Can You Join a Raid for Free? A Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon GO Raids
Yes, you can join a raid for free in Pokémon GO, but with certain limitations. The game offers one free Raid Pass per day, obtainable by spinning the Photo Disc at a Gym. This allows trainers to participate in one raid battle daily without spending any money. However, this free pass system is subject to a few important rules that we will explore in detail. You cannot accumulate more than one free raid pass; if you have not used your free raid pass from the previous day, you will not receive another the next day.
Understanding Raid Passes: Your Ticket to Battle
In Pokémon GO, raids are special battles against powerful Raid Boss Pokémon, usually found at Gyms. To participate, you need a Raid Pass. There are three primary types of Raid Passes:
- Free Raid Pass: Earned by spinning a Photo Disc at a Gym each day. You can only hold one at a time.
- Premium Battle Pass: These passes are purchased from the in-game shop. They can also be obtained as rewards for completing certain research tasks and provide access to both raids and other battle modes.
- Remote Raid Pass: These passes, also purchased from the shop or acquired through research, allow you to participate in raids that are not within your physical proximity.
The availability and usage of these passes is crucial to understand the free raiding aspect.
How to Get a Free Raid Pass
To get your free daily raid pass, simply visit a Gym in the real world and spin the Photo Disc. It’s typically the disc with the picture of the gym on it. If you don’t already have a raid pass, this will award you a free one. Remember, you can’t accumulate multiple free passes – you must use your free pass before you can get another the next day.
Free Raids vs. Paid Raids
The crucial difference between free and paid raids lies in the number of raid participations and the types of raids you can join. With a free pass, you’re limited to one raid per day at a nearby gym. However, Premium and Remote Passes give you more flexibility.
- Premium Battle Passes can be used for in-person raids any time, without a daily limit.
- Remote Raid Passes also allow you to join more than one raid a day, although you are capped to 5 remote raids a day (with some exceptions for special events), no matter if they are done in a party or not.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Free Raids in Pokémon GO
To further clarify, here are 15 frequently asked questions about free raiding in Pokémon GO:
Can I hold multiple free raid passes?
No, you cannot hold more than one free raid pass at a time. If you have one in your inventory, spinning another Photo Disc at a Gym will not grant you another. It is crucial to use your free pass daily to get the most out of this feature.
Can I join random peoples’ raids using my free pass?
Yes, you can use your free pass to join random people’s raids as long as they are in-person raids at nearby Gyms. Tap the Nearby button and then the Raid tab to see available raids nearby. Once you find a raid you want to join, tap “View” and then battle, and if it is an in-person raid, you can use your free pass. You cannot use a free pass for a remote raid.
Can I join a remote raid without an invite, and if so, can I use a free pass?
You cannot join a remote raid with a free pass. You must have a Remote Raid Pass. The article you provided mentioned party play where someone who is invited to a remote raid can pull their party members into the raid. This is only for remote raids. As stated, you cannot use a free pass for a remote raid and all people participating remotely must use a remote raid pass.
How do I join a public Raid Battle using a free pass?
To join a public raid using your free pass, look at the Nearby menu, choose the raid you want to join, and tap “Battle”. Make sure that the raid is not a remote raid. If the gym is in range, the game will allow you to use your free pass.
Are Pokémon raids always free?
No, Pokémon raids are not always free. While you get one free Raid Pass per day, participating in additional raids requires purchasing Premium Battle Passes or Remote Raid Passes from the shop.
Why can’t I join a raid even with a free pass?
If you have a free pass and still can’t join, make sure you’re within range of the Gym. Certain types of raids, such as Elite Raids, are exclusively for in-person participation. Additionally, you may have reached your remote raid limit for the day if you tried to join that way. You cannot use a free pass to join remotely.
Can I do a Pokémon GO raid by myself using a free pass?
No, most raids are designed for multiple trainers. Raid Battles are usually more challenging than normal Gym Battles, requiring teamwork to defeat the Raid Boss. Your free pass can still be used, but you will need other trainers to participate.
Can I get free remote raid passes?
Remote Raid Passes are primarily purchased from the shop, but they can sometimes be obtained through research tasks or as special event rewards. However, these are not common, and they don’t come daily.
How many raids can I do in a day for free?
With the free Raid Pass system, you are limited to one raid per day for free. To participate in more, you must purchase or obtain premium or remote passes.
Are the Pokémon caught in free raids weaker than paid ones?
No, the Pokémon caught in free raids are not weaker than those caught in paid raids. The chance of catching a Pokemon and the Pokémon’s stats is the same regardless of what pass was used to enter.
Does it matter what level the Pokémon is in the raid if I am using a free pass?
No, the level of the Pokémon in the raid is the same regardless of what pass was used to participate.
How do I increase my chances of catching a raid Pokémon?
To increase your chances of catching a raid Pokémon, aim for excellent or great throws. Take your time, observe the Pokémon’s movements and attack patterns, and throw your Poké Ball at the right moment. Ultra Balls and Dusk Balls also have a higher catch rate.
If I use a free pass, do the Pokémon obey me in raids?
Yes, all Pokémon will obey you in raids, regardless of your badge count.
What is the best strategy to use for free raids?
For the best results in free raids, join with other trainers. Go to your local community to find more people who would like to raid. Use Pokémon that are strong against the raid boss’s types. For example, if you have a Zapdos Raid, using rock or ice Pokémon will help your team defeat the boss much faster.
Is there a limit to how long I can take to defeat a raid boss in a free raid?
Yes, all raids, including those entered with a free pass, have a time limit. Be sure to try and raid with as many trainers as possible to defeat the boss before the timer runs out.
Conclusion
While Pokémon GO offers the chance to join one free raid per day, it’s crucial to understand the limitations and requirements of the free pass system. You can join a raid for free but you need to understand the specifics of the free pass before trying to join a raid. By understanding these nuances, you can enjoy the raid experience without having to spend real-world money daily. With strategic planning and understanding of the game mechanics, you can maximize your opportunities for free raids. Remember to use your daily free pass and strategize to enjoy your raid adventures to the fullest!