Using hacks, adroit swiping and bits of patience in Pokémon GO, a single player or one Pokémon can potentially wipe out a Gym that is full of more powerful pocket monsters, emerge victorious and conquer that same quarter.
Redditor zmedi generously shared a Gym battle tactic called FDA (for Flash, Dodge and Attack) that supposedly has been proven effective when mixed with practice. With FDA as main weapon, "you can go through a full high-level gym with only your first Pokémon, saving revive and health potions," zmedi said.
Business Insider picked up on the Reddit tip and proved that the FDA maneuver actually works. On its test, the publication unleashed Pinsir with 655 CP to face off with Hypno that packed 1323 CP. One would think that the duel was a mismatch with Hypno as outright favorite to zap Pinsir. But with FDA, the underdog defeated its Goliath of a foe.
How was it possible? Here's how:
As zmedi stressed, the underpowered Pokémon needs to watch for the appearance of the Yellow Flash at the start of the battle, which makes for the F of the battle tactic. It is important that players focus on the Flash and not the animation movement as oftentimes the two are not in sync, the Reddit post reminded.
Upon seeing the Flash, it is the signal of the start of the battle and the Pokémon launching into attack, which should be dealt with by Dodging first or swiping left and right on the mobile device.
What comes next is the Attack move, which can be performed by tapping on the rival Pokémon. Business Insider that realistically, players will still sustain significant hits during the battle so to increase the chance of winning it's important to deploy a high-level Pokémon to the targeted Gym.
Another factor to consider when using FDA is network glitch or server issues on part of Pokémon GO. The likelihood is players will suffer damages can still emerge the winner. It's highly recommended too that the mobile device to be used when playing is running smoothly as lags will surely impact on the gameplay and the result of the battle.
Bottom line is when used correctly and mixed with skill, FDA is a surefire ticket to "taking down even the 'super-tough' Gyms," Redditor zmedi said.
Below is a clip showing the FDA battle tactic in action: