Do You Have to Be In Person for Elite Raids in Pokémon GO? The Definitive Guide
Yes, absolutely. Elite Raids in Pokémon GO require in-person participation. Forget the comfort of your couch and that trusty Remote Raid Pass; to battle these challenging raid bosses, you need to physically be at the Gym where the Elite Raid Egg has hatched. This restriction sets them apart from most other raid types and adds a layer of community and real-world exploration to the Pokémon GO experience.
Why In-Person Only? The Philosophy Behind Elite Raids
The in-person requirement for Elite Raids is a deliberate design choice by Niantic, the developers of Pokémon GO. It stems from their commitment to fostering a sense of community and encouraging players to connect with each other in the real world. Elite Raids are meant to be social events, bringing Trainers together at specific locations to tackle a formidable challenge as a team. By removing the remote option, Niantic encourages players to get out, explore their surroundings, and interact with fellow Pokémon enthusiasts.
Preparing for an Elite Raid: A Trainer’s Checklist
Before you head out to conquer an Elite Raid, make sure you’re adequately prepared. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Gather Your Team: Coordinate with local Pokémon GO groups or friends to form a powerful raiding team.
- Choose Your Pokémon Wisely: Research the raid boss’s weaknesses and build a team of counters with optimal movesets.
- Stock Up on Items: Potions, Revives, and Berries are essential for keeping your Pokémon healthy and increasing your chances of catching the raid boss.
- Arrive Early: Get to the Gym a few minutes before the Elite Raid Egg hatches to secure a spot and strategize with your team.
- Have a Raid Pass Ready: You’ll need either a regular Raid Pass (obtained by spinning a Gym Photo Disc) or a Premium Battle Pass to participate. Remote Raid Passes will not work.
The Elite Raid Experience: A Social Gathering
Participating in an Elite Raid is more than just a battle; it’s a social experience. You’ll find yourself surrounded by fellow Trainers, all eager to test their skills against the formidable raid boss. Share tips, strategies, and encouragement with your teammates as you work together to bring down the Pokémon. These shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen the Pokémon GO community. The Games Learning Society emphasizes the importance of collaborative learning and community engagement, and Elite Raids certainly embody these principles. You can find more about this fascinating field at GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Post-Raid Reward: Catching the Elite Raid Boss
Once you’ve successfully defeated the Elite Raid Boss, you’ll have a chance to catch it. Keep in mind that Elite Raid Bosses often have a lower catch rate than other raid bosses, so be patient and persistent. Use Golden Razz Berries to increase your chances of success, and aim for Excellent Throws. Remember, even if you don’t catch the boss on your first attempt, you’ll still receive valuable rewards, such as rare candies and TMs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elite Raids
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity and helpful tips regarding Elite Raids in Pokémon GO:
1. What are Elite Raids?
Elite Raids are a challenging type of raid battle featuring powerful raid bosses that can only be battled in person. They are designed to be community events and encourage players to gather at specific locations.
2. How do I find an Elite Raid?
Elite Raids appear from special Raid Eggs that take 24 hours to hatch. Keep an eye on the Gyms around you for these eggs, which are visually distinct from regular raid eggs.
3. Can I use a Remote Raid Pass for Elite Raids?
No. Remote Raid Passes cannot be used for Elite Raids. You must be physically present at the Gym to participate.
4. What kind of Raid Pass do I need for an Elite Raid?
You can use either a regular Raid Pass (obtained daily from spinning a Gym Photo Disc) or a Premium Battle Pass to participate in an Elite Raid.
5. How long does an Elite Raid last?
Once the Elite Raid Egg hatches, the raid boss will be available for 30 minutes.
6. Can I invite friends to an Elite Raid?
Yes, you can invite up to five friends to join you in an Elite Raid, but they must also be physically present at the Gym. Inviting friends remotely using a remote raid pass is not possible.
7. How many people are needed to beat an Elite Raid?
The number of players needed depends on the raid boss and the level of your team. However, it’s generally recommended to have at least six to eight trainers with strong counters.
8. What happens if I lose an Elite Raid battle?
If you lose an Elite Raid battle, you can rejoin the battle as many times as you want during the 30-minute raid window, provided you have another Raid Pass or Premium Battle Pass.
9. What are the rewards for completing an Elite Raid?
Rewards for completing an Elite Raid include rare candies, TMs, XP, and the chance to catch the raid boss.
10. Is it possible to solo an Elite Raid?
No, it is generally not possible to solo an Elite Raid. These raids are designed to be challenging and require the coordination of a team of trainers.
11. What is the catch rate for Elite Raid bosses?
Elite Raid bosses often have a lower catch rate than other raid bosses. Use Golden Razz Berries and aim for Excellent Throws to increase your chances of success.
12. What time do Elite Raids occur?
Elite Raid Eggs typically hatch at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. local time, but this can vary.
13. Can I use Purified Gems in Elite Raids?
Purified Gems are specifically used in Shadow Raids to subdue enraged Shadow Pokémon and are not applicable to Elite Raids.
14. How many Remote Raid Passes can I hold at once?
You can hold a maximum of three Remote Raid Passes at any given time.
15. Are Elite Raids worth doing?
Yes, Elite Raids are worth doing for the challenge, the community experience, and the opportunity to catch powerful and rare Pokémon. They also offer valuable rewards that can help you progress in the game.
Embrace the Challenge: Venture Out and Conquer Elite Raids!
While the in-person requirement for Elite Raids may seem restrictive, it ultimately enhances the Pokémon GO experience. It encourages players to connect with each other, explore their surroundings, and test their skills against formidable raid bosses. So, gather your team, prepare your Pokémon, and venture out to conquer Elite Raids! The rewards and the memories are well worth the effort.