Here we go again. June 2024’s Elite Raid event featuring Mega Rayquaza had a few hiccups (not showing Elite Raids 24 hours prior, lack of Elite Raids at Gyms, etc.). So, once again, Niantic is hosting a makeup event. Luckily, this time, Mega Rayquaza will be available in “Raids” (Mega Raids due to the Mega form), and not Elite Raids. This will allow for Remote Raid Passes to be used. (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 Mega Rayquaza Special Raid Event with our guide below:
Pokémon GO’s Season of Shared Skies – Mega Rayquaza Special Raid Event
Mega Raid start times:
- Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 at 11 a.m. your local time.
- Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 at 1 p.m. your local time.
- Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 at 6 p.m. your local time.
Pokémon featured – Mega Rayquaza
Mega Rayquaza returns… again. Previously featured during Pokémon GO Fest 2023 events and June 2024’s Elite Raid event, Mega Rayquaza returns to Mega Raids (due to issues from June 2024’s event).
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.
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. (For this event, the limit will be raised to 20 Remote Raid Passes per day.)
- 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.
Remote Raid Pass Limit Increase Bonus
Even though Remote Raid Passes are limited to five per day, that limit will be increased for this event:
- From Friday, August 2nd, 2024 at 5 p.m. PDT to Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 at 8 p.m. PDT, the Remote Raid Passes limit will be increased to 20.
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 Mega Raid?
Saturday, August 3rd, 2024’s Mega Raids will take place at the following times:
- 11 a.m. your local time
- 1 p.m. your local time
- 6 p.m. your local time
According to Niantic Support, Mega Rayquaza Raids will be in every Gym. Mega Raid timers will be 25 minutes, thus allowing for two Mega Raids at each Gym per hour
What Pokémon is featured in today’s Mega Raid?
The Pokémon in Saturday, August 3rd, 2024’s Mega 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 will be given to all Trainers who log in during the event. All tasks and rewards must be completed and claimed prior to Sunday, August 4th, 2024 at 1 p.m. your local time.
Mega Rayquaza Special Raid Event 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 a Mega 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?
Possibly. Niantic didn’t state any special boxes or bundles would be released in the official Pokémon GO blog post for this event. More than likely a Raid Pass-themed bundle will be made available prior to the start of the event and throughout. Check the in-game shop or the Pokémon GO Web Store.
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?)
