How to Start a Private Raid in Pokémon GO: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you want to orchestrate your own exclusive raid in Pokémon GO? Fantastic! Creating a private raid is a great way to coordinate with friends, avoid random players, and ensure a smooth and tailored raid experience. The process is relatively straightforward, letting you and your chosen allies tackle formidable raid bosses. Here’s how to dive in:
To initiate a private raid, you’ll need to create a private group within the raid lobby. Upon entering the raid lobby, look for the group code, displayed as three Pokémon pictures in the top right corner of the screen. Share this unique code with your friends. They can then enter this code on their own devices within the raid lobby to join your private group. Once everyone is in, you can start the raid together!
Understanding Raids in Pokémon GO
Before we delve deeper into the specifics of private raids, let’s establish a clear understanding of what raids are in Pokémon GO and why you might want to participate in one.
What is a Raid Battle?
A raid battle is a limited-time event where a powerful Pokémon, often a rare or legendary one, appears at a Gym. Trainers can team up to battle this formidable opponent. Raids come in different tiers, indicating the difficulty and the CP (Combat Power) of the raid boss. Higher tiers offer greater challenges but also yield better rewards.
Why Choose a Private Raid?
While joining public raids can be a thrilling experience, private raids offer several key advantages:
- Coordination: You can strategize with your friends beforehand, ensuring you have the right Pokémon and battle plan.
- Exclusivity: Avoid dealing with random players who might not be as skilled or coordinated.
- Flexibility: Start the raid when everyone is ready, without waiting for others to join.
- Friendship Boosts: By raiding with friends, you can also build your friendship level in Pokémon GO.
- Targeted Rewards: Focus on earning specific rewards with a team committed to the same goal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Private Raid
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to start a private raid in Pokémon GO:
- Locate a Raid: Find a Gym on your map with an active raid egg or a raid boss already in battle. Note the raid level to ensure you have an adequate team. Keep in mind raids typically occur between 5:00 AM and 7:45 PM local time.
- Approach the Gym: Physically travel to the Gym where the raid is taking place.
- Enter the Raid Lobby: Tap on the Gym, and if the raid is active, you will be prompted to use a Raid Pass or Remote Raid Pass to enter the lobby. A Raid Pass can be obtained by spinning the Photo Disc at a gym once per day. Remote Raid Passes must be purchased in the shop or obtained through special research.
- Create a Private Group: Once in the lobby, look at the top right corner of the screen and you’ll see 3 Pokemon pictures. This is your private group code.
- Share the Code: Communicate this three-picture code to your friends who you want to join your private raid. This can be done via text message, Discord, or any other communication platform.
- Friends Enter the Code: Your friends need to also approach the Gym, enter the raid lobby (using a Raid Pass or Remote Raid Pass), and then tap the 3 Pokemon pictures on the top right of their screen. They will be prompted to enter the three-picture code. After they enter the correct code, they will join your private group.
- Prepare Your Team: Once all your friends have joined, coordinate your Pokémon selection to ensure you have a balanced and effective team to counter the raid boss.
- Start the Raid: When everyone is ready, the host can tap the “Battle” button to initiate the raid.
Remote Raiding and Private Groups
You can also create private raids using Remote Raid Passes, allowing friends to join from anywhere in the world. The process is largely the same, but remember:
- Remote raiders can be invited, but there is a limit on the number of remote raiders allowed in a raid.
- Coordinate time zones and availability for optimal participation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Raids in Pokémon GO
1. Can I start a raid by myself in Pokémon GO?
No, you cannot start a raid entirely alone. Raids are designed as cooperative battles, requiring the participation of multiple trainers to defeat the powerful raid boss. While some lower-tier raid bosses might be soloable by very high-level trainers with optimized teams, you still need to physically initiate the raid.
2. Can I host a raid in Pokémon GO?
Yes, you can ‘