How to Do a Pokémon GO Raid (Beginner’s Tips)

Raid Battles are one of the biggest mechanics in Pokemon Go. This guide will provide beginner’s tips on how to participate in Raid Battles. When Pokemon Go initially released back in 2016, the Raid Battle mechanic was only teased in the promotional material. It would take several months for it to finally release. In Raid Battles, players are able to participate with other players to fight against a more powerful version of a Pokemon. Unlike normal Pokemon battles or wild Pokemon encounters, players will need to defeat the Pokemon in order to have a chance to catch the Pokemon. Raid battles also come in a variety of forms. The more stars the Raid Battle has, the more challenging the battle will become. In certain situations, 5-star Raid Battles are the only way to obtain legendary Pokemon. Here are some beginner tips to help players get started.

For starters, players are given 1 free Raid Pass every day by swiping at a PokeStop. This allows players to participate in a single raid battle a day. Alternatively, players can purchase more Raid Passes at the PokeShop. Also, Raid Battles are only available during the daytime. While the exact time isn’t the same every night, Raid Battles stop appearing in the game after certain dusk hours. This is to prevent players from being outside during nighttime, potentially putting themselves in danger. Due to the situation surrounding COVID-19, the developers behind Pokemon Go created the Remote Raid Pass. This item allows players to enter Raid Battles without needing to be physically near the location. Players will need to wait for the egg to hatch in order to participate. Here are some helpful tips to get players started with Raid Battles.

Beginner Tips For Raid Battles in Pokemon Go

Here are some beginner tips to help players begin their adventure in Raid Battles.

• Always Play With Other Players: Regardless of the number of stars, try and play with other players whenever you can. The best thing to do if no one joins the raid is to leave and join again in a new room. Eventually, another player with join. Playing with other players is not only easier but rewards the player with extra Premier Balls based on speed.
• Use The Recommended Team: Unless you have a specific team you want to use, always stick with the recommended team. It can be challenging to remember every single typing match-up in the game. The recommended team account for the opponent’s weaknesses and Weather Boosted Moves.
• If You Lose, Join Back Quickly: If you lose all 6 of your Pokemon in a single raid, you can join back before the raid battle is over. The player does not have to leave until the battle is over or the timer runs out.
• Shiny Hunting: In Legendary Raids, some Pokemon might have a chance to be Shiny. There is a 1 and 20 chance of finding a Shiny Legendary Pokemon after defeating the raid. These odds increase from 1 and 10 chance during 3-hour Limited Research events. Shiny Pokemon are pretty neat to have for your collection.
• Catching The Pokemon: This one applies more to players hunting for Legendary Pokemon. Since their catch rate is so low, it’s very likely that the Pokemon will run away. To avoid this, make sure to use a regular or Golden Razz Berry with every throw. Not only that but wait until it finishes its attack animation. This will leave it open to be captured. Try not to waste too many Premier Balls.
• Try Out 1-Star Raids: Regardless of level, most players should be able to complete a 1-star raid on their own. This gives players a chance to try out the mechanic to see how it all works.
• Dodge When Needed: If you’re a bit under-leveled when compared to the other players, try dodging to avoid fainting too early. This makes it much easier for other players to carry you throughout the process. Although, you might get fewer Premier Balls at the end for the amount of damage you did.
• Play With Friends: The game allows players to invite their friends into the game but they will need a Remote Raid Pass of their own. Players who are friends in the game will give the player additional Premier Balls at the end of the battle.
• Fast Moves Are Better Than Charged: While Charged Moves do more damage, a faster-attacking move is better for damage in the long term. Check out how fast each of your Pokemon’s moves come out.
• Pay Attention To The News: The game will inform players of which Pokemon will appear in raid battles in the future. This is a great way to keep track of which Legendary Pokemon you are missing. Pokemon from older and newer generations are constantly cycled in the game to keep things interesting. At the time of this article, the legendary genie Pokemon from Pokemon Black and White are currently occupying the 5-star raids. This will likely change within the next few weeks for something different.
• Player Count: For more 5-star raids, it is recommended to participate in them with at least a group of 5 other players. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to beat it then. Anything less will be a struggle. As mentioned, wait around until more players join.
• A Full Room: On certain occasions, the Raid Battle room will be full of 20 trainers. At this point, the Raid Battle Pokemon has no chance of victory. Also, one of these trainers will get a Shiny Pokemon (if the Shiny is in the game). If you’re lucky, it might be you.

Raid Battles are amongst the most enjoyable parts of Pokemon Go. It allows players to work together towards a common goal. Considering this is one of the few ways to find Legendary Pokemon, players will need to participate in them to not only complete their Pokedex but to also get some of the best Pokemon in the game. Those 5-star raids can be tricky but get together with a good group of trainers and catch them all.

Pokemon Go is available now on iOS and Android.

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Sky Flores
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Sky Flores is a writer and game player based out of New York City. His hobbies consist of creating content on YouTube and streaming video games on Twitch. His online alias is @SkywardWing.

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