In Pokémon GO raids, the right counters and a strong lobby matter before the first hit. Check the boss's type, its weaknesses and the number of players before using a Pass.
Bosses change often. Keep a simple method instead of a Pokémon list that quickly becomes outdated.
Key takeaways
- Choose super effective moves, not just Pokémon with high CP.
- In a difficult raid, leave an underpowered lobby before the battle starts.
- A Remote Raid Pass is safer in an already prepared group.
- After victory, Premier Balls, Berries and curveball throws make the difference.
Pokémon GO raids: choosing the best counters
Open the Gym or the Nearby tab. Note the boss's type, then choose six Pokémon with super effective moves. Check the Fast Attack and Charged Attack. A powerful species with poor moves loses a great deal of value.
Against a dual-type boss, first look for a shared weakness. Otherwise, use the most reliable super effective move in your collection. Do not confuse resistance with damage. A sturdy but weakly offensive Pokémon can cost precious time.
| Situation | Useful approach | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Single-type boss | Choose super effective moves against that type. | Taking the six highest-CP Pokémon without checking their moves. |
| Dual-type boss | Target a shared weakness or the best available advantage. | Reusing an old team for another form of the boss. |
| Small lobby | Invite friends or wait for a larger group. | Using a Pass for a predictable failure. |
Preparing your team before the battle
Heal and revive your six Pokémon before entering. Put your best counter in the first slot. It will benefit from every second of the battle.
- Replace automatic picks that do not deal super effective damage.
- Keep a sturdier Pokémon at the end of the team if your best attackers are fragile.
- Check the number of players before the raid starts.
- Leave the lobby if the group does not seem able to finish the raid.
- Invite friends or find another Gym if necessary.
During the battle, use Charged Attacks as soon as they are ready. Dodge only if it prevents an imminent KO. A useful dodge can allow one more Charged Attack. If your whole team faints, heal it and rejoin the same raid while its timer remains active.
Remote Pokémon GO raids: managing Passes
You can obtain a Raid Pass by spinning a Gym's Photo Disc. Official support states that you can keep only one and receive one per day. The Premium Battle Pass lets you take part in more local raids.
The Remote Raid Pass works from Nearby, the map or an invitation. Do not use it to try an empty lobby. Remote players deal less damage, except for temporary adjustments announced during events. A local raid is therefore preferable when the Gym is accessible.
You cannot buy new Remote Raid Passes if you already have three or more. The displayed daily limit is 10 remote raids. It may change during an event. An in-person host can invite up to five friends at once.
Catching the boss with Premier Balls
After victory, Great Balls and Ultra Balls are not available. The boss can only be caught with the Premier Balls earned by your group. Damage, victory speed and Gym control influence their number.
If catching it is your top priority, use a Golden Razz Berry. Wait for the boss's attack to end. Throw when it returns to the centre. Spin the Premier Ball for a curveball throw. A consistent Nice throw is better than a missed Excellent throw.
Keep a circle size you can handle. Repeat the same motion after every animation. When the Premier Balls run out, the boss flees.
Boss rotations and temporary limits are published in the official Pokémon GO news. Raid support details the battle rules. You can also find jeu.vidéo features, our gaming news and recent publications.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose the best counters against a boss?
Start with the boss's type. Select six Pokémon with super effective moves and check both their Fast and Charged Attacks.
Should you keep the automatic Pokémon suggested by the game?
Not always. Check their moves and replace choices that do not hit the boss with a type advantage.
Is my Pass lost if I leave a lobby?
Leave before the battle starts if the group is insufficient. Support states that the Remote Raid Pass is not used before the battle begins.
Why can a remote raid be more difficult?
Remote players' Pokémon deal less damage under the official rules. Avoid small groups and favour local raids when possible.
How many Remote Raid Passes can I keep?
You cannot buy new ones if you already have three or more.
Can you use an Ultra Ball after a Raid?
No. The Raid encounter only uses the Premier Balls earned after victory.
Which Berry should you use to catch a Raid Boss?
A Golden Razz Berry is the preferred choice when you want to maximise the catch chance.
Where can you follow boss rotations and temporary limits?
Check the official news and Remote Raid help.
To keep following the subject, also read our article on Mario Kart World online: the habits that keep you safe, our article on Hades II: the PC settings that make battles more.
Verified sources
These links allow you to verify the key information used in this article.
- niantic.helpshift.com: Official Pokémon GO support, shown as updated 323 days ago when consulted: how Raids work, Pass types, groups of up to 20, teams of six, battles, returning after a failure and Premier Balls
- niantic.helpshift.com: Official Pokémon GO support, shown as updated 249 days ago when consulted: remote access, maximum Remote Raid Pass inventory, displayed daily limit and remote player limit
- niantic.helpshift.com: Official Pokémon GO support, shown as updated 235 days ago when consulted: Berries, Excellent/Nice throws, curveball throws and factors that influence the number of Premier Balls.
- niantic.helpshift.com: Official Pokémon GO support, shown as updated 64 days ago when consulted: friend invitations, invitation steps and lobby access requirements.
