Shadow Raids are coming to Pokémon GO!
Trainers,
Team GO Rocket’s back, and they’re up to some big trouble!
In their newest scheme, Team GO Rocket plans to take over Gyms with hordes of Shadow Pokémon. Thankfully, we know our heroic Trainers will step up to face this challenge. Get ready for Shadow Raids!
Team GO Rocket will launch their plans during the Rising Shadows event, starting May 22, 2023. Read on to learn more about Shadow Raids, Shadow Raid Bosses, and how you can stop Team GO Rocket in their tracks!
Team GO Rocket’s coming to town!
Team GO Rocket’s machinations have led them to their latest and greatest plan: taking over Gyms with their Shadow Pokémon!
In Shadow Raids, Trainers can take on powerful Shadow Raid Bosses, and have the chance to catch new Pokémon partners—if they can successfully defeat the Shadow Raid Boss, that is. Trainers can gather their friends for a better chance at victory in Shadow Raids.
While Team GO Rocket will be taking over a number of Gyms, those they’ve left untouched may still host other raids.
Trainers cannot join Shadow Raids using Remote Raid Passes, and Shadow Raids do not reward a team bonus for Premier Balls.
A Shadowy Strength
At Gyms hosting Shadow Raids, you’ll find that Team GO Rocket has placed especially powerful Shadow Pokémon as Raid Bosses.
Three-star and five-star Shadow Raid Bosses will grow enraged as you battle them, boosting their attack and defense. Continue to hold your ground and weaken the Shadow Raid Bosses to subdue them.
The Power of Purification
You can subdue Shadow Raid Bosses using Purified Gems, a new item that can be assembled from Shadow Shards.
Shadow Shards are mysterious gem pieces that may be dropped by Team GO Rocket. Gather enough shards to use Professor Willow’s newly invented Shard Refiner, and you’ll be rewarded with a Purified Gem.
There are multiple ways Purified Gems can assist your battle against enraged Shadow Raid Bosses.
When you use a Purified Gem during a Shadow Raid, the enraged Shadow Raid Boss’s attack and defense will be lowered temporarily. This can give you the opening you need!
You and your fellow Trainers can use more than one Purified Gem during a Shadow Raid. If used at the same time, their effects will stack.
If enough Purified Gems are used, the enraged Shadow Raid Boss will be subdued—returned to its non-enraged state—which might give you the edge you need to defeat it!
Learn more about Shadow Raids, Shadow Raid Bosses, and using Purified Gems by visiting our Help Center.
Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change. Be sure to follow us on social media, opt in to receiving push notifications, and subscribe to our emails to stay updated.
—The Pokémon GO team
