Raids in Pokémon GO are one of the most exciting features, offering players the chance to team up and take down powerful Raid bosses. This guide will help you master Raids with effective strategies, optimal Pokémon choices, and tips to maximize your damage output. Let’s dive into the world of Raids and ensure you’re prepared for any challenge.
Understanding Pokémon GO Raid Battles
What Are Raid Battles?
Raid battles in Pokémon GO are special events where trainers collaborate to defeat a powerful Pokémon, known as a Raid boss. These battles occur at gyms and vary in difficulty from one to five stars. Legendary Raids, which feature Legendary Pokémon, are the toughest and often require many trainers to defeat.
How to Join a Raid Battle
To participate in a Raid, you need a Raid Pass, which you can get by spinning the Photo Disc at a gym. There are also Remote Raid Passes that allow you to join Raids from anywhere. Once you have your pass, you can join the battle lobby and team up with other trainers.
Best Pokémon for Raids
Key Factors in Choosing Pokémon
Choosing the best Pokémon for Raids involves considering type advantages, move sets, and overall stats. Pokémon with high CP (Combat Power) and strong attack stats are essential, but it’s crucial to match your Pokémon’s type to the Raid boss’s weaknesses.
Top Pokémon Choices
- Mewtwo: Known for its high CP and powerful moves like Psystrike and Shadow Ball, Mewtwo is versatile for many Raids.
- Rayquaza: With strong Dragon and Flying-type moves, Rayquaza excels against Dragon, Fighting, and Bug-type bosses.
- Kyogre: This Water-type Pokémon is excellent against Fire, Ground, and Rock-type bosses, with moves like Surf and Hydro Pump.
- Machamp: Ideal for taking down Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice, and Dark-type bosses, thanks to its powerful Fighting-type moves.
Tips for Maximizing Damage
Understanding Move Sets
Knowing the best move sets for your Pokémon can significantly impact your performance in Raids. Focus on using STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves, where the Pokémon’s type matches the move type, for increased damage.
Dodging Attacks
Dodging is a crucial skill in Raid battles. By swiping left or right on your screen, you can avoid powerful attacks from the Raid boss, preserving your Pokémon’s health and allowing you to deal more damage over time.
Using Boosts and Bonuses
Take advantage of in-game boosts like weather bonuses, which increase the effectiveness of certain types of moves based on the current weather. Additionally, friendship bonuses provide increased damage when Raiding with friends at higher friendship levels.
Team Strategies for Different Raid Levels
Solo and Small Group Raids
For one and two-star Raids, you can often solo or handle them with a small group of friends. Focus on using your strongest Pokémon with type advantages to ensure a quick victory.
Medium Group Raids
Three-star Raids usually require a team of 3-5 trainers. Coordination is key here, so discuss with your team members to ensure a diverse range of Pokémon that cover different types of advantages.
Large Group Raids
Four and five-star Raids, especially Legendary Raids, typically need 5-20 trainers. These battles require careful planning and coordination. Use local groups or online communities to organize Raid parties. Ensure that everyone is using Pokémon that exploit the Raid boss’s weaknesses and coordinate the use of charge moves to maximize damage output.
Mega Raids
Mega Raids are a special category where players battle Mega-Evolved Pokémon. These require a large, well-coordinated group due to the boss’s increased power and health. Prioritize using Mega-Evolved Pokémon yourself to provide a stat boost to all Pokémon of the same type in the battle.
Mastering Raid battles in Pokémon GO involves understanding the mechanics, selecting the right Pokémon, and employing strategic teamwork. By following these tips and continuously improving your tactics, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Raid expert. The key to success is preparation, coordination, and always striving to learn and adapt your strategies.
If you want to get the exact locations of Pokemon in your area, you should check out our real-time interactive Pokemon map.
If you want to get the exact locations of Pokemon in your area, you should check out our real-time interactive Pokemon map.