Are 5-Star Raids Always Legendary?
The short answer is: no, 5-Star Raids are not always legendary, but they very often feature legendary Pokemon. While 5-Star Raids are renowned for their difficulty and the powerful Pokemon they host, it’s important to understand the nuances of the Pokemon GO raid system and the distinction between regular and legendary appearances within this tier. The confusion often arises because 5-Star Raids are the most common method for encountering Legendary Pokemon in raids, making it easy to assume they are synonymous with each other. However, other powerful (and sometimes non-legendary) Pokemon can also appear in these raids, albeit less frequently than their legendary counterparts.
Therefore, a 5-Star Raid is a high-tier challenge, but the presence of a star does not guarantee a legendary encounter. This understanding is crucial for trainers strategizing their raid approaches and resource allocation, as the battle preparation and the potential reward significantly vary depending on the specific Pokemon featured.
Understanding Raid Tiers in Pokemon GO
To truly grasp why 5-Star Raids aren’t exclusively legendary, let’s break down the different raid tiers:
- Tier 1 & 3 Raids: These are generally considered the most accessible. They feature weaker Pokemon that can often be soloed by experienced trainers.
- Tier 5 Raids: These raids are significantly more challenging, frequently featuring Legendary and Mythical Pokemon alongside some powerful non-legendary Pokemon. The power level is a big jump compared to tier 3, which is why you’ll usually need a group of players to succeed.
- Mega Raids: These Raids feature evolved Pokemon capable of Mega Evolution. They are quite tough and require strategy.
- Mega Legendary Raids are very powerful and require multiple high-level players to take down and catch.
As you can see, while legendary Pokemon frequent 5-Star Raids, they do not exclusively belong to that tier. The tier system indicates the difficulty of the raid and the general strength of the boss, not exclusively its rarity or legendary status.
What to Expect from a 5-Star Raid
When you approach a 5-Star Raid, you should prepare for a difficult battle. These raids require multiple trainers, ideally with strong, high-level teams that are strategically chosen to counter the raid boss. 5-Star Raids are often a highlight of gameplay, providing access to potent Pokemon, especially during special events. The challenge involved in conquering 5-star raids also provides a sense of accomplishment for those who complete them. While the Pokemon on offer is usually a powerful legendary, it’s not always the case.
The primary goal of players undertaking 5-Star Raids is usually to obtain a copy of the featured Pokemon. However, 5-star raids can also offer various items and rewards upon completion. This includes items such as Rare Candy, TMs, and Charged TMs, making them a worthwhile investment of time and raid passes.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion over 5-star raids always being legendary is easy to understand due to two key reasons. The most obvious one is the fact that the vast majority of 5 star raids that occur are legendary Pokémon. The other reason is that 5-Star Raids are the primary method for catching Legendary and Mythical Pokemon in Pokemon GO. They are often the featured event during specific periods, leading players to associate the two exclusively. Therefore, any confusion is reasonable, but hopefully this article has put any uncertainty to rest.
While not always legendary, it’s certainly worth keeping an eye out for a 5-star raid, as the reward is often something special. However, do bear in mind that a 5 star raid is never soloable, so you will need to be prepared to work as a team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 5-Star Raids
1. Can you beat a 5-Star Raid alone?
No, a 5-Star Raid is not designed for solo play. You will need the help of other trainers to defeat the powerful raid boss.
2. How many people are needed to beat a 5-Star Raid?
The recommended number of trainers for a 5-Star Raid varies, but typically 4 to 10 high-level players are needed for a successful battle.
3. Are 5-Star Raids harder than Mega Raids?
Mega Raids are generally harder than 5-Star Raids. Mega Legendary Raids are considered harder still. Raid difficulty goes from Tier 1, Tier 3, Tier 5, Mega Raids, to Mega Legendary Raids.
4. How can I tell if it’s a 5-Star Raid?
5-Star Raid Eggs will have a normal white border on the map. 6-Star Raids are the only ones to have a different coloured border.
5. Do 7-Star Raids exist in Pokemon Go?
No, 7-Star Raids do not exist in Pokemon GO. They are a feature of the main series Pokemon games, specifically Scarlet and Violet.
6. What are 6-Star Raids?
6-Star Raids are another challenging tier of raids found in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. They are the highest tier raid in those games, and are rare. They cannot be found in Pokemon GO.
7. How rare are 6-Star Raids?
6-Star Raids are rare. In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, you are limited to finding one per day. More can be found online, and you can refresh the availability every 30 seconds through the Poke Portal.
8. How hard are 5-Star Raids?
5-Star Raids are very challenging and require coordinated teams. The difficulty varies depending on the specific boss and your level of preparation.
9. What is the hardest Raid Pokemon?
Some of the hardest Raid Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are Greninja, Delphox, Dondozo, Annihilape, Garchomp and Corviknight.
10. How long do 5-Star Raids last?
Once a 5-Star Raid Egg hatches, the raid will last for 45 minutes. These raids can occur in the game between 5:00 AM and 7:45 PM local time.
11. What level should I be for a 5-Star Raid?
It is recommended to be using Pokemon of level 75 and above to tackle 5-Star Raids. Higher levels, combined with EV/IV training will increase your chances of success.
12. How do I win 5-Star Raids easily?
Use Pokemon with STAB damage against the Boss’ Tera Type that also resist the Boss’s regular moves. You must use the most powerful, and effective Pokemon possible.
13. How long do 5-Star Raid Pokemon remain in Raids?
5-Star Raid Pokemon will typically remain available for at least one week. This gives players time to battle and catch them.
14. How many 5-star raids do you need to complete to unlock 6-star raids?
In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, you must complete the post-game Academy Ace Tournament, then host and complete around ten 5-Star Tera Raids. Jacq will then call you about the appearance of 6-Star Raids.
15. Is it possible to solo a raid in Pokemon GO?
Only Tier 1 and Tier 3 Raids can be done solo by a high level player. 5-Star Raids cannot be soloed.
By understanding the mechanics of raid tiers, you can effectively strategize for each battle. While 5-Star Raids are the primary stage for Legendary and Mythical Pokemon, they are not always guaranteed. This knowledge is key to getting the most out of your raiding experience in Pokemon GO.