Can I Solo Absol? A Deep Dive into Defeating This Dark-Type Pokemon
Yes, you can solo Absol in Pokemon GO raids, but it’s not a walk in the park. It requires careful planning, optimal counters, and a good understanding of Absol’s moveset. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to take down this formidable Dark-type Pokemon on your own.
Understanding the Challenge: Absol’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Before diving into specific strategies, it’s crucial to understand what makes Absol a challenging solo raid. Absol is a pure Dark-type Pokemon, meaning it’s weak to Fighting, Bug, and Fairy-type moves. However, it boasts a high Attack stat, making its Dark-type moves potentially devastating. Its moveset can vary, including fast moves like Snarl and Psycho Cut, and charged moves like Dark Pulse, Payback, Thunder, and Megahorn. This variety means you’ll need a team that can handle different attack types and deal significant damage quickly.
Assembling Your Dream Team: The Best Counters for Soloing Absol
Success in soloing Absol hinges on assembling a team of powerful counters. Here are some of the best Pokemon to consider:
- Fighting-Type Powerhouses: Pokemon like Lucario, Machamp, Conkeldurr, and Breloom are excellent choices, especially if they know Fighting-type moves. Lucario’s Aura Sphere and Machamp’s Dynamic Punch are particularly effective.
- Bug-Type Bruisers: While less common, Bug-type Pokemon like Mega Beedrill, Scizor, and Pinsir can deal significant damage if they have Bug-type moves.
- Fairy-Type Fiends: Fairy-type Pokemon, such as Togekiss, Gardevoir, and Granbull, can also be effective, especially against Absol’s Dark-type moves.
Remember to prioritize Pokemon with high Attack stats and moves that are super effective against Dark types. Mega Evolutions can also play a crucial role; Mega Lopunny is an excellent Fighting-type choice, boosting the damage output of your entire team.
Strategy is Key: Maximizing Your Damage Output and Minimizing Damage Received
Simply having the right Pokemon isn’t enough. You need a solid battle strategy.
- Dodging: While tempting to unleash a barrage of attacks, dodging is crucial for survival. Learn Absol’s attack patterns and dodge charged moves to avoid being wiped out quickly.
- Type Effectiveness: Always prioritize using moves that are super effective against Absol. This will significantly increase your damage output.
- Weather Conditions: Keep an eye on the weather. Cloudy weather boosts Fighting-type moves, making it an ideal time to attempt a solo raid with Fighting-type Pokemon. Rainy weather boosts Bug-type moves.
Powering Up Your Pokemon: Level, IVs, and Movesets
Having the right Pokemon at the right level is crucial.
- Pokemon Level: Aim to have your counters at or near their maximum level. This will significantly increase their stats and survivability.
- IVs and EVs: While not essential, Pokemon with high IVs (Individual Values) will perform better. Invest in Pokemon with good IVs for optimal results.
- Correct Movesets: Ensure your Pokemon have the optimal movesets for dealing damage to Absol. Use TMs (Technical Machines) to change moves if necessary.
FAQs: All Your Absol Solo Raid Questions Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of soloing Absol:
1. What level should my Pokemon be to solo Absol?
Ideally, your Pokemon should be around level 35 or higher. The higher the level, the better your chances of success.
2. Are Mega Evolutions necessary to solo Absol?
While not absolutely necessary, Mega Evolutions can significantly increase your damage output and improve your chances of success. Mega Lopunny is a great choice.
3. Which is the best Fighting-type Pokemon for soloing Absol?
Lucario and Machamp are both excellent choices, especially with Aura Sphere and Dynamic Punch, respectively. Conkeldurr is another solid option.
4. What if I don’t have the “perfect” counters?
Don’t be discouraged! Use the best counters you have available, focusing on type effectiveness and high Attack stats. Level them up as much as possible.
5. How important is dodging?
Dodging is crucial for survival. Learning Absol’s attack patterns and dodging charged moves can significantly extend your Pokemon’s lifespan.
6. Does weather boost affect Absol raids?
Yes! Cloudy weather boosts Fighting-type moves, Rainy weather boosts Bug-type moves, and Partly Cloudy weather boosts Normal-type moves (which could be relevant for some niche counters).
7. What are Absol’s possible fast moves?
Absol can have Snarl (Dark) and Psycho Cut (Psychic) as fast moves.
8. What are Absol’s possible charged moves?
Absol can have Dark Pulse (Dark), Payback (Dark), Thunder (Electric), and Megahorn (Bug) as charged moves.
9. How can I get the best IVs on my Pokemon?
You can obtain Pokemon with higher IVs through raids, research tasks, and trading with friends. Purifying Shadow Pokemon also improves their IVs.
10. Should I use a Charged TM to change my Pokemon’s moveset?
Yes, if your Pokemon doesn’t have the optimal moveset for fighting Absol. Focus on moves that are super effective against Dark types.
11. How many trainers are recommended for an Absol raid?
While soloing is possible, 2-3 trainers are generally recommended for an easier and more reliable victory, especially for less experienced players.
12. What happens if I run out of Pokemon during the raid?
You can re-enter the raid with a new team of Pokemon, but you’ll lose some time. Plan your team carefully to avoid this.
13. Can I use Remote Raid Passes to solo Absol?
Yes, you can use Remote Raid Passes to participate in Absol raids from a distance.
14. Are Shadow Pokemon good for soloing Absol?
Shadow Pokemon deal more damage but also take more damage. If you have strong Shadow Pokemon with optimal movesets, they can be very effective. Shadow Machamp and Shadow Hariyama are excellent choices, but require significant investment.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokemon GO strategies and tips?
There are many resources available online, including websites, forums, and YouTube channels dedicated to Pokemon GO. You can also check out resources from the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for insights into game-based learning and strategic thinking.
Conclusion: Mastering the Absol Solo Raid
Soloing Absol in Pokemon GO is a challenging but achievable feat. By understanding Absol’s strengths and weaknesses, assembling a team of powerful counters, developing a solid battle strategy, and powering up your Pokemon, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to be patient, persistent, and adaptable, and you’ll be well on your way to conquering this Dark-type menace. Good luck, trainer!