How to Get a Raid Pass in Pokémon GO
Raid Passes are essential items in Pokémon GO, granting you access to exciting Raid Battles against powerful Pokémon. These battles offer the chance to catch rare and legendary Pokémon, as well as earn valuable rewards. Understanding the different types of Raid Passes and how to acquire them is key to maximizing your Pokémon GO experience.
Types of Raid Passes
There are currently two main types of Raid Passes in Pokémon GO:
Daily Free Raid Pass
This pass is provided free of charge once per day by spinning the Photo Disc at a Gym. You can only hold one Daily Free Raid Pass at a time, so make sure to use it before collecting another. It allows entry to any Raid Battle from level 1 to 5.
Premium Raid Pass & Premium Battle Pass
The Premium Raid Pass, sometimes called the Premium Battle Pass, can be purchased from the in-game shop using PokéCoins. You can hold multiple Premium Raid Passes at once. This pass grants access to any Raid Battle, including exclusive and higher-level raids, as well as some special research tasks. Since the Daily Free Pass can’t be used for Remote Raids, a Premium Raid Pass offers more flexibility.
Acquiring Raid Passes
1. Spinning Gym Photo Discs
As mentioned, spinning the Photo Disc at a Gym grants you one free Daily Raid Pass per day. This is the easiest and most consistent way to obtain a Raid Pass. Make sure to visit a Gym daily to claim your free pass, especially if you’re actively participating in raids.
2. Purchasing from the In-Game Shop
Premium Raid Passes can be bought individually or in boxes from the in-game shop. Boxes often offer discounted rates, making them a good value if you frequently participate in raids. Consider purchasing Premium Raid Passes if you want to raid more often than once per day or tackle high-level raids requiring more attempts.
3. Special Research Tasks & Events
Occasionally, special research tasks and timed research will reward players with Premium Raid Passes. Keep an eye out for these events and complete the tasks to earn free Premium Passes. These are often tied to specific Pokémon or events like Community Day, making them valuable opportunities to snag a rare catch.
4. Weekly Adventure Box
In the past, Pokémon GO featured the Weekly Adventure Box that occasionally offered a premium raid pass at a reduced cost alongside other useful items. While this has been discontinued, it’s worth keeping an eye on any changes to the in-game shop for similar special offers that might include premium raid passes.
Tips for Using Raid Passes Effectively
To make the most of your Raid Passes, consider these helpful tips:
Coordinate with Other Players
Raiding is often more successful and enjoyable with a group. Coordinate with other players through local communities or online groups to ensure you have enough trainers to defeat the Raid Boss.
Check Raid Levels & Pokémon
Before using a Raid Pass, check the Raid level and the Pokémon being featured. This will help you determine if you have a suitable team and enough players to successfully complete the raid. Consider researching the best movesets for your Pokemon to optimize your battle strategy.
Prioritize Premium Passes for Higher-Level Raids
Since you have a limited number of Premium Raid Passes, prioritize using them for higher-level raids that offer more rewarding encounters and potentially rarer Pokémon. Save your Daily Free Raid Pass for lower-level raids.
Be Mindful of Raid Timers
Raid Battles have a time limit. Ensure you arrive at the Gym before the raid timer expires to participate. Coordinate with other players to avoid missing out on the battle.
Check Gym Control
If you are part of a team that controls the Gym where the Raid is taking place, you may receive extra Premier Balls during the catch phase. This slightly increases your chances of catching the Raid Boss.
Troubleshooting Raid Pass Issues
Occasionally, you may encounter issues with Raid Passes. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Unable to Use a Raid Pass
If you are unable to use a Raid Pass, ensure that the raid is still active and that you are within range of the Gym. Restarting the app can sometimes resolve this issue.
Raid Pass Disappeared
If your Raid Pass disappears unexpectedly, contact Niantic support for assistance. They may be able to restore your lost pass.
Conclusion
Raid Passes are a crucial part of the Pokémon GO experience. By understanding how to obtain and use them effectively, you can maximize your chances of catching powerful and rare Pokémon. Remember to spin Gym Photo Discs daily, consider purchasing Premium Raid Passes for more challenging raids, and coordinate with other players for a more rewarding raiding experience. With the right strategy, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Raid Battle master! It also pays to learn about the highest CP Pokemon so you know what you are aiming for!