Enemy Layout
EX Challenge: Hau Very Hard - Quest Link & Drop Info
Battle 1
Front Line
EX Challenge: Hau Very Hard Overview:
- Like many of the recent EX Challenges, the battle with Hau is pretty simple and straightforward. Not only is Hau’s Raichu relatively less bulky than other EX Challenge bosses (Raichu (Alola Form)) has roughly 9,300 HP), but all enemies are weak to Ground-Type attacks. Overall, the challenge generally allows for players to clear the mission without much difficulty. If you don't have the ideal Sync Pair(s), don't fret, you can flex in a variety of pairs and still beat the challenge. In addition, with the right Sync Pairs, Ex Challenge: Hau Very Hard can be completed with NPCs.
- While the EX Challenge may be easier relative to other EX Challenges, Hau and company still present some challenges that make this a “Very Hard” Challenge. For one, Raichu (Alola Form) uses the self-buff "Super Pumped!" on Turn 4. Not only does this raise the Def and Sp. Def of Hau’s party by 2 stages, but it also creates a shield that negates critical hits. In addition, all enemies are immune to Def/Sp.Def debuffs along with Electrode presenting a potentially devastating threat if left alone due to Explosion (Queued on Turn 5).
Enemy AI Behavior:
- Turn 1: Electrode uses Gyro Ball.
- Turn 2: Raichu (Alola Form) uses Façade.
- Turn 3: Electrode uses Move Gauge Boost (If Electrode dies, Raichu (Alola Form) will queue this move instead).
- Turn 4: Hau uses “Super Pumped!” (+2 Def/Sp. Def, Critical Hit Shield).
- Turn 5: Raichu (Alola Form) uses Discharge (If Electrode is present, will use Explosion).
- Turn 6: Raichu (Alola Form) uses Discharge.
- Turn 7: Enemy Sync Move.
- Turn 8+: Raichu (Alola Form) uses Wild Charge.
Sync Pairs:
- Strikers: Olivia & Lycanroc, Brendan & Sceptile, and Giovanni & Mewtwo are top contenders due to their high Sp. Atk/Atk values and excellent movesets. For those who do have Cynthia & Garchomp, the Sync Pair is a go-to choice due to it’s access to Earthquake, which has the benefit of being both supereffective and being AOE.
- Supports: Hilbert & Oshawatt, Player & Torchic, Rosa & Delibird/Serperior are all excellent support pairs to bring to the fight as they all either possess amazing Atk/Sp.Atk buffs, Move Gauge Refills, or both. Any of these will help buff up strikers and guarantee victory.
Olivia Method (Group)
Host/Guest Teams
Olivia & Lycanroc
Left / Middle / Right
Host: Any / Olivia & Lycanroc / Any
Guest A: Any / Olivia & Lycanroc / Any
Guest B: Any / Olivia & Lycanroc / Any
- Olivia & Lycanroc: Excels at dealing consistent hard hits. If fully leveled, is fully capable of completing the challenge with very little trouble.
- Any: Can be any of the previously mentioned Key Sync Pairs. These are to be used as backups just in case things don't go according to plan. It is very likely that you won't be using these pairs.
Battle Strategy
A table version of the strategy can be found below for your convenience.
| # | Player 1 (Guest A) | Player 2 (Host) | Player 3 (Guest B) |
| 1 |  Hard as Diamonds! | Hard as Diamonds! | Hard as Diamonds! |
| 2 | X Attack | X Attack | X Attack |
| 3 | Target Middle Stone Edge | Target Middle Stone Edge | Target Middle Stone Edge |
| 4 | Target Middle X Attack | Target Middle Stone Edge | Target Middle Stone Edge |
| 5 | Stone Edge | Target Middle Stone Edge | Target Middle Stone Edge |
| 6 | Unity Attack! | ||
| 7 | Rock Throw | ||
| 8 | Target Stone Edge Finish Them Off! | Target Stone Edge Finish Them Off! | Target Stone Edge Finish Them Off! |
Video Link
- The following video demonstrates the Olivia Strategy.
- Credits: Faction on Youtube
Cynthia Method (Group) **Fastest Method**
Host Team
Acerola & Palossand
Cynthia & Garchomp
Guest Teams
Left / Middle / Right
Host: Acerola & Palossand / Cynthia & Garchomp / Any
Guest A: Any / Cynthia & Garchomp / Any
Guest B: Any / Cynthia & Garchomp / Any
- Cynthia & Garchomp: This undoubtedly the strongest Sync Pair available for this mission. Boasting not only extremely high stat values, but also the powerful AOE ability, Earthquake (100 Base Power), Cynthia & Garchomp are the perfect pair for dealing devastating blows.
- Acerola & Palossand: Use Sandstorm to strengthen Cynthia & Garchomp.
- Any: Can be any of the previously mentioned Key Sync Pairs. These are to be used as backups just in case things don't go according to plan. It is very likely that you won't be using these pairs.
Battle Strategy
A table version of the strategy can be found below for your convenience.
| # | Player 1 (Guest A) | Player 2 (Host) | Player 3 (Guest B) |
| 1 |  X Attack |  Sandstorm | X Attack |
| 2 | This Match Is Too Fun! | This Match Is Too Fun! | This Match Is Too Fun! |
| 3 | Target Earthquake | X Attack | Target Earthquake |
| 4 | Target Earthquake Keep using Earthquake! | Target Earthquake Keep using Earthquake! | Target Earthquake Keep using Earthquake! |
Video Link
- The following video demonstrates the Cynthia (Group) Strategy.
- Credits: Faction on Youtube
A video from AlterEgo131 is also available below, which was first to demonstrate this strategy, with an improved time.
Cynthia Method (Solo)
Host Team
Giovanni & Mewtwo
Kris & Feraligatr
NPC Team A
Lyra & Meganium
Hapu & Mudsdale
Iris & Haxorus
NPC Team B
Liza & Lunatone
Left / Middle / Right
Host: Any Powerful Striker / Cynthia & Garchomp / Any Powerful Striker
Guest A: Lyra & Meganium / Hapu & Mudsdale / Iris & Haxorus
Guest B: Acerola & Palossand / Cynthia & Garchomp / Liza & Lunatone
- Cynthia & Garchomp: Because you are paired with NPCs and the threat of Electrode, you want to deal not only supereffective damage, but have AoE as well. Garchomp is a must for this strategy or any variation in order to ensure victory.
Battle Strategy
- Use the “Attack Together” emote at the start of the battle to have your NPC teammates buff up with you.
- Use Cynthia & Garchomp’s self-buff, “This Match Is Too Fun!”, and use a combination of Earthquake/ X Attack to complete the challenge.
Video Link
- The following video demonstrates the Cynthia Solo Strategy.
- Credits: Faction on Youtube
Credits and Acknowledgments
Credits to both Spark#7538 and Azure | 胡蝶しのぶ#2779 for not only their extensive analyses on Ex Challenge: Hau Very Hard, but also providing several video guides/walkthroughs.
Sources:
Links - More Battle Guides
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