Pokémon Go: Raid Battles, Raid Bosses & Raid Pass

Pokémon GO offers Raids Battles to the players. Raid Battles requires Raid Pass as the requirement to enter the battle. Raid Bosses in the Raid Battles are strong enough to be defeated alone, so players need to team up with other players to defeat them. Defeating Raid Bosses will give players chance to catch them, also give some unique rewards.

Dive into the Thrilling World of Pokémon GO Raids!

Hey fellow trainers! Ever felt the rush of teaming up with a bunch of other players to take down a ridiculously powerful Pokémon? If you haven’t, then you’re missing out on one of the most exciting features in Pokémon GO: Raids!

Raids are basically cooperative battles where you and a group of other players get to battle a super-strong Pokémon called a Raid Boss. These aren’t your average, everyday wild Pokémon; these are tough customers with massive CP and some serious moves. Taking them down requires teamwork, strategy, and a whole lot of tapping on your phone screen.

But why are raids so popular? Well, for starters, they’re a fantastic way to earn valuable rewards. We’re talking Rare Candies, TMs, and even the chance to catch a super rare Pokémon! Raids also keep things fresh, giving you something to do besides just wandering around catching Pidgeys (not that there’s anything wrong with Pidgeys). Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finally defeating a tough Raid Boss with your friends or fellow trainers.

All of this amazing gameplay is brought to you by Niantic, the geniuses behind Pokémon GO. They’re the ones who came up with the raid system, and they’re constantly updating and improving it to keep things interesting. So, thank you, Niantic, for giving us a reason to leave the house and battle virtual monsters!

Raid Basics: Gyms, Eggs, and Passes – Your Ticket to Epic Battles!

Alright, Trainer, let’s break down the ABCs of Pokémon GO Raids: Gyms, Eggs, and Passes. Think of this as your “Raids 101” – no pop quizzes, promise!

Gyms: The Battle Arenas

Gyms are more than just places to show off your team’s colors. They’re the staging grounds for Raids! Keep an eye on them. Instead of seeing the usual Pokémon defending a Gym, you might spot something else… something bigger and badder.

Raid Eggs: Hatching Hype

That’s where Raid Eggs come in. Before a Raid Boss bursts onto the scene, a giant egg will appear on top of a Gym. These aren’t your ordinary Pokémon Eggs; these are Raid Eggs, and they come with a countdown timer. The timer indicates how long until the Raid Boss hatches and the battle begins. Different colors on the eggs represent the difficulty of the raid! So, a pink egg is an easier raid with a one-star raid boss and a Legendary Pokémon could hatch out of a black and red egg! It’s your cue to gather your squad (or prepare solo) and get ready for action!

Raid Passes: Your Entry Fee to Greatness

Now, to actually participate in a Raid, you’ll need a Raid Pass. Think of it as your ticket to the show. There are a few types available:

• Standard Raid Pass: This is your everyday, garden-variety Raid Pass. You get one free per day by spinning the Photo Disc at a Gym. Use it wisely – you can only hold one at a time! So go out and use it before claiming another one the next day!

• Premium Battle Pass: Need to Raid more than once a day? That’s where the Premium Battle Pass comes in. You can buy these in the in-game shop. Not only do they let you join Raids, but you can also use them for other things like unlocking premium rewards in GO Battle League!

• Remote Raid Pass: Ah, the modern marvel of Pokémon GO! Can’t physically get to a Gym? No problem! The Remote Raid Pass lets you join Raids from the comfort of your couch (or wherever you happen to be). There are limitations: You can only hold a certain number of Remote Raid Passes at once, and Niantic sometimes adjusts the damage dealt by remote raiders to encourage in-person play. Still, it’s a fantastic option for those days when you can’t leave the house!

Entering the Arena: What to Expect When You Join a Raid

So, you’ve spotted a Raid Egg hatching and gathered your bravest Pokémon – awesome! But what happens next? Let’s break down the thrilling experience of a Raid battle, from the pre-fight jitters in the Lobby to unleashing those devastating Charge Moves.

The Calm Before the Storm: The Raid Lobby

Once you’ve spent your Raid Pass (no turning back now!), you’re transported to the Lobby. This is your staging area – a place to catch your breath, make last-minute Pokémon swaps, and maybe do a little victory dance. Here’s what to look out for:

• Trainer Count: Keep an eye on how many trainers are joining the Raid. The more, the merrier (and the easier the Raid Boss will fall!). If you are low on player count, you might want to consider backing out and trying again later, or inviting more friends to join.

• The Clock: A timer ticks down, giving you a chance to strategize and prepare. Don’t let it stress you out; use this time wisely!

• Team Selection: Double-check your team lineup. Are your Pokémon strong against the Raid Boss’s type? Did you accidentally bring a Magikarp (we’ve all been there)? Make those final adjustments!

