Yes, it is possible to defeat Zacian with three trainers in Pokémon GO, though it requires specific conditions to be met.
Conquering Zacian with Three Trainers
Defeating Zacian, a formidable Legendary Pokémon, with a smaller group of trainers can be challenging but is certainly achievable. The key factor for success when attempting a Zacian raid with just three players lies in the strength and optimization of your team's Pokémon.
Conditions for Success
To successfully take down Zacian with only three trainers, you and your teammates will need to ensure your Pokémon teams are highly prepared. This means focusing on:
- Top Counters: Each trainer must utilize Pokémon that are Zacian's most effective counters. As a Fairy-type (and Fairy/Steel in its Crowned Sword form), Zacian is vulnerable to Poison and Steel-type attacks. Strong contenders include Metagross, Roserade, Excadrill, Dialga, and Genesect.
- Maxed-out CP: Your chosen counter Pokémon should have their Combat Power (CP) significantly leveled up, ideally to their maximum potential. This ensures they deal the highest possible damage per second (DPS) and have sufficient bulk to withstand Zacian's powerful attacks.
- Best Movesets: The Pokémon should be equipped with the optimal fast and charged attacks that maximize their damage output against Zacian. For instance, a Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash or a Roserade with Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb would be prime examples.
When to Bring More Players
If your group of three cannot guarantee that all trainers possess these ideal conditions—meaning they don't have access to the absolute top-tier counters with maxed-out CP and perfect movesets—it is highly recommended to recruit more players.
- Increased Player Count: For a more reliable victory, especially if your Pokémon aren't fully optimized, aiming for four or more players is your best bet. An increased number of trainers provides a larger pool of damage, making the raid much more manageable and significantly increasing your chances of success.
- Flexibility: More players also allow for a greater margin of error, as the overall group DPS might compensate for a few less-than-optimal Pokémon or unexpected raid challenges.
