Pokémon Go Raids Explained: How to Win Every Time

Since its release in 2016, Pokémon Go Raids has revolutionized mobile gaming by combining augmented reality with real-world exploration. Among its most exciting features are Raids — cooperative battles against powerful Pokémon that take place at Gyms. Raids are not just about fighting; they bring communities together, allow players to catch rare Pokémon, and offer exciting rewards.

But many players, especially beginners, often struggle with raids. Why do some players win effortlessly while others consistently fail? The answer lies in understanding the mechanics, preparing the right counters, and coordinating effectively. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about raids in Pokémon Go and how to maximize your chances of winning every single time.

What Are Pokémon Go Raids?

Raids are special timed events where powerful Pokémon, known as Raid Bosses, take over Gyms. Players can battle these bosses in groups to try and defeat them within the time limit. After victory, you earn the chance to catch the Raid Boss using Premier Balls.

Types of Raids

There are several levels of raids, each with increasing difficulty:

1. One-Star Raids

   • Easy solo raids for beginners.

   • Usually feature weaker Pokémon like Magikarp, Shinx, or Roggenrola.

2. Three-Star Raids

   • Moderate difficulty.

   • Pokémon like Machamp, Alolan Raichu, or Tyranitar may appear.

   • Some can be soloed with strong counters.

3. Five-Star Raids (Legendary Raids)

   • The main attraction.

   • Features Legendary Pokémon like Mewtwo, Rayquaza, or Kyogre.

   • Require multiple players working together.

4. Mega Raids

   • Introduced with Mega Evolutions.

   • Defeating a Mega Raid Boss gives you Mega Energy, used to Mega Evolve your own Pokémon.

5. Elite Raids

   • Special, limited-time raids for ultra-rare Pokémon (like Hoopa Unbound or Regidrago).

   • Cannot be remote-raided; require in-person attendance.

Preparing for a Raid

Winning starts long before you even step into the battle. Preparation is key.

1. Research the Boss

Each raid boss has specific types, weaknesses, and strengths. For example:

• A Dragonite raid boss is weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy moves.

• A Kyogre raid boss is weak to Electric and Grass moves.

Knowing the weaknesses allows you to build the right team.

2. Build the Right Team

• Use Pokémon with type advantage.

• Choose Pokémon with high CP and IVs.

• Ensure your Pokémon are at a decent level (at least Level 30).

• Favor Pokémon with double weakness advantages (e.g., Garchomp is doubly weak to Ice, making Ice-types perfect).

3. Power Up Counters

Having the right Pokémon isn’t enough. Power them up with Stardust and Candy so they can survive longer and deal more damage.

4. Use TMs

A Pokémon with the wrong move set can be useless. Use Fast TMs and Charged TMs to ensure your counters have the best moves available.

Read More: Best Locations Around the World for Pokémon Go Players

How to Join a Raid

There are two ways to participate:

1. In-Person Raids

• Visit a Gym where the raid is happening.

• Use a Raid Pass (free once per day from spinning Gym discs).

2. Remote Raids

• Use a Remote Raid Pass to join raids from anywhere.

• Can be invited by friends around the world.

• Limited number of remote players per raid.

Understanding Raid Battle Mechanics

Time Limit

• Most raids give you 180 seconds (3 minutes) to defeat the boss.

• Coordinating with more players helps bring the boss down faster.

Damage and Rewards

• The more damage you deal, the more Premier Balls you’ll receive for catching the boss.

• Team color bonuses (Mystic, Valor, Instinct) also increase Premier Balls if your team has more players in the raid.

Rejoining

• If all your Pokémon faint, you can rejoin with another team.

• Time keeps running, so revive quickly to maximize DPS.

Strategies to Win Every Raid

1. Always Exploit Weaknesses

For example:

• Fighting Rayquaza? Use Ice-types like Mamoswine or Glaceon.

• Fighting Kyogre? Use Electric-types like Zekrom or Raikou.

• Fighting Dialga? Use Fighting- and Ground-types like Lucario or Groudon.

2. Use Mega Evolutions

Mega Pokémon boost the attack power of all players’ Pokémon of the same type in the raid. For example:

• Mega Ampharos boosts Electric-types.

• Mega Glalie boosts Ice-types.

3. Dodge Smartly

Tapping “Dodge” at the right moment helps your Pokémon survive longer, especially against heavy-hitting Charged Attacks.

4. Raid in Groups

• Some three-star raids can be soloed, but five-star raids usually require 5–7 trainers depending on levels.

• Legendary bosses are designed for teamwork.

5. Coordinate with Friends

• Use Discord, WhatsApp, or dedicated raid-coordination apps.

• More friends in raids = more damage + more Premier Balls.

6. Raid During Weather Boosts

Pokémon moves gain a 20% power boost during favorable weather.

• Example: Fighting Kyogre on a sunny day? Grass-types like Venusaur and Zarude will be stronger.

How to Catch Raid Bosses

Defeating the boss is only half the battle. Now comes the challenge: catching it.

Premier Balls

• You only get a limited number of throws.

• Factors that determine your count:

  • Damage contribution.

  • Gym control.

  • Team participation.

  • Friends invited.

Golden Razz Berries

Always use Golden Razz Berries to maximize your catch chance.

Curveball Throws

Throwing curveballs increases your catch rate significantly.

Aim for the Circle

• Try for Excellent Throws (smallest circle).

• If too hard, aim for Great Throws consistently.

Patience Trick

• Wait for the Pokémon to attack before throwing.

• This prevents wasted balls from mid-animation.

Rewards from Raids

Winning raids provides more than just the Pokémon catch chance. You also get:

• Rare Candies

• Golden Razz Berries

• TMs (Fast and Charged)

• Stardust

• XP

• Mega Energy (in Mega Raids)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong counters – Don’t send Fire-types against a Kyogre.

2. Not powering up Pokémon – A weak counter won’t help.

3. Ignoring dodging – Sometimes a single dodge can save your team.

4. Raiding alone in high-level raids – Always check recommended trainer count.

5. Not coordinating with friends – Random lobbies can be risky.

Advanced Tips for Winning Every Time

• Build multiple teams of counters so you can rejoin instantly without wasting time.

• Max out top counters like Mewtwo, Rayquaza, Kyogre, Groudon, Garchomp, Machamp, and Darkrai.

• Keep track of upcoming raid bosses using community calendars.

• Save your Premium Raid Passes for Legendary or shiny-eligible raids.

• Use friendship bonuses – Raiding with Ultra Friends or Best Friends gives attack boosts.

Why Raids Are Worth It

Some players wonder if raids are worth the time and passes. The answer is yes:

• Exclusive access to Legendary Pokémon.

• Chance to obtain shiny versions.

• Rare items and resources.

• Opportunity to connect with other trainers in your community.

Conclusion

Pokémon Go Raids are one of the most thrilling features of Pokémon Go. They test your preparation, teamwork, and skill in both battling and catching. By understanding raid mechanics, choosing the right counters, powering up your Pokémon, and coordinating with other trainers, you can dramatically improve your chances of success.

Whether you’re aiming to catch every Legendary, collect shiny Pokémon, or just enjoy the thrill of community battles, raids offer endless excitement. With the strategies shared in this guide, you now have the tools to win every raid, every time.

So grab your phone, stock up on raid passes, and get ready—because the next Legendary raid is calling, and victory is in your hands.