You can use a primary team of six Pokémon in a raid battle, though strategic flexibility allows you to effectively utilize fewer strong Pokémon or re-enter with healed Pokémon if your initial team faints.
Understanding Pokémon GO Raid Teams
When participating in a raid battle in Pokémon GO, trainers typically assemble a primary team of six Pokémon to challenge the raid boss. This initial lineup is crucial for maximizing damage output and surviving the encounter.
Your Initial Battle Party
Before starting a raid, you are prompted to select up to six Pokémon to form your battle party. These are the Pokémon that will enter the arena with you to face the raid boss.
Flexibility in Pokémon Usage
While six is the standard party size, the actual number of Pokémon you might utilize throughout a raid attempt can vary based on strategy and battle progression:
- Fewer, Stronger Pokémon: For some raids, especially lower-tier ones or if you possess highly optimized Pokémon with high Damage Per Second (DPS), you might find it more effective to use fewer than six Pokémon. For instance, sometimes it's better to use just 3-4 exceptionally strong Pokémon that deal significant damage rather than filling all six slots with less effective options. This strategy focuses on raw power and efficiency.
- Re-entering with Healed Pokémon: If your initial team of six Pokémon faints during the raid, you are not out of the fight. You can use items such as Revives and Potions to heal your fainted or damaged Pokémon and re-enter the raid battle. This means that while you only start with six, you can effectively cycle through and re-use your strongest Pokémon multiple times within the same raid attempt, allowing you to contribute more damage even if your first team is defeated. You do not bring a new set of six unique Pokémon; rather, you have the opportunity to heal and re-deploy those you already used.
Strategic Considerations for Your Raid Team
The optimal composition and number of Pokémon to power up for a raid heavily depend on the specific raid boss you are facing. Key factors include:
- Raid Boss Type and Weaknesses: Understanding the raid boss's type helps you select Pokémon with super-effective moves.
- Damage Per Second (DPS): Prioritizing Pokémon that can deal high DPS is often more beneficial than simply having high Combat Power (CP).
- Team Synergy: Sometimes, a balanced team that can last longer is preferred, while other times, a "glass cannon" approach (high damage, low defense) is better.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Team Size | You prepare a team of 6 Pokémon to enter the raid battle. |
| Minimum Effective | For high-DPS strategies or easier raids, 3-4 Pokémon might suffice if they are strong and optimized. |
| Maximum Over Time | You can re-use your initial 6 Pokémon after they faint by healing them with Revives and Potions, effectively extending their utility throughout the raid attempt. |
| Key Factor | The best team depends on the raid boss and prioritizing Pokémon with high Damage Per Second (DPS) against its weaknesses. |
By understanding these dynamics, trainers can optimize their approach to maximize their contribution and secure raid victories.
