Pokémon Go Elite Raids, explained

Pokémon Go’s raid system is one of its main gameplay opponents, but now there are even rarer raids that happen only under specific circumstances: Elite Raids.

These raids only occur at very specific times and dates and typically will host Pokémon that you cannot get elsewhere. So far only three Pokémon have been confirmed for Elite Raids: Hoopa Unbound(which was first introduced in Oct. 2022). Regidrago March 2023, and Regieleki (April 2023).

You’ll know Elite Raids are on the horizon, as Raid eggs are timed for 24 hoursThese raids will appear at the very top of every hour. These raids are only available at EX-gymsEX Raids used to be held in this area. (It’s unknown of EX raids will ever return or if these are a replacement for them.)

How do I do an Elite Raid?

Simply head to the EX gymnasium shortly after your egg hatches and join in the raid just like normal. Elite Raids cannot be done remotely. To do this, you can either use Premium Raid Passes (or the free orange Raid Passes), but remote Raid Passes cannot be used.

Elite Raid eggs hatch at 11:00 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. local time. After hatching, the raid target will remain there for 30 minutes.

You are best to go to a populated area. Pokémon GoAreas (such as a mall, park etc. you can go to a local party before any of those times. You may also consider local Pokémon GoUse Discord to coordinate with others players

What is it like to be an Elite Raider?

These raids are not any harder than regular tier five raids (though this is largely dependent on the target Pokémon), but they do have more HP. These raids do not require as many people as Primal Reversion raids. LeekDuck and other experts have stated that Regidrago is possible with two to five people, depending on the counters used and their power level.

However, you must bring in counters to your party and work hard to make things easier for them.