A new Raid has appeared in Pokémon GO! Announced on Friday, October 14th, 2022 via the official Pokémon GO blog and official Pokémon GO social media channels, Trainers can now participate in Elite Raids. One big question though – what are Elite Raids?
Elite Raids are a new type of Raid Battle and as the name implies they’ll pack an extra challenge. Plus, instead of appearing with a countdown time of one hour or less, Elite Raid Eggs take 6 hours to hatch (previously it was 24 hours). When the Raid Egg does hatch, Trainers will only have 45 minutes to battle the Pokémon that hatched out of the Egg in hopes of defeating it for a catch encounter (previously 30 minutes). Not only that, but these Raids can only accept in-person Raid Passes (which means no Remote Raid Passes).
This particulate Elite Raid Day hasn’t been classified as an Elite Raid Day by Niantic (only referred to as “Elite Raid: Mega Rayquaza”). Given it’s similarity to previous Elite Raid Day events, it’ll be referred to as one.
Check out our guide below for this Elite Raid and where you can get the necessary Raid Passes to participate in these Raids. (For more details about the Season of Shared Skies, you can check out our Season of Shared Skies guide hub.)
Now, check out what’s happening during the Elite Raid Day: Mega Rayquaza event with our guide below:
Pokémon GO’s Season of Shared Skies – Elite Raid Day: Mega Rayquaza
Elite Raid start times:
- Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 12 p.m. your local time.
- Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 1 p.m. your local time.
- Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 5 p.m. your local time.
- Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 6 p.m. your local time.
Pokémon featured – Mega Rayquaza
Mega Rayquaza returns! Last featured during Pokémon GO Fest 2023 events, this is Mega Rayquaza’s first appearance in 2024. Previously featured in Mega Raids, this time Mega Rayquaza will be available in Elite Raids. The main difference between the two is that Remote Raid Passes can’t be used for Elite Raids.
Trainers that wish to Mega Evolve their Rayquaza into Mega Rayquaza will need a Meteorite. This item can be used to teach Dragon Ascent (Charged Attack) to Rayquaza, which will then allow them to Mega Evolve. A Meteorite will be available in the event’s free Timed Research and given away if the official Pokémon GO TikTok account reaches a specific follower count. That goal was met, so Trainers can get a free Meteorite by using the code 7QJ6P2NX2U7KX via the Pokémon GO Offer Redemption page.
How to get a Raid Pass in Pokémon GO
Trainers who wish to partake in the event will have to use a Raid Pass at a Gym with an active Raid. There are currently three Raid Pass types:
- Raid Pass (orange) – The daily free Raid Pass. You can get one free in-game daily by spinning a Gym’s PokeStop.
- Premium Battle Pass (green) – A Raid Pass that can be purchased with PokéCoins (Pokémon GO’s premium in-game currency). One costs 100 PokéCoins and can also be found in special bundles or included as bonus items for paid ticket events and more. This pass can also be used in Pokémon GO’s GO Battle League for premium rewards.
- Remote Raid Pass (blue) – A special Raid Pass that can be purchased with PokéCoins.
- As of May 23rd, 2022, they will not be included in the weekly box bundles for 1 PokéCoin.
- As of April 6th, 2023, prices have increased. An individual Remote Raid Pass is 195 PokéCoins (previously 100 PokéCoins) and the 3-pack is 525 PokéCoins (previously 300 PokéCoins).
- As of April 6th, 2023, Trainers can only use up to 5 Remote Raid Passes per day. The limit may be increased during special events. A number has yet to be announced.
- Remote Raid Passes are available as Research Breakthrough rewards and more.
- The Remote Raid Passes cannot be used for Elite Raids.
Note: Raid Pass and Premium Battle Pass items can only be used within 80 meters (262 feet) of a Gym. A Remote Raid Pass can be used if you see the Gym on your screen (regardless of location) or be used to Raid remotely if invited by an in-game friend anywhere in the world who is hosting a Raid.
How many Raid Passes can you get in a day?
Technically, there is no limit to how many Raid Passes you can acquire each day, but there is a limit depending on which Raid Pass type:
- Raid Pass (orange) – You can only get one per day for free by spinning a Gym’s PokeStop.
- Premium Battle Pass (green) – You can have as many Premium passes as you can purchase and hold in your inventory.
- Remote Raid Pass (blue) – As of April 6th, 2023, you can only hold up to five at a time, but can buy more after using one. Yet, you are limited to participating in 5 Remote Raids per day.
- Reminder: Remote Raid Passes cannot be used for Elite Raids.
What time is today’s Elite Raid?
Saturday, June 29th, 2024’s Elite Raids will take place at the following times (and the Mega Raid will be available for 45 minutes):
- 12 p.m. your local time
- 1 p.m. your local time
- 5 p.m. your local time
- 6 p.m. your local time
What Pokémon is featured in today’s Elite Raid?
The Pokémon for Saturday, June 29th, 2024’s Elite Raids is Mega Rayquaza.
Can Mega Rayquaza be shiny?
Yes, Mega Rayquaza’s shiny version is currently available in Pokémon GO, but when defeating Mega Rayquaza you’ll encounter a standard Rayquaza. This Rayquaza can be shiny.
Will there be any event-exclusive Timed Research?
Yes, a free Timed Research (Elite Raid: Mega Rayquaza Timed Research) will be given to all Trainers that log in during the event. All tasks and rewards must be completed and claimed prior to Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 7 p.m. your local time.
Elite Raid: Mega Rayquaza Timed Research
- Task: Use a Super Effective Charged Attack
- Reward: 1,000 XP
- Task: Complete 5 Field Research tasks
- Reward: 20 Poké Balls
- Task: Win a Raid
- Reward: 5 Nanab Berries
- Task: Win an Elite Raid
- Reward: 5 Rayquaza Stickers (from Pokémon GO Fest 2023)
- Completion Rewards: 1,000 Stardust, 3 Revives, and 1 Meteorite
Will there be any event boxes/bundles available for purchase?
It’s unclear if any event boxes or bundles will be made available specifically for Elite Raids, but Niantic states that the Pokémon GO’s 8th Anniversary Party event bundle (referred to as Ultra Raid Box) will be available via the Pokémon GO Web Store.
Will there be future Elite Raids?
Currently, no. Niantic hasn’t made any other announcements about Elite Raids.
More Pokémon GO guides
Looking for more help with Pokémon GO? Check out our other guides!
Pokémon GO’s Season of World of Wonders’ 2024 Pokémon Europe International Championships event guide
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Written by Jennifer Burch
Illustrator, designer, writer and big Nintendo geek, you can find Jennifer with an N3DS within reach 24/7. As the oldest of three, she has survived many Mario Party, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart sessions intact in addition to getting her brothers hooked on some really weird games. (Cubivore anyone?)
