Do Remote Raid Passes Do Less Damage? A Deep Dive into Pokémon GO Raids
The answer is no, not anymore. For a significant period in Pokémon GO, using a Remote Raid Pass meant your Pokémon dealt less damage compared to those participating in person. However, Niantic changed this. Now, Pokémon used in Remote Raids deal the same amount of damage as those used in in-person raids. This change aimed to level the playing field and make remote raiding a more appealing option for players who cannot always participate in person. This is a significant shift that affects raid strategy and accessibility.
Understanding the Evolution of Remote Raiding
The Initial Damage Reduction
Initially, a crucial difference existed: remote Trainers’ Pokémon had lower attack power than those physically present at the Gym. This was a deliberate design choice, presumably to encourage in-person play and maintain the social aspect of raiding. However, this damage reduction made remote raiding more challenging, especially when facing tough raid bosses.
The Temporary Buffs
To alleviate the difficulty, Niantic introduced temporary Seasonal bonuses that increased the damage dealt by remote raiders’ Pokémon. These bonuses brought the damage output on par with in-person raiders, but they were only active for limited periods.
The Permanent Change
The permanent change, which began with the Season of Hidden Gems, eliminated the damage disparity. Remote raiders now enjoy the same damage output as those participating in person. This was a welcome change for many players, making remote raiding a much more viable and attractive option.
Implications of the Damage Change
Strategy Adjustments
The damage change has several implications for raid strategy:
- Team Composition: Players no longer need to compensate for reduced damage when building their raid teams. Choosing optimal counters and movesets becomes even more critical.
- Coordination: Coordination among raiders, whether remote or in-person, remains essential. Sharing information about raid boss movesets and coordinating attacks can significantly increase success rates.
- Accessibility: The damage change significantly improves the accessibility of raids. Players who live in rural areas or have mobility limitations can now participate in raids without being at a disadvantage.
Remote Raiding as a Viable Option
With the damage disparity removed, remote raiding has become a more attractive option for many players. It allows them to participate in raids from the comfort of their homes, connect with friends and trainers worldwide, and collect valuable rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Remote Raiding
1. What is a Remote Raid Pass?
A Remote Raid Pass allows you to participate in Raid Battles that are visible on your Nearby screen or that you are invited to by friends, from anywhere in the world. This means you don’t have to be physically present at the Gym to join the raid.
2. How do I get a Remote Raid Pass?
You can purchase Remote Raid Passes from the in-game shop using PokéCoins. Sometimes, they are also included as rewards in special events or research tasks.
3. How many Remote Raiders can join a single Raid Battle?
Niantic often adjusts this limit. Currently, it’s typically five remote raiders who can join a raid battle.
4. Is there a limit to how many Remote Raids I can do per day?
Niantic has adjusted the limit on the number of Remote Raids you can participate in per day.
5. What is the maximum number of Remote Raid Passes I can hold?
Generally, you can hold a limited number of Remote Raid Passes at one time, usually three. However, this number can vary during special events.
6. Why did Remote Raid Passes become more expensive?
Niantic increased the price of Remote Raid Passes to balance the game’s economy and encourage in-person play.
7. Can I invite friends to join a Remote Raid?
Yes, you can invite friends to join a Raid Battle remotely. They will need a Remote Raid Pass to participate.
8. Do I need a strong internet connection to participate in Remote Raids?
Yes, a stable internet connection is crucial for participating in Remote Raids. A poor connection can lead to lag, disconnections, and missed opportunities.
9. What are the benefits of participating in Raids?
Participating in Raids offers several benefits, including the chance to catch rare and powerful Pokémon, earn valuable rewards like Rare Candies and Technical Machines (TMs), and gain experience points.
10. How do I choose the best Pokémon for a Raid Battle?
Choose Pokémon with attacks that are super effective against the Raid Boss’s type(s). Consider the Raid Boss’s movesets and choose Pokémon that resist those attacks. Also, focus on Pokémon with high attack stats and fast-charging moves.
11. How do I maximize my damage output in a Raid Battle?
To maximize your damage output, use super effective moves, dodge the Raid Boss’s Charged Attacks, and power up your Pokémon. Coordinating with other raiders and using strategic items like Mega Evolutions can also help.
12. What are Shiny Pokémon, and how do I get them in Raids?
Shiny Pokémon are rare, differently colored versions of Pokémon. The odds of encountering a Shiny Pokémon in a Raid Battle are higher than in the wild, but they are still relatively rare. The typical Shiny rate for legendary raids is 1/20.
13. Can I do a Raid alone?
While it’s possible to solo some lower-level Raids, most Raids require multiple players. Coordinate with other trainers to increase your chances of success.
14. How do I find other players to Raid with?
Use social media groups, online forums, and local Pokémon GO communities to find other players to raid with. Coordinating with other trainers can significantly increase your chances of success.
15. What happens if I lose a Raid Battle?
If you lose a Raid Battle, you can try again as many times as you like before the Raid Boss disappears, as long as you have a valid raid pass.
The Social and Educational Value of Pokémon GO
While Pokémon GO is a game, it also offers valuable social and educational benefits. Players learn about geography, teamwork, and strategy. The game encourages physical activity and promotes social interaction. Research from organizations such as the Games Learning Society on GamesLearningSociety.org explores the many ways games can positively impact learning and development.
By addressing the key question of Do Remote Raid Passes Do Less Damage? and providing comprehensive FAQs, this article serves as a valuable resource for Pokémon GO players. With the removal of the damage disparity, remote raiding is now a more accessible and equitable way to enjoy the game.