Pokemon Go current Raid bosses schedule (April 2025)

Raids are a key element of Pokemon Go, and every month, there’s a new set of Pokemon that includes 1-Star to 5-Star standard, Legendary, Max, and Mega Raids for players to battle and catch.

April will have many returning Legendary Pokemon to catch, including the Guardian Deity Tapu Lele and Cresselia, as well as two Ultra Beasts – Stakataka and Blacephalon.

Additionally, Max Raids will continue to rotate during the Might and Mastery season, with Entei and Passimian debuting in Dynamax Raids. Mega Blaziken will return to Mega Raids, among others, making it a great month to hunt down powerful additions to competitive teams.

The Pokemon marked with an ‘*’ can be encountered as Shinny.

Pokemon Go Raid Boss schedule for April 2025

Below are all of the Mega, Max, and regular Raids that will take place in April 2025, plus guides for their weaknesses and best counters:

5-Star Raids

SPRITE	POKEMON	DATES
	Tapu Lele*	March 31 – April 9
	Stakataka* (Eastern Hemisphere)	April 9 – April 21
	Blacephalon* (Western Hemisphere)	April 9 – April 21
	Cresselia*	April 21 – May 1

3-Star Raids

POKEMON	POKEMON	POKEMON	POKEMON	POKEMON
Combat Breed Paldean Tauros	Blaze Breed Paldean Tauros	Aqua Breed Paldean Tauros	Decidueye*	Hisuian Decidueye*

1-Star Raids

POKEMON	POKEMON	POKEMON	POKEMON
Shellos (West Sea)*	Shellos (East Sea)*	Espurr*	Rockruff*

Mega Raids

SPRITE	POKEMON	DATES
	Mega Blaziken*	March 31 – April 9
	Mega Sceptile*	April 9 – April 21
	Mega Mawile*	April 21 – May 1

Max Raids

SPRITE	POKEMON	DATES
	Squirtle*	March 31 – April 7
	Krabby*	March 31 – April 7
	Chansey*	March 31 – April 7
	Skwovet*	March 31 – April 7
	Scorbunny	March 31 – April 7
	Caterpie*	April 7 – April 14
	Machop*	April 7 – April 14
	Drilbur*	April 7 – April 14
	Wooloo*	April 7 – April 14
	Falinks*	April 7 – April 14
	Passimian*	April 14 – April 21
	Machop*	April 14 – April 21
	Falinks*	April 14 – April 21
	Squirtle*	April 21 – April 28
	Krabby*	April 21 – April 28
	Chansey*	April 21 – April 28
	Sobble*	April 21 – April 28
	Charmander*	April 28 – May 5
	Pidove*	April 28 – May 5
	Cryogonal*	April 28 – May 5
	Wooloo*	April 28 – May 5
	Falinks*	April 28 – May 5

Max Mondays

There are some Power Spots that will be taken over on a Monday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time. These are the Max Monday Pokemon for April 2025:

SPRITE	POKEMON	DATES
	Scorbunny	March 31
	Passimian*	April 7
	Wooloo*	April14
	Sobble*	April 21
	Falinks*	April 28

When do Raid Hours take place in Pokemon Go?

Each week, Niantic hosts a special Raid Hour to give players a better chance at catching the current 5-Star Raid Pokemon. All of the Gyms that have Raids in them will be 5-Star Raid Bosses.

Raid Hours take place every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and you won’t have to worry about time zones as it will always be your local time. This is the perfect chance to get out there and catch yourself a Legendary.

Raid Hour Schedule

The following Pokemon will appear as part of Pokemon Go Raid Hour from 6:00 PM local time until 7:00 PM local time on the dates listed below:

Pokemon Go Raid Hour Schedule

SPRITE	POKEMON	DATES	SHINY AVAILABILITY
	Tapu Lele	April 2	Yes
	Stakataka (Eastern Hemisphere)	April 9	Yes
	Blacephalon (Western Hemisphere)	April 9	Yes
	Stakataka (Eastern Hemisphere)	April 16	Yes
	Blacephalon (Western Hemisphere)	April 16	Yes
	Cresselia	April 23	Yes

What are Raid Battles in Pokemon Go?

Raid Battles occur when a Boss Pokemon takes over a Gym. You can find them by walking around local Gyms and keeping an eye out for eggs that are about to hatch or Boss Pokemon that are part of a currently ongoing Raid.

These Pokemon are very powerful, so it’s recommended that you team up with a few other trainers to secure a victory. There are four tiers: 1-Star, 3-Star, 5-Star, and Mega Raids. The higher the tier, the harder the battle.

Raid Battles are worth the time and effort to complete, though. As well as earning special items, you’ll also get a chance to catch the Pokemon you beat. In the case of 5-Star Raids, these will be Legendaries you can’t get anywhere else.

How to get Raid Passes in Pokemon Go

You’ll need a Raid Pass to participate in a Raid Battle. You can earn one Raid Pass daily by spinning the Photo Disc at any Gym. You can purchase a Premium Raid Pass from the Shop if you run out.

Remote Raid Passes are also available in Go. These are ideal for trainers who can’t leave the house, as they let you join any Raid Battle that’s on the Nearby screen or tappable from the Map View.

Remote Raid Passes can be bought from the Shop or received as free gifts every now and then.

How to catch Pokemon in Raid Battles

When you successfully defeat a Raid Boss, you’ll get the chance to catch it. You’ll be given a set number of Premier Balls to use, but it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be able to catch it, especially if it’s a Legendary, as they have very low catch rates.

Here are some ways to increase the number of Premier Balls you’ll get:

• Deal a high amount of damage to the Raid boss.
• Your team deals a high amount of damage to the Raid boss.
• Controlling the Gym that the Raid takes place in.
• Participating in Raids with friends.

Remember, you can also use Razz Berries, or even better, Golden Razz Berries, to help catch Raid bosses. Getting excellent throws or spinning curveballs will increase your chances, too.

Now that you’re all clued up on Raids and the creatures you can battle at Gyms this month, it’s time to get out there and catch yourself some Pokemon – and maybe even a Legendary. Good luck, trainers!

That’s all you need to know about the current Pokemon Go Raid Bosses. Don’t forget to check out our Spotlight Hour guide, as well as How to get Remote Raid Passes and some key catching tips, or our rankings for the Best competitive Pokemon and the Best Mega Evolutions.