Pokemon Go current Raid bosses: May 2024 schedule for Mega Raids, 5-Stars & more
The Pokemon CompanyEveryone’s favorite weirdo Blacephalon could be coming to Pokemon Go.
Raids are a key element of Pokemon Go, and every month, there’s a new set of Pokemon ranging from 1-Stars to 5-Star Legendaries for players to battle and catch. Here’s the current line-up of Raid bosses for May 2024.
May is expected to be an exciting month for Pokemon Go players. Players can participate in events like Rivals Week and Pokemon Go Fest Sendai.
The month of May also hosts a Community Day, heading an undetermined Pokemon.
As for Raids, trainers worldwide can expect to face Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Blacephalon in 5-star Raids in addition to Mega Alakazam and Mega Pidgeot in Mega Raids.
Contents
- Raid schedule
- Raid Boss guides
- When do Raid Hours take place?
- Raid hour schedule
- What are Raid Battles?
- How to get Raid Passes
- How to catch Pokemon in Raid Battles
Pokemon Go Raid Boss schedule for May 2024
Niantic has revealed the May schedule for Raids, and there are some exciting battles to be had!
Most notable is the debut of Blacephalon and Stakataka. Also, the possibility of encountering the Shiny version of Shadow Suicune.
Here are the Pokemon you’ll be able to find in Raids this month:
Mega Raids
Pokemon | Dates | |
Mega Alakazam | May 2 – May 16 | |
Mega Gyarados | May 16 – May 23 | |
Mega Pidgeot | May 23 – June 1 |
5-Star Raids
Pokemon | Dates | |
Tapu Fini | May 2 – May 16 | |
Regirock | May 16 – May 23 | |
Blacephalon | May 23 – June 1 (Western Hemisphere) | |
Stakataka | May 23 – June 1 (Eastern Hemisphere) |
3-Star Raids
Pokemon | |||
Vileplume | Togetic | Palpitoad | Wobbuffet |
1-Star Raids
Pokemon | ||||
Stunky | Clamperl | Marill | Nidoran | Goomy |
Mega Raids and 5-Star Raids will follow the schedule above, but 1-Star and 3-Star Raids often change at random, especially during special events. Check back regularly for the latest Raid opportunities!
All Pokemon Go Raid Guides for May 2024
If you’re new to Raids or just need a bit of a helping hand, then look no further! We’ll be compiling guides on how best to get the Mega and 5-Star Raid Pokemon below:
- Mega Alakazam counters
- Mega Gyarados counters
- How to defeat Mega Pidgeot
- How to defeat Tapu Fini
- Regirock counters
- Blacephalon counters
- Stakataka counters
When do Raid Hours take place?
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 PM to 7 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 at 6 PM local time until 7 PM local time on the dates listed below:
Pokemon Go Raid Hour Schedule
Pokemon | Dates | Shiny Chance | |
Registeel | May 1 | Yes | |
Tapu Fini | May 8, May 15 | Yes | |
Regirock | May 22 | Yes | |
Blacephalon | May 29 (Western Hemisphere) | No | |
Stakataka | May 29 (Eastern Hemisphere) | No |
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 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!
For more tips and tricks covering all things Pokemon Go, make sure to check out our guides:
Best Pokemon in Pokemon Go | All upcoming Spotlight Hours | Giovanni counters guide | How to get Remote Raid Passes | Pokemon Go catching tips