Can 3 Players Beat a 5-Star Raid in Pokémon GO? The Ultimate Guide

The short answer? Yes, three players can beat a 5-star raid in Pokémon GO, but it’s heavily dependent on several key factors. A successful raid requires strong Pokémon, strategic team composition, knowledge of weaknesses and resistances, and a dash of good fortune.

The Nuances of 5-Star Raid Battles

5-Star Raids in Pokémon GO are a challenging, but rewarding experience, often featuring Legendary Pokémon or powerful evolved forms. These raids are designed to be tackled by a group, but with the right preparation, a smaller team can emerge victorious. The standard recommendation often floats around 4-10 players between levels 40 and 50.

Key Factors for Success

To reliably conquer 5-star raids with only three players, consider these critical elements:

1. Pokémon Levels and IVs/EVs (or their equivalent): The Pokémon used must be at high levels (ideally level 40 or above). Investing in powering up your Pokémon and aiming for those with high IVs (Individual Values) is paramount. Pokémon with strong IVs have the potential for higher CP and better stats overall. While Pokémon GO does not have EVs (Effort Values) like the main series games, the concept of investing in specific stat builds exists through choosing the right Pokemon with the right movesets.

2. Optimal Type Matchups: Understanding type matchups is non-negotiable. Use Pokémon that exploit the raid boss’s weaknesses while resisting its attacks. This requires knowing the raid boss’s type and planning a team accordingly. Remember, STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) boosts damage when a Pokémon uses a move of its own type.

3. Powerful Movesets: A Pokémon’s moveset significantly impacts its performance in battle. Aim for optimal movesets that deal the most damage against the raid boss’s type, while avoiding moves that the boss resists. Consider using Charged TM and Fast TM to change moves.

4. Friendship Bonuses: Increasing your friendship level with other players grants various bonuses, including increased attack power during raids. Achieving Best Friend status provides the largest attack boost, which can be the deciding factor in a close battle.

5. Weather Boosts: Weather boosts in Pokémon GO can significantly impact the power of certain types of Pokémon and their moves. If the weather boosts the type of your Pokémon’s attacks (or weakens the raid boss’s attacks), take advantage of it.

6. Shadow and Mega Pokémon: Shadow Pokemon can inflict more damage and have become a staple of many Pokemon GO teams. Likewise, Mega Pokemon, while limited in number, can dramatically increase damage output.

When Three Isn’t Enough

Even with all the right preparations, some 5-star raids are exceptionally challenging. Mythical Pokemon raids like Deoxys and Darkrai, for instance, can be incredibly difficult to take down with a small team due to their high attack stats and powerful movesets. It’s important to research each raid boss before committing to a three-player attempt. Factors such as movesets, IV spreads, team compositions, and type matchups are the defining points for success and failure.

The Power of Synergy

Successful small-team raids are about more than just raw power. Team synergy is also essential. If you and your teammates use a variety of Pokemon types, the risk is distributed. For example, the inclusion of tanks may allow higher-damage specialists to live longer and perform more optimally. Even more, it may provide strategic opportunities such as switching Pokemon to prevent further damage and provide longer lifetimes.

Level 85-100 Starters Myth

The claim that “Level 85-100 starters should be enough to solo all the 5* raid, unless it’s a really hard one like the Gyarados,” while potentially referring to main series games mechanics, is not directly applicable to Pokemon Go. Pokemon GO features a different leveling system.

Embracing Community and Knowledge

Tackling tough raids often requires collaboration beyond your immediate group. Online communities, such as those found within the Games Learning Society, are an incredible resource for raid strategies, team building advice, and staying up to date on the latest raid bosses and their weaknesses. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Raids

1. Can a Level 30 Player Contribute to a 5-Star Raid?

While level 40 or higher is often recommended, level 30+ players can contribute, especially if they have well-chosen, powered-up Pokémon and a good understanding of type matchups. Friendship and weather boosts can also amplify their effectiveness.

2. What Are the Best Pokémon to Use in Raids?

The “best” Pokémon depends on the specific raid boss. However, generally, Shadow Pokémon and Mega Evolutions with strong attack stats and optimal movesets are top contenders. Websites like Pokebattler are great resources for figuring out what the optimal counters are!

3. How Do I Find People to Raid With?

Utilize local Pokémon GO communities (Discord, Facebook groups, etc.) or remote raid apps and websites. Coordinating with others allows you to build stronger teams and increase your chances of success.

4. What Is the Difference Between Mega Raids and 5-Star Raids?

Mega Raids feature Mega-Evolved Pokémon, while 5-Star Raids typically feature Legendary Pokémon. Mega Raids allow you to obtain Mega Energy, which is needed to Mega Evolve your own Pokémon.

5. Can I Use Remote Raid Passes for All Raids?

Yes, Remote Raid Passes can be used for most raids, including 5-star raids. However, some special raids, like those with exclusive in-person requirements, may not allow remote participation.

6. How Do I Optimize My Pokémon’s Moveset?

Use TMs (Technical Machines) to change your Pokémon’s moves. Fast TMs change the fast move, while Charged TMs change the charged move. Research the best movesets for your Pokémon against specific raid bosses.

7. What Do I Do If I Run Out of Potions and Revives?

Spin PokéStops and Gyms to collect more potions and revives. You can also purchase them from the in-game shop, though spinning is the preferable solution for most players!

8. How Important Is Friendship Level in Raids?

Friendship level significantly impacts raid performance. Higher friendship levels grant attack bonuses, making it easier to defeat raid bosses. Aim to reach Best Friend status with your raid partners for the maximum benefit.

9. How Can Weather Boosts Help Me in Raids?

Weather boosts increase the power of certain types of Pokémon and their moves. Check the in-game weather conditions to see which types are boosted and choose your Pokémon accordingly.

10. What Happens If We Fail a Raid?

If you fail a raid, you can try again as long as the raid is still active. Adjust your team composition, communicate with your teammates, and consider using different strategies.

11. Are Some 5-Star Raids Easier Than Others?

Yes, the difficulty of 5-star raids varies depending on the raid boss. Some bosses have lower attack stats, more predictable movesets, or more common weaknesses, making them easier to defeat.

12. How Do I Know Which Pokémon Are Weak Against the Raid Boss?

Use online resources like type matchup charts or raid guides to determine the raid boss’s weaknesses and resistances.

13. What Are Shadow Pokémon and How Do They Impact Raids?

Shadow Pokémon are Pokémon that have been corrupted by Team GO Rocket. They deal significantly more damage than their normal counterparts, but they also take more damage. Shadow Pokémon can be very effective in raids, but require strategic use.

14. Is It Possible to Solo Any Raids?

Level 1 raids are consistently soloable by most players, and level 3 raids can also be solo’d, depending on the raid boss and trainer’s Pokemon. However, levels higher than this are unconsistently completed solo.

15. How Long Do Raids Last?

Raid Battles appear at Pokémon Gyms and have a chance to appear between 5:00 AM and 7:45 PM local time, with a total duration of 45 minutes once one begins.