Pokemon Go current Raid bosses: May 2024 schedule for Mega Raids, 5-Stars & more

Daniel Megarry
Blacephalon 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.

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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 in Pokemon Go raids Mega Alakazam May 2 – May 16 
Mega Gyarados Mega Gyarados  May 16 – May 23 
Mega Pidgeot Mega Pidgeot   May 23 – June 1

5-Star Raids

Pokemon Dates
Tapu Fini in Pokemon Go Tapu Fini  May 2 – May 16 
Regirock May 16 – May 23
Blacephalon Pokemon Blacephalon May 23 – June 1 (Western Hemisphere)
Stakataka Pokemon Stakataka May 23 – June 1 (Eastern Hemisphere)

3-Star Raids

Pokemon
Vileplume Pokemon Go Dex togetic Palpitoad Wobbuffet
Vileplume Togetic Palpitoad Wobbuffet

1-Star Raids

Pokemon
Stunky Clamperl Marill in Pokemon Go Nidoran Goomy
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:

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 in Pokemon Go Registeel May 1 Yes
Tapu Fini in Pokemon Go Tapu Fini  May 8, May 15 Yes
Regirock  May 22 Yes
Blacephalon Pokemon Blacephalon  May 29 (Western Hemisphere)  No
Stakataka Pokemon Stakataka May 29 (Eastern Hemisphere)  No

What are Raid Battles in Pokemon Go?

Screenshot of Pokemon Go Raid Boss logo.
Taking part in Raid Battles gives you the chance to catch some rare Pokemon.

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

Raid Passes
Raid Passes are required to take part in Raids.

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

Pokemon Go Premier Balls
Premier Balls let you catch Legendary Pokemon.

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

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About The Author

Daniel graduated from university with a degree in Journalism and English Language, before spending five years at GAY TIMES covering LGBTQ+ news and entertainment. He then made the switch to video game journalism where he produces news, features, and guides for Pokemon, Fortnite, Nintendo, and PlayStation games. Daniel also has a passion for any games with queer representation.