PokéPath Best Team Build in Challenge Mode - Part 1
Hi everyone, this is POKEPATH.IO. Following the release of version 1.3, the new Challenge Mode has become the ultimate test for experienced players. If you're still playing the browser version (1.2.5) and looking for guides, check out our Best Team Build series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.
In this guide series, we'll cover how to beat all bosses in Challenge Mode. This is Part 1, focusing on Route 1's three bosses: ARTICUNO, ZAPDOS, and MOLTRES.
In the latest version 1.3.3, we first provide strategies for defeating ARTICUNO and ZAPDOS in the highest difficulty Challenge Mode. We then discuss the feasibility of beating MOLTRES in the hardest Challenge Mode settings and present our current optimal approach.
Challenge Mode Settings Used in This Guide
Here are our Challenge Mode settings:
- LEVEL 50 CAP — ON
- DRAFT PICK — OFF (we're discussing optimal team builds, not luck-based runs)
- NO ITEMS — ON
- PERMADEATH — ON
- TOUGH ENEMIES — ON
- CHRONO — OFF (we're not considering speedruns for now)
If you're not familiar with these Challenge Mode settings, check out our PokéPath TD 1.3 Update Guide & FAQ.
Navigation
Route 1-1: Defeat ARTICUNO
Team Build
- NOIVERN – High single-target DPS against ARTICUNO.
- DITTO – Copies NOIVERN for double damage output.
- CHARIZARD – Burn percentage damage (secondary DPS).
- CORSOLA – Slow/control support.
- ARIADOS – Poison percentage damage (primary DPS).
- LAPRAS – Stun/control support.
Strategy Breakdown
The core damage dealer in this build is ARIADOS with its poison percentage damage. Secondary damage comes from NOIVERN's single-target attacks and CHARIZARD's burn percentage damage.LAPRAS and CORSOLA handle crowd control with their slow effects.
The key manual control required is managing ARIADOS and CHARIZARD — you need to stack more poison layers on ARTICUNO and maintain burn status (burn doesn't stack, but needs to stay active). For detailed gameplay mechanics, POKEPATH.IO has provided a video walkthrough below.
DITTO Bug in Challenge Mode
You may notice that DITTO copying NOIVERN deals more damage than the original NOIVERN. This appears to be a bug in Challenge Mode — if your DITTO is Level 100 in your roster, it copies based on Level 100 stats instead of the Level 50 cap. This makes DITTO even more valuable in Challenge Mode!
Video Walkthrough
Route 1-2: Defeat ZAPDOS
When ZAPDOS reaches the fork in the path, it may randomly go either down or right. In this guide, we'll cover the strategy for when ZAPDOS takes the downward path. Let's start with the team build.
Team Build
- ARIADOS + DITTO – Main poison damage dealers, core DPS.
- FLYGON + PIDGEOT – Mountain tile secondary DPS.
- CHARIZARD – Applies burn status, secondary DPS.
- NOIVERN – Long-range focus fire, secondary DPS.
- DECIDUEYE – Filler slot with decent range since options are limited.
- CORSOLA – Core slow support.
Strategy Breakdown
The main strategy is to stack as much poison damage as possible with ARIADOS + DITTO. Once ZAPDOS moves out of attack range, you need to manually reposition ARIADOS + DITTO.CHARIZARD also needs repositioning to maintain burn status. The key detail is that during the final stretch, CORSOLA must also be repositioned to apply slow — your APM needs to be fast! POKEPATH.IO has provided a detailed video walkthrough below.
Video Walkthrough
Route 1-3: MOLTRES Discussion
As of version 1.3.3, POKEPATH.IO has not yet found a way to beat MOLTRES on the highest difficulty settings. We've tried several team builds including ABSOL DPS + stun and GENGAR + stun, but the best we've achieved is dealing approximately 180,000 damage to MOLTRES — however, MOLTRES has nearly 400,000 HP and is immune to both burn and poison.
Interestingly, when Challenge Mode is disabled, Pokémon can equip items. INTELEON equipped with Star Piece can one-shot MOLTRES! This is because Inteleon's ability continuously doubles bullet damage based on distance traveled — making it incredibly powerful with the right equipment setup.
If POKEPATH.IO makes progress or if the developer adjusts the balance, we will update this section. If you've managed to clear Route 1-3 on max difficulty, please contact POKEPATH.IO or leave a comment on our YouTube video!
Challenge Mode Guide Series
- Part 1: Route 1 (ARTICUNO, ZAPDOS, MOLTRES) — You are here
- Part 2: Route 2 (RAIKOU, ENTEI, SUICUNE) — Coming Soon
- Part 3: Route 3 (REGIROCK, REGICE, REGISTEEL) — Coming Soon