Unleashing Fury: Mastering the Battle Mechanics

The timer hits zero, and BAM! The Raid Boss bursts onto the scene, ready to rumble. Now it’s time to put your Pokémon battling skills to the test.

• Fast Moves and Charge Moves: These are your bread and butter. Tap frantically to unleash Fast Moves and build up energy for powerful Charge Moves. Remember to hold down to use your shield!
• Type Effectiveness: This is where your Pokémon knowledge pays off. Fire beats Grass, Water beats Fire, Grass beats Water – you know the drill. Exploit those weaknesses to deal maximum damage. A Super Effective move can turn the tide of the battle!
• Damage Calculation: Pokémon GO uses a complex formula, but the basics are simple: Pokémon stats (Attack, Defense, HP), move power, and type effectiveness all play a role. The higher your Pokémon’s stats and the more effective your moves, the more damage you’ll inflict.
• Dodging: Swiping left or right lets you dodge incoming attacks. Dodging at the right time will help prevent your Pokémon from being knocked out too quickly, allowing you to dish out more damage overall.

Power Up: Mega Evolution and Weather Boosts

• Mega Evolution to the Rescue: Got a Mega-Evolved Pokémon? Bringing it to a Raid battle provides a significant boost to your team’s attack power. Plus, Mega Pokémon grant an additional damage boost to Pokémon with the same type as your Mega. Think of it as a super-powered cheerleader!

• Weather’s Whims: Keep an eye on the weather! Certain weather conditions boost the power of specific Pokémon types. Rainy weather powers up Water, Electric, and Bug-type moves, while sunny weather buffs Fire, Grass, and Ground-type moves. Use this to your advantage when selecting your team!

Choosing Your Champions: Picking the Right Pokémon

So, you’re ready to rumble with a Raid Boss, huh? Awesome! But hold your horses (or Rapidash!)—throwing any old Pokémon into the ring won’t cut it. Think of your Pokémon team as your superhero squad; you need the right heroes for the job. That means considering type matchups first and foremost. Is the Raid Boss a Water-type? Time to bring out those Electric and Grass-types! A Fire-type boss? Rock, Ground, and Water-types are your new best friends.

Digging Deeper: Stats and Movesets

But it’s not just about type! You gotta peek at those stats, too. Attack, Defense, and HP all play a crucial role. A Pokémon with a sky-high Attack stat will dish out major damage, while a sturdy Defense stat will help it withstand the Raid Boss’s onslaught. And don’t forget those all-important movesets! A Pokémon might be the right type, but if its moves are weak or ineffective, it’s not going to be a star player. Look for moves that match your Pokémon’s type for that sweet Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB).

Pro Tips: Recommended Pokémon

Want some recommendations? Here’s a few general examples, but remember to keep an eye on specific Raid Bosses and their weaknesses!

• For Electric-types: Raichu or Electivire
• For Grass-types: Venusaur or Leafeon
• For Water-types: Gyarados or Feraligatr

The Big Boss: Understanding Your Opponent

Okay, you’ve got your team ready. Now, let’s talk about the Raid Boss. These aren’t your average Pidgeys, folks. We’re talking Pokémon with massive CP (Combat Power) and moves that can knock out even your strongest Pokémon in a flash. That’s why Raids are a cooperative effort, requiring multiple Trainers to team up and take down these behemoths.

The Raid Boss is the ultimate challenge. They hit hard, they’re durable, and they require strategy and coordination to defeat. Knowing your enemy is half the battle. Research the Raid Boss’s type, movesets, and weaknesses beforehand. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to choose your Pokémon and execute your battle plan.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Your Team’s Role

Ah, yes, Team Instinct, Team Mystic, and Team Valor. We all have our allegiance, right? So, do teams really matter in Raids? Well, indirectly.

Gym Control

First off, Gym control is tied to team allegiance. If your team controls the Gym where the Raid is happening, you get a slight advantage by getting extra Premier Balls.

Raid Dynamics

Okay, here’s the thing: Teams don’t offer unique advantages during the Raid battle itself. Everyone is equal, regardless of their team affiliation.

Your team pride can definitely influence where you choose to Raid (prioritizing Gyms controlled by your team), but once the battle starts, it’s all about your Pokémon’s strength and your skills as a Trainer.

Victory and Rewards: It’s Loot Time, Baby!

So, you and your crew just pulverized that Raid Boss into pixel dust – awesome! But the fun doesn’t stop there. Now it’s time to reap the rewards of your hard-earned victory. You’re not just fighting for bragging rights (though those are pretty sweet too), you’re fighting for some seriously valuable loot. Think of it like a digital treasure chest overflowing with goodies! After all that hard work, you get a bunch of amazing prizes like, Rare Candies that can power up almost any Pokémon, TMs to teach your Pokémon new moves, and those delicious Golden Razz Berries which are crucial for catching tough Pokémon. The rewards are distributed based on a few factors, including your team’s contribution to the battle, individual damage dealt, and team control of the Gym, so always give it your all!

