for dedicated players seeking a real challenge.
Understanding Kartana: The Origami Pokémon
Kartana, the Ultra Beast hailing from the Alola region, is a Grass and Steel-type Pokémon known for its razor-sharp body and devastating Attack stat. Its weaknesses are its vulnerabilities to Fire and Fighting-type moves. It’s important to know and understand this.
- Typing: Grass/Steel – Double weakness to Fire.
- Key Stats: Extremely high Attack, low Special Attack, moderate Speed.
- Movesets: Leaf Blade, X-Scissor, Night Slash (Grass, Bug, Dark).
Kartana’s moveset can vary, and some are more difficult to counter than others. Night Slash is especially annoying due to its higher crit chance.
Key Factors for a Successful Two-Trainer Raid
Before you even think about challenging Kartana with just two people, consider these essential components:
Weather Boost
Clear or Sunny weather boosts Fire-type attacks, drastically increasing your damage output. This boost is absolutely crucial for a two-trainer attempt. Fire-type moves are key in this battle.
Pokémon Selection: Optimize Your Counters
Choosing the right Pokémon is paramount. You’ll need a team of six maxed-out, level 50, Fire-type attackers with optimal movesets. Forget your Blissey or Chansey; this is all about damage! A shadow version is always preferred.
- Top Choices: Mega Charizard Y (Fire Spin/Blast Burn), Mega Charizard X(Fire Spin/Blast Burn), Shadow Moltres (Fire Spin/Overheat), Reshiram (Fire Fang/Overheat), Shadow Arcanine (Fire Fang/Wild Charge), Shadow Houndoom (Fire Fang/Foul Play)
- Honorable Mentions: Apex Shadow Ho-Oh, Hisuian Arcanine, Incineroar.
Best Friend Bonus
Raiding with a Best Friend grants a significant attack boost. Maximize your friendship level before attempting the raid. This bonus damage is essential. This friendship boost is crucial, as every point counts.
Move Familiarity and Dodging
Understand Kartana’s moves and learn to dodge effectively. Wasting time re-lobbying after a quick KO is a waste of valuable time and energy.
Shadow Pokémon Advantages
As mentioned above, Shadow Pokémon deal significantly more damage than their regular counterparts, making them invaluable for a challenge like this. The extra damage output can make all the difference between success and failure.
Mega Evolution Synergy
Mega Evolving a Fire-type Pokémon not only boosts its own attack but also empowers other Fire-type attackers on the field. Coordinate with your raid partner on who will use the Mega evolution.
Avoiding Debuffs
Status conditions like Defense Down from attacks can severely hinder your damage output. If you notice this, switch out to another Pokémon in your lineup.
Strategy and Communication
Successful two-trainer raids require careful coordination. Discuss your Pokémon lineups and strategies with your partner beforehand. This level of planning is extremely important.
- Coordinate Mega Evolution Timing: Ensure that your Mega Evolution is active for a significant portion of the raid to maximize its impact.
- Communicate During the Raid: Let your partner know if you’re running low on revives or potions so they can adjust their strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Level do my Pokémon need to be?
Ideally, all your Pokémon should be Level 50. At minimum, they should be as close to Level 40 as possible. The higher the level, the better your chances.
2. What are the best movesets for my Fire-type attackers?
For Fire-type attackers, you generally want fast-charging, high-damage moves. Fire Spin and Overheat or Blast Burn (legacy move) are optimal for many of the top counters.
3. Is weather boost necessary for a two-person Kartana raid?
Yes, Sunny/Clear weather is almost essential to provide the necessary damage boost. Rain is definitely not a good idea!
4. How important is the Best Friend bonus?
The Best Friend bonus adds a significant attack boost, making it extremely important. Prioritize raiding with Best Friends whenever possible.
5. Can I use non-Fire-type attackers?
While technically possible, it’s highly discouraged. Using non-Fire-type attackers will drastically decrease your chances of success.
6. What if Kartana has Night Slash as its charged move?
Night Slash is annoying due to its higher critical hit chance. Try to dodge it consistently.
7. How many revives and potions should I bring?
Bring a healthy supply of Max Revives and Hyper Potions. You’ll likely need them.
8. Is it possible to beat Kartana with only Level 30 Pokémon?
Highly unlikely. Level 30 Pokémon simply won’t have the necessary stats to deal enough damage.
9. What is the best Mega Evolution to use against Kartana?
Mega Charizard Y is generally considered the best option due to its pure Fire-type typing and high Attack stat. Mega Charizard X is also viable.
10. What happens if one of us runs out of Pokémon?
If one player runs out of Pokémon, the other player needs to carry the raid. This can be very difficult, so careful dodging is critical.
11. How do I dodge effectively in Pokémon GO?
Pay attention to Kartana’s attack animations. Swipe left or right just before the attack lands to dodge. Practice makes perfect.
12. Are Shadow Pokémon really that much better?
Yes, Shadow Pokémon deal significantly more damage, making them invaluable in challenging raids.
13. What is the time limit for a Kartana raid?
You have 300 seconds (5 minutes) to defeat Kartana.
14. Should I use Charged TM to get the best moves?
Yes, using a Charged TM is recommended to get the best moveset on your Pokémon. Fast TMs should also be used to ensure a optimal moveset.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategies?
Check out resources like the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research-backed insights into game-based learning and strategies within games like Pokémon GO.
Conclusion: Is It Worth the Challenge?
Beating Kartana with two trainers is an extremely difficult, but rewarding accomplishment. If you and your partner are up for the challenge and willing to invest the time and resources, go for it! Just be prepared for some frustration along the way. Good luck, trainers!