Table of Contents

Joining Forces: A Comprehensive Guide to Raiding with Friends in Pokémon Games

So, your friend sent you an invite to a raid, and you’re itching to team up and take down a formidable Pokémon. Excellent! Let’s cut straight to the chase: How do you actually join a raid your friend invited you to? The process varies slightly depending on the specific Pokémon game you’re playing, but the core concept remains the same: accepting the invitation and coordinating with your friend. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Acknowledge the Invitation: This is the crucial first step. In many Pokémon games (like Pokémon GO), you’ll receive an in-game notification or a push notification on your device when your friend invites you. Pay attention to these alerts!

2. Access the Raid:

Pokémon GO: Tap the in-game notification, or if it’s a push notification, open the Pokémon GO app. Once in the app, look for an active raid invitation in the “Nearby” menu or a dedicated “Invites” section. Tap the invitation to access the raid lobby.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Tera Raids): Coordinate with your friend to ensure they’ve selected the “form a group” option at the raid den. They’ll then provide you with a link code. Open the Poké Portal, select Tera Raid Battle, and then “Join a Raid.” You’ll be prompted to enter the link code your friend gave you.
Pokémon Sword and Shield (Dynamax Adventures/Max Raid Battles): For Dynamax Adventures in the Crown Tundra DLC, your friend needs to set a Link Code before selecting “Invite Others.” You’ll then enter that code when joining matchmaking. For Max Raid Battles, interact with a raid den, and coordinate with your friend to use a Link Code when prompted.

3. Coordinate with Your Friend: Communication is key! Use a messaging app, voice chat, or even just shouting across the room to confirm you’ve both entered the correct code (if applicable) and are ready to battle.

4. Prepare Your Team: Before joining the raid, make sure you’ve selected a Pokémon team that is well-suited to the challenge. Consider the raid Pokémon’s type, weaknesses, and potential moves.

5. Jump into Battle! Once everyone is ready, the raid will begin. Work together with your friend (and any other participants) to defeat the raid Pokémon and claim your rewards!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Raiding With Friends

Here are 15 FAQs that delve deeper into the intricacies of raiding with friends in various Pokémon games, ensuring you’re a true raiding expert:

General Raid Questions

1. What are the benefits of raiding with friends?

Raiding with friends significantly increases your chances of success, especially in challenging raids. Friends can coordinate strategies, cover each other’s weaknesses, and provide moral support. Plus, it’s just more fun! You also might have an easier time if you know and trust your friends, as opposed to random players joining the battle.

2. Can I join online raids with random players if I don’t have friends to play with?

Absolutely! Most Pokémon games offer the option to join online raids with random players. Simply use the in-game matchmaking system to search for available raids. This is a great way to meet new people and experience different strategies.

3. Is there a limit to how many friends I can invite to a raid?

The number of friends you can invite to a raid varies depending on the game. In Pokémon GO, you can typically invite up to five friends to a raid. Check the specific game’s rules for the exact limit.

4. What happens if a friend disconnects during a raid?

If a friend disconnects during a raid, their Pokémon will typically be controlled by an AI. The raid will continue, and you can still win, but the AI might not be as effective as a human player.

5. Can I invite someone to a raid I was invited to?

In some games like Pokémon Go, invited Trainers can’t invite their own friends to the same lobby. Keep in mind that the limit for the maximum number of Trainers who can join a raid remotely still applies across all Trainers in the lobby, including any invited friends.

Pokémon GO Raid Questions

6. Why can’t I join raids remotely in Pokémon GO?

There are several reasons why you might be unable to join raids remotely in Pokémon GO:

You’re too far away from the Gym: Remote Raids have a distance limit.
You’ve reached the Remote Raid Pass limit: You can only participate in a limited number of Remote Raids per day.
The raid is an Elite Raid: Elite Raids are only eligible for local raids, meaning you need to be physically present at the Gym.
Game Glitch: Restarting the app and making sure it’s fully updated may solve the issue.

7. How do I get a Raid Referral Link?

The Raid Referral Link is specific to a completely different game, “RAID: Shadow Legends.” If you’re using an Android or iOS device, the “Get Referral Link” button will open a window where you can send the link to your friends via any of the apps installed on your device. This is unrelated to any of the Pokémon titles mentioned in the article.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Tera Raid Questions

8. How do I unlock 7-star Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

To unlock 7-star Tera Raid battles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you must first complete the main story, win all the post-game gym leader rematches, and beat a number of 5-star Tera Raid battles. 7-star raids are also only available as part of limited-time in-game events.

9. What level are the Pokémon in 6-star Tera Raids?

While the opposing Pokémon in a 6-star Tera Raid Battle will be level 90 during the battle itself, it will only be level 75 when caught.

10. Are 6-star Tera Raids always black on the map?

Yes, each day one 6-star Tera Raid Battle den will appear on your map, noted with a black sparkling icon and a black crystal at its location.

11. Can I breed the 7-star event Charizard I caught in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, you can breed the 7-star event Charizard! It can be bred with Ditto or another compatible Dragon-type Pokémon to produce Charmander eggs.

Pokémon Sword and Shield Raid Questions

12. Why can’t I join my friends Dynamax Adventure?

Make sure your friend has pressed “+” and set a Link Code before inviting others. You need to enter that code when joining matchmaking.

13. How do I join a raid with a group code in Pokémon Shield?

Open the Poké Portal and select “Tera Raid Battle Search.” If you have a friend who has listed a Raid group, find the player’s lobby and insert their code.

General Tips and Tricks

14. What are some common mistakes to avoid when raiding?

Some common mistakes include:

Using under-leveled Pokémon: Make sure your Pokémon are appropriately leveled for the raid’s difficulty.
Not considering type matchups: Choose Pokémon that have a type advantage over the raid Pokémon.
Failing to coordinate with teammates: Communicate with your friends to develop a battle strategy.
Not bringing healing items: Stock up on Potions and Revives to keep your Pokémon in fighting shape.

15. How can I prepare my Pokémon for raids?

To prepare your Pokémon for raids, focus on these key areas:

Leveling up: Increase your Pokémon’s level to boost their stats.
EV Training: Maximize Effort Values (EVs) in relevant stats like Attack, Special Attack, Speed, HP, Defense and Special Defense.
Choosing the right moveset: Select moves that are effective against the raid Pokémon’s type.
Equipping held items: Give your Pokémon items that boost their stats or provide other benefits.

Raids provide exciting opportunities for collaboration and strategic gameplay, offering unique rewards and challenges. By understanding the mechanics of joining raids with friends, you can enhance your Pokémon gaming experience and strengthen your bonds with fellow trainers.

The experience of playing games socially and together is what builds communities. If you are interested in learning more about the community and learning aspects of gaming, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org!

How do you join a raid your friend invited you to?