Premier Balls: Your Ticket to Capture

Now for the real nail-biter: catching the Raid Boss! Forget your usual Poké Balls, because you’ll be using something special: Premier Balls. The number of Premier Balls you receive depends on things like your damage contribution, gym control, and whether your team did the most damage. So, do your best to damage that raid boss to get more Premier Balls and a greater chance to catch the monster after the fight.

The Catch Rate Conundrum: Git Gud!

Alright, let’s be real: catching a Raid Boss isn’t always a walk in the park. They’re tough cookies! That catch rate can feel ridiculously low sometimes. But don’t despair! You’ve got some tricks up your sleeve. First, Berries are your best friend. Specifically, the Golden Razz Berry significantly increases your chances of catching the Boss. Slather that Berry on and get ready to throw! Next is the throw technique, the perfect throw with curveball will definitely give you a great chance.

Here are some quick tips to increase your chances:

• Curveball: Spin the ball before you throw, it increases catch rate.
• Aim Small, Miss Small: The smaller the circle when you throw, the better your chance of a hit.
• Patience is Key: Wait for the Pokemon to stop moving and be centered before you throw.

Shiny Surprise!: Taste the Rainbow

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any more exciting, there’s a chance – a glorious, shimmering chance – that the Raid Boss could be a Shiny Pokémon! Seeing those sparkles appear is like hitting the jackpot. Shiny Raid Bosses have the same catch rate as their regular counterparts, so don’t get complacent. Keep those Golden Razz Berries handy and aim for those excellent throws! And if you manage to snag one…well, congratulations, Trainer. You’ve earned some serious bragging rights!

Special Raid Events: The Exclusive EX Raids

• Ex Raids? What are they? Well, imagine the coolest and rarest Pokémon only showing up to a party that you need an invitation for. That’s pretty much what EX Raids are. They’re special raid events that aren’t open to just anyone walking by. They’re invitation-only, making them instantly feel way more exclusive than your average raid. Think of it as the VIP section of the Pokémon GO world!

• Why are they so special? Usually, EX Raids feature Pokémon that are either incredibly powerful or just plain rare – sometimes even both! These aren’t your run-of-the-mill Pidgeys; we’re talking about Pokémon that can seriously amp up your team. Landing one of these is a huge win.

EX Raid Invitations: How to Snag One!

• Alright, so how do you get your golden ticket to this exclusive event? The secret sauce is all about being active in Raids. Niantic rewards players who regularly battle at Gyms, especially those designated as “EX Raid Gyms”. These Gyms are typically located in parks or sponsored locations, and battling there is the key.

• Participating in Raids at qualifying Gyms is the main thing you gotta do. The more you raid at these Gyms, the higher your chances of getting an invite. Just remember, it’s not a guaranteed thing, but consistent participation definitely increases your odds.

• Keep an eye on your Pokémon GO app! If you’re lucky, you’ll receive an EX Raid invitation that shows you the Gym location and the date and time of the EX Raid. Don’t miss it! This is your chance to catch a seriously cool Pokémon and brag to all your friends about it.

Staying in the Know: Updates and the Pokémon GO App

Niantic, bless their digital hearts, loves to keep us on our toes! _Pokémon GO_ is a constantly evolving world, and that means updates, updates, updates! Staying informed isn’t just a good idea; it’s practically a survival skill if you want to be a top-tier Raid battler. These updates can be game-changers, tweaking everything from the Raid Boss lineup to the mechanics of the battles themselves, and even the sweet, sweet rewards we grind for. You snooze, you lose a chance at that hundo or shiny! Keep an eye on the official Pokémon GO channels – the in-game news, Niantic’s social media, trusted Pokémon GO news sites, and even your fellow Trainers can be great sources of information.

Now, let’s talk tech! The Pokémon GO app itself is your ultimate Raid-finding tool. Forget carrier pigeons; this is the 21st century!

Using the Nearby Radar

First up is the Nearby radar. It’s that little box in the bottom right corner of your screen that shows you what Pokémon are lurking around. But did you know it also displays nearby Raids? Just tap on it, and switch over to the “Raids” tab. Boom! Instant Raid intel. You’ll see the Gyms currently hosting Raids and the Raid Bosses that await. This feature is perfect for planning your route and finding local battles.

Joining Remote Raids

And then there’s the Remote Raid Pass. It’s like a VIP ticket to Raid battles, no matter where you are (within reason, you still need an internet connection!). The Nearby Radar also shows Remote Raids, or you can be invited by a friend. Keep in mind that Remote Raid Passes do have limits (such as damage output), so make sure to double check before joining that epic battle.

So, there you have it! Raids in Pokémon GO can seem a little daunting at first, but once you get the hang of spotting those eggs and teaming up with fellow trainers, you’ll be taking down powerful Pokémon in no time. Happy raiding, and may your Premier Balls be ever in your favor!