In Pokémon GO, 5-star raids represent some of the most challenging and rewarding content available for players. These high-level raid battles feature legendary Pokémon with immense strength, making them highly sought after by players striving to complete their Pokédex and assemble powerful battle teams. Successfully joining and completing a 5-star raid requires preparation, knowledge, and a bit of coordination. This article provides a detailed guide on how to effectively join and participate in 5-star raids, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience.
What Are 5-Star Raids?
5-star raids are raid battles that feature some of the rarest and most powerful Pokémon in the game, often rotating every few weeks. These raids appear at selected gyms and are indicated by a large egg with five stars on it. Unlike lower-tier raids, 5-star bosses usually require groups of trainers to take down, as their power levels are significantly higher. Successful completion of these raids gives players the chance to catch the featured legendary or mythical Pokémon.
Steps to Join a 5-Star Raid
1. Locate an Active 5-Star Raid
To participate in a 5-star raid, you first need to find one. Open your game and tap on the nearby radar to see which raid battles are currently happening or about to happen. You can use the “Raid” tab to view ongoing and upcoming raids in nearby gyms. Make sure to look for the raids labeled with five stars, indicating their difficulty and rewards rank.
2. Make Sure You Have a Raid Pass
To join any raid, you need a raid pass. Here are the types you can use:
- Free Raid Pass: You get one per day for visiting a gym and spinning the photo disc.
- Premium Battle Pass: These are available in the in-game shop and allow additional raid entries.
- Remote Raid Pass: This allows players to join a raid from almost anywhere, provided they have a valid invite or can see the gym on the map.
Ensure you have at least one appropriate pass before heading to the raid location.
3. Coordinate with Other Trainers
One of the biggest hurdles of 5-star raids is their difficulty, which often makes soloing them impossible. It’s strongly recommended to team up with other trainers either locally or online. Here’s how:
- Join local Discord or Facebook groups: Many local communities coordinate raid times through these platforms.
- Use raid coordination apps: Platforms like PokéRaid and GO Raid Party help players join remote raids around the globe.
- Invite Friends: If you are in a raid lobby, you can invite up to five friends to join your raid remotely using the in-game friend system.
4. Select Your Battle Team
Before the raid begins, you’ll have the chance to select your team. Make sure to choose Pokémon that have type advantages over the raid boss. For example, if the boss is a Fire-type Pokémon, bring Water, Rock or Ground-type attackers. Consider the following battle tips:
- Use Pokémon with high CP and effective movesets
- Revive and heal your team before entering the raid
- Power up key counters beforehand
Proper preparation can mean the difference between a successful raid and a wasted Raid Pass.
5. Enter the Raid Lobby and Battle
Once you’re ready and have found your group, enter the raid lobby. You’ll see a countdown timer before the raid begins. During this time, make last-minute adjustments to your team and send out friend invites. When the raid starts, work with your team to defeat the boss with efficient attacks and timed dodges.
If successful, you’ll receive items such as Rare Candy, Golden Razz Berries, and TMs. Most importantly, you’ll earn the opportunity to catch the legendary raid boss.
Post-Raid: Catching the Legendary
After defeating the raid boss, you’ll be given Premier Balls based on performance metrics like damage dealt, team contribution, and gym control. Use Golden Razz Berries and curveball throws to improve your chances of catching the Pokémon. Be patient, as legendary Pokémon often have low catch rates and can be elusive.
Conclusion
Joining 5-star raids in Pokémon GO is an essential aspect of progressing in the game and capturing rare Pokémon. By being properly informed, preparing thoroughly, and coordinating with fellow trainers, you can greatly increase your chances of not only defeating the raid boss but also capturing it. As raid lineups change regularly, staying updated with official announcements and community discussions is critical. Whether you’re aiming for a Shiny legendary or just expanding your roster, 5-star raids offer rich rewards and exciting challenges for dedicated players.