Tier one Battle Raids in Pokemon GO aren't much of a challenge at all for the average player. The lowest level bosses are fairly easy to defeat and trainers don't have to be experts to solo these battles. That said, trainers who want to optimize their performance can still take some steps to create a sound strategy and ensure maximum damage.
In order to easily solo these Pokemon GO tier 1 Battle Raids bosses, like Pikachu, players need to understand the boss' weaknesses and assemble a strategic counter roster. Each Pokemon has its own strengths and weaknesses and part of preparing for an effective Battle Raid means studying those weaknesses and forming a respectable counter roster. If trainers plan to head out and battle Pikachu in tier one Battle Raids, they'll have one key weakness to build their counter roster around.
Pikachu's pure Electric-type trait gives players a single weakness to concentrate on - strong Ground-types - on and just a handful of resistances to keep in mind, as well. Although tier 1 Battle Raids aren't as challenging as Legendary and Mega showdowns, trainers may still want to take the time to spend some Stardust, Candy, and Elite TMs to get everything in order before the fight.
Pikachu Weaknesses
This tier 3 Battle Raid boss is an Electric-type, which means that Pikachu is weak against Ground-type moves.
Pikachu Resistances (Avoid These!)
Pikachu is resistant against Electric-, Flying-, and Steel-type attacks. Players should avoid putting Pokemon reliant on those move types in their lineup.
Best Pikachu Counters
Alakazam (Mega) - Confusion/Psychic
Gengar (Mega) - Shadow Claw/ Shadow Ball
Charizard (Mega Y) - Fire Spin/Blast Burn
Banette (Mega) - Shadow Claw/Shadow Ball
Aerodactyl (Mega) - Rock Throw/Earth Power
Latios (Mega) - Dragon Breath/Dragon Claw
Beedrill (Mega) - Infestation/Sludge Bomb
Absol (Mega) - Snarl/Payback
Houndoom (Mega) - Snarl/Fire Blast
Landorus (Therian) - Mud Shot/Earthquake
Regigigas - Hidden Power/Giga Impact
Lopunny (Mega) - Double Kick/Hyper Beam
Groudon - Mud Shot/Earthquake
Garchomp - Mud Shot/Earthquake
Excadrill - Mud Shot/Earthquake
Gyarados (Mega) - Bite/Crunch
Assembling a counter roster based on those suggestions should be all it takes to defeat Pikachu in tier one Battle Raids. Be sure to stick to the recommended counter types and enter the battle with enough allies (for lower level players) around to help out and earn that one attempt victory. Mid- to high-level players with the best counters can solo this tier one raid boss, but lower level players who want to play it safe should enter the fight with one or two friends instead to secure a successful battle.
Be sure to check back in the near future for lots more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!
Pokemon GO is available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.