2025. 8. 20. 22:47ㆍPokemon GO Tips/Pokemon GO Raid Guides
Let's be real, every Pokémon GO trainer has dreamed of it: taking down a 5-star raid boss all by yourself. Most of us just shake our heads and say, "Nah, impossible," before gathering up our friends for the fight.
But what if I told you someone actually did it? Recently, a report surfaced of a trainer successfully taking down a 5-star Dynamax Articuno—alone. This isn't just a wild rumor; if the conditions are right, this is a new challenge you can take on, too.
In this guide, we're going to break down the secrets to this incredible feat, step-by-step, and give you the exact conditions you'll need to try it yourself.
Step 1: Picking Your Target - Why Articuno? 🔑
You can't just solo any 5-star boss. The first key to this strategy was the target itself: Articuno. The reason lies in its typing.
- Articuno Type: Ice / Flying
- The Critical Weakness: It has a 2.56x double weakness to Rock-type attacks.
In Pokémon GO, a "double weakness" is the holy grail for raiders. It's a unique pathway that allows for an explosive amount of damage, far beyond a normal 1.6x weakness. This is what cracked the code and made it possible to burn through a 5-star boss's massive HP. If you want to attempt a 5-star solo, finding a boss with a double weakness is where you start.
Step 2: Assembling Your Crew - Why Zacian? 👑
Here's where it gets interesting. The successful trainer didn't even use Rock-type attackers. They used Zacian. How is that possible?
- Zacian (Crowned Sword): The King That Breaks the Rules Zacian is an absolute monster. Excluding Shadows and Megas, it reigns as one of the top DPS (Damage Per Second) attackers in the entire game. Even though its Steel-type moves only hit Articuno for 1.6x damage, Zacian's raw base stats—its "깡딜" or raw damage output—are so ridiculously high that it performs better than most top-tier Rock attackers.
- In other words, Zacian is one of the few Pokémon that can overcome a type disadvantage with sheer, overwhelming power. This raid proved exactly why they call it the king.
Step 3: The Final Weapon - The Max Mushroom's Decisive Blow 🍄
Even with the perfect target and the perfect attacker, you're still fighting against a massive HP pool and a 300-second timer. This is where the final piece of the puzzle comes in: the Max Mushroom.
The powerful attack boost from a Max Mushroom is the critical factor that pushes the damage output from a "near miss" into a "solid victory." This item was the magic ingredient that took an impossible challenge and made it a reality.
Deep Dive: Can You Do It with Level 40 Zacian? (feat. Weather Boost)
"But I don't have enough XL Candy for a Level 50 Zacian. Can I do this with my Level 40s?" That's a fair question, so we analyzed it.
- Damage Comparison: A team of three Zacian will theoretically do more damage than a team of two Zacian and one Zamazenta.
- Overcoming the Level Gap: A Level 40 Pokémon is noticeably weaker than a Level 50. To make up for that difference, the following conditions become almost mandatory:
- Weather Boost (Most Important!): Without the 20% damage increase from Snowy weather boosting Steel-type attacks, you will likely run out of time.
- High IVs: An Attack stat of 15 is a must, and the closer to 100% IVs, the better your chances.
- Optimal Play: You'll need precise control, dodging charge moves to minimize fainting and time spent re-lobbying.
The Verdict: On a snowy day, with a team of high-IV Level 40 Zacian and a Max Mushroom, you absolutely have a fighting chance to solo Articuno!
Your Turn to Challenge the Impossible
The formula for this incredible success can be boiled down to this:
(A Vulnerable Boss) + (An Overwhelming DPS Attacker) + (A Critical Item Boost) + (Favorable Conditions like Weather)
This guide isn't just about Articuno. It's a new way of looking at raid battles. Check the upcoming raid bosses, look for that double weakness, and check your storage.
The next trainer to achieve the impossible might just be you!