The latest raid in ‘s Pokémon GO has introduced a unique challenge for players: the Gigantamax Meowth. Unlike previous Tier 6 Max Battles, this particular boss presents a surprisingly viable opportunity for solo play, a feat previously considered difficult, if not impossible. The key lies in Meowth’s remarkably low combat statistics, a departure from the typically formidable opponents in these raids.
Why Soloing Was Previously a Challenge
Prior to the introduction of Gigantamax Meowth, soloing Tier 6 raids was largely impractical due to several factors. Most 6-star Gigantamax Pokémon possess exceptionally high HP, typically around 100,000, four to five times that of 5-star raid bosses. This sheer volume of health made it difficult for even powerful Pokémon to deplete before the boss entered its enraged state. These bosses often exhibit a high frequency of attacks – every three seconds for area-of-effect damage and every five seconds for single-target attacks – leaving little room for players to recover or build up energy for their own attacks. Adding to the pressure is a relatively short enraged timer: 2.5 minutes until a desperate state, and three minutes until full rampage, at which point damage is quadrupled, significantly increasing the risk of defeat.
Gigantamax Meowth: An Anomaly
Gigantamax Meowth breaks this mold. Its attack stat is a modest 92, and its defense is only 78. This comparatively low power level, even when enraged, is the core reason why solo attempts are now considered possible. The Pokémon’s damage output is insufficient to pose a significant threat, and its relatively thin health pool makes it vulnerable to focused attacks. For example, a Zamazenta can receive a “Dark Assault” attack from Meowth and only lose approximately 3% of its HP. Even after Meowth enters its enraged state, the damage output only increases to a maximum of 12% HP loss for Zamazenta, while a counterattack like “Close Combat” can remove 16% to 20% of Meowth’s health.
Recommended Team Composition for a Solo Challenge
A successful solo strategy centers around exploiting Meowth’s weaknesses and maximizing damage output. The recommended team consists of:
- Two Level 50 Zamazenta (Crowned Shield): Equipped with the move set Metal Claw/Close Combat and a Level 3 Gigastall shield.
- One Level 50 Gigantamax Machamp: Utilizing the moves Dynamic Punch/Cross Chop and a Level 3 Gigamind.
Reinforcement Conditions
- Cloudy weather (to boost Fighting-type damage).
- Use of a Gigamushroom (to increase Gigantamax energy efficiency).
- The “Gigapower Launch” effect from the Rotom exploration bonus.
- 15 Assist Bonuses (earned by completing raids with friends).
Predicted Battle Pace
With this team composition, each Pokémon should be able to deliver three attacks per round, with each round lasting approximately 45 seconds. This suggests a potential victory within six rounds, or roughly 4.5 minutes. However, players must be prepared to withstand over 90 seconds of the enraged state, making timing and execution critical.
Remaining Variables: Time and HP
Despite the promising outlook, two key variables remain uncertain. First, it is currently unconfirmed whether the Gigantamax raid battle will enforce a hard time limit of four minutes. Second, the actual HP value of Gigantamax Meowth is not yet publicly available and will only be revealed during the event. If either of these factors deviates from the current assumptions, the solo strategy may prove unviable.
Conclusion: A Historic Solo Attempt?
This theoretical analysis demonstrates the potential for soloing Gigantamax Meowth, highlighting a new level of strategic depth within Pokémon GO. For trainers seeking an ultimate challenge, this raid presents a unique opportunity to make history. Gigantamax Meowth may be the first, and perhaps only, Gigantamax boss that can be defeated by a single player.
