While you can catch plenty of Pokémon in the wild and hatch plenty of Pokémon in eggs in Pokémon Go, raids are where you get some of the best and most powerful Pokémon in the game. While some of the raid bosses are common and weak, raids are also one of few ways to encounter Legendary Pokémon, Mega Pokémon, and certain rare species.
Which Pokémon, you ask? Well, the line-up changes pretty often. Each new event brings new and different raids, and Niantic frequently changes them up just for fun. Lucky for you, we've got the whole list right here, and be sure to chek out our best Pokémon Go accessories so you're fully equipped on your Pokémon Journey!
- Note: Any Pokémon with the potential to be Shiny is indicated by an asterisk.
Elite Raids in Pokémon Go
Introduced in October of 2022, Elite Raids now fill the role that EX Raids used to serve. These represent the most challenging raids to date and give players an opportunity to work with large groups to obtain Pokémon that have been extremely limited. Elite Raids occur on a specific date and during one of three specific time slots. They are announced by 24 hour raid eggs and cannot be battled remotely.
If you want to prepare for an Elite Raid, be sure to check out our complete guide:
Mega Raids in Pokémon Go
On August 27, 2020, Niantic introduced Mega Evolution and with it Mega Raids. Mega Raids are a class unto themselves, providing some of the most challenging battles yet. Mega Pokémon get a massive stat boost, and in some cases new typing as well. As of June 1, 2021, only one Pokémon will be appearing in Mega Raids at a time with limited exceptions.
If you need help with November's Mega Raids, we have the following guides:
After completing any of these Mega Raids, you will be rewarded with the chance to catch the normal version of that Pokémon, as well as a bunch of Mega Energy - the species specific currency used to Mega Evolve your own Pokémon. The amount of Mega Energy you win is based on how quickly you can complete the Mega Raid so you want to invite as many people as possible to these Raids. Additionally, Mega Raids can give you Shiny Pokémon, unlike encountering these evolved Pokémon normally.
Like other Raids, Mega Raids also rotate out. Currently, you cannot battle in the following Mega Raids right now:
- Mega Venusaur*
- Mega Charizard X*
- Mega Charizard Y*
- Mega Blastoise*
- Mega Beedrill*
- Mega Pidgeot*
- Mega Alakazam*
- Mega Slowbro*
- Mega Gengar*
- Mega Kangaskhan*
- Mega Gyarados*
- Mega Aerodactyl*
- Mega Ampharos*
- Mega Steelix*
- Mega Scizor*
- Mega Houndoom*
- Mega Aggron*
- Mega Manectric*
- Mega Altaria*
- Mega Banette*
- Mega Absol*
- Mega Latias*
- Mega Latios*
- Mega Lopunny*
- Mega Abomasnow*
We also have the following guides for yet to be released Mega Raids:
Five Star Raids in Pokémon Go
Five Star Raids are typically reserved for Legendary Pokémon and usually the most sought after of public raids. They're more difficult to beat than lower star ratings, but if you have enough players to do it, the rewards at this level are the best. In November, players can face Giratina (Origin), Guzzlord, and Nihilego.
- If you need help preparing for Giratina (Origin)*, check out our Giratina (Origin)* raid guide
- If you need help preparing for Guzzlord, check out our Guzzlord raid guide
- If you need help preparing for Nihilego, check out our Nihilego raid guide
Additionally, if you want to prep your counters in advanced, you can find all of our Legendary and Mythical Raid guides here:
- Articuno*
- Zapdos*
- Moltres*
- Mewtwo*
- Raikou*
- Entei*
- Suicune*
- Lugia*
- Ho-Oh*
- Latias* and Latios*
- Regirock*
- Regice*
- Registeel*
- Kyogre*
- Groudon*
- Rayquaza*
- Deoxys* (Normal)
- Deoxys* (Defense)
- Deoxys* (Attack)
- Deoxys* (Speed)
- Uxie*
- Mesprit*
- Azelf*
- Dialga*
- Palkia*
- Heatran*
- Regigigas*
- Origin Forme Giratina*
- Altered Forme Giratina*
- Cresselia*
- Darkrai*
- Cobalion*
- Terrakion*
- Virizion*
- Incarnate Forme Tornadus*
- Therian Forme Tornadus
- Incarnate Forme Thundurus*
- Therian Forme Thundurus
- Reshiram*
- Zekrom*
- Incarnate Forme Landorus*
- Therian Forme Landorus
- Reshiram
- Zekrom
- Kyurem
- Genesect*
- Xerneas*
- Yveltal*
- Tapu Koko
- Tapu Lele
- Tapu Bulu
- Tapu Fini
- Nihilego
- Pheromosa
- Buzzwole
- Xurkitree
- Celesteela
- Kartana
- Guzzlord
- Zacian (Hero of Many Battles forme)
- Zamazenta (Hero of Many Battles forme)
Three Star Raids in Pokémon Go
Three Star Raids are fairly easy to take down, and many high-level players can do them with just one or two buddies. Still, they're worth a decent chunk of XP and other rewards. The current line up of Three Star Raids include:
- Snorlax*
- Mawile*
- Swalot
- Sharpedo
One Star Raids in Pokémon Go
Just about any player able to raid can solo a One Star Raid. These are all super easy, and unless this is one of your very first raids, you'll spend more time waiting on the counter for the battle to start than you'll actually spend in the battle itself. However, if you need to complete a lot of raids fast, these are the ones you want to aim for. Plus, they provide the easiest way to get some of the rarer first stage Pokémon.
- Mankey*
- Swinub*
- Spoink*
- Tepig*
Raid Invitations and Remote Raids in Pokémon Go
As the global pandemic slowed Pokémon Go play and raids in particular during the early part of 2020, Niantic began to implement new features to make raids more accessible. Now Trainers can purchase Remote Raid Passes, which allow them to take part in raids that aren't within range for a normal Raid Pass. These Remote Raid Passes will let you join in any raid you can see on the screen. Additionally, Remote Raid Passes allow you to join into any raid a friend invites you to. Raid Invitations were added shortly after Remote Raid Passes, allowing Trainers to invite up to five of their friends to join in a raid from anywhere in the world.
EX Raids in Pokémon Go
An Exclusive or EX Raid is a special sort of raid you can only participate in by invitation. Invitations are given to players who battle at EX eligible Gyms during a time of high traffic with some small bit of luck on top. Otherwise, invitations can be shared between Ultra and Best Friends. If you have a high-level friend who gets one, they can invite you to the EX Raid as well. The last EX Raid Boss was Regigigas, the leader of the Regi Titans Trio; however, Niantic has currently suspended EX Raids in the interests of public health concerns.
No more Four and Two Star Raids in Pokémon Go
Prior to Mega Raids being released, Pokémon Go had two other raid types: Four Star Raids and Two Star Raids. Four Star Raids were combined with Three Star Raids, while Two Star Raids were combined with One Star Raids. The difficulty remained at Three and One Star levels, while increasing the rewards, making all of these battles more accessible.
Raid Questions?
Do you have any questions about which Pokémon are in raids right now? Is there a Pokémon you're hoping will come to the line up next? Drop us a comment below, and be sure to check our other Pokémon Go guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!
