Gengar Gone Buggy? How to Beat Bug-Type Raids with Gengar in Pokemon Shield!
Gengar's Guide to Ghosting Bug-Type Raids in Pokemon Shield
Gengar, the Shadow Pokemon, might not seem like the obvious choice when tackling Bug-type raids in Pokemon Shield. After all, Ghost and Poison types are both weak to Bug! However, with the right strategy and move set, Gengar can become a surprisingly effective raid attacker. This guide will show you how to build and utilize Gengar to conquer those creepy crawlies!
Understanding the Challenge
Bug-type Pokemon are generally known for their physical attacks and status moves. Pokemon like Galvantula, Orbeetle, and Centiskorch can be formidable opponents in Max Raid Battles. Gengar's low physical defense makes it crucial to focus on a strategy that minimizes physical damage and maximizes its special attack prowess.
Step 1: Building the Perfect Raid Gengar
- Nature: Timid (+Speed, -Attack) or Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack). Speed is crucial for out-speeding the raid boss, while Special Attack maximizes damage output.
- Ability: Cursed Body. While Levitate was its Hidden Ability in previous generations, Gengar no longer possesses it in Pokemon Shield. Cursed Body has a 30% chance to disable a move used by the opponent, which can disrupt the raid boss's strategy.
- IVs: Maximize Special Attack, Speed, and HP. Bottle Caps can be used to hyper train any deficient IVs.
- EVs: 252 Special Attack, 252 Speed, 4 HP. This maximizes Gengar's offensive potential and allows it to move quickly.
Step 2: Essential Moveset for Bug-Type Raids
- Shadow Ball: A powerful Ghost-type move with high accuracy. This will be your primary damage dealer.
- Sludge Bomb: A strong Poison-type move that provides coverage against other types if needed, but less effective against Bug itself.
- Nasty Plot: This move sharply raises Gengar's Special Attack, allowing it to deal massive damage with Shadow Ball. Use this early in the raid if possible.
- Will-O-Wisp (Optional): Burns the opponent, inflicting damage each turn and halving the Attack stat. This can mitigate the physical damage from Bug-type attackers.
Step 3: Raid Strategy
- Setup: Start the raid by using Nasty Plot to boost Gengar's Special Attack. Aim for at least two boosts if possible.
- Offense: Spam Shadow Ball to deal significant damage to the Bug-type raid boss.
- Defense: If the raid boss uses a strong physical attack, consider using Will-O-Wisp to burn it and reduce its Attack stat (if you have it). Prioritize staying alive; if your health gets low, focus on healing.
- Dynamax: When appropriate, Dynamax Gengar to further increase its damage output. Max Phantasm (the Dynamax version of Shadow Ball) will lower the opponent's Special Defense, making them even more vulnerable.
Alternative Strategies & Considerations
- Held Item: Consider using a Choice Specs to further boost Special Attack, or a Life Orb for a smaller boost with a slight HP cost. A Focus Sash can also prevent a one-hit KO.
- Team Support: Partner with Pokemon that can provide support, such as screens (Reflect/Light Screen) or stat buffs (Helping Hand).
- Type matchups: Be aware that Dynamax moves can change types depending on the base move. Use this to your advantage to hit weaknesses the raid boss might not expect.
Example Raid Scenario:
You're facing a Dynamax Centiskorch. Centiskorch has high attack, so you'll need to act fast. First, use Nasty Plot turn one. Second turn, use another Nasty Plot. From turn three onward, Dynamax Gengar and unleash Max Phantasm. The special defense drops from Max Phantasm will decimate the centipede Pokemon!
By following this guide, you can turn your Gengar into a surprising powerhouse against Bug-type raids in Pokemon Shield. Good luck, trainers!
What are your favorite strategies for using unconventional Pokemon in Max Raid Battles?