Can you solo defeat Shadow Lugia in Pokemon GO Shadow Raids?

Whether it is possible to solo defeat Shadow Lugia in Pokemon GO Shadow Raids is an important factor to consider as the creature returns to 5-star Shadow Raids. Unfortunately, it is not possible to take down this beast on your own. This could lead to some disappointment as Shadow Legendary raids are not remote-friendly, and not all players have the community support or mobility options to participate in them.

Shadow Lugia raids were introduced to Pokemon GO during the 2023 Halloween Event. It returns for the Shadow Raid Weekend on August 10 and 11, 2024, as part of the Adventure Week: Taken Over event.

This article discusses the factors that make it impossible to solo defeat Shadow Lugia in Pokemon GO Shadow Raids.

Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and reflect the author's opinions.

---

Why is it impossible to solo defeat Shadow Lugia in Pokemon GO Shadow Raids?

Shadow Lugia in Pokemon GO (Image via TPC)

Before looking at the specific reasons that make prevailing over Shadow Lugia raids as solo trainer impossible, let us look at the creature's stats and moves:

• Combat Power: 45,925
• Attack: 193
• Defense: 310
• Stamina: 15,000 HP
• Fast Attacks: Dragon Tail and Extrasensory
• Charged Attacks: Hydro Pump, Sky Attack, and Future Sight

The following factors make it impossible to solo defeat Shadow Lugia in Pokemon GO when it appears in 5-star raids:

1) Massive bulk: With a base 310 Defense, Shadow Lugia has massive bulk. Combine that with a 15,000 HP healthbar and your attacks—irrespective of how strong they are—will barely make a dent.

2) No double weakness: Shadow Lugia's Psychic- and Flying-type doesn't give it a double weakness. This means that the most super-effective damage you can do is 160%. This is not enough to whittle down the raid boss' HP in time.

3) Enraged mechanic: When trying to solo defeat Shadow Lugia in Pokemon GO Shadow Raids, you cannot subdue the raid boss. It requires at least eight Purified Gems to bring back Shadow Lugia from its Enraged state and as a solo raider, you can use a maximum of five.

Shadow Lugia becomes Enraged on losing around 1/3 of its HP. In this state, its Attack is 81% higher while its Defenses are 200% stronger

All of these factors come together to make sure you are unable solo defeat Shadow Lugia in Pokemon GO before the 300 second timer runs out.

---

Minimum number of raiders required to defeat Pokemon GO Shadow Lugia 5-star raids

Shiny Lugia (Image via TPC)

You generally need at least five trainers with maxed-out top counters to take down Shadow Lugia 5-star raids in Pokemon GO. If you are raiding with friends and have Best Friend bonus, Party Power, and favorable weather bonus active, the feat can be achieved by four trainers with top counters.

Check out our extensive Pokemon GO Shadow Lugia raid guide for more details.

---

Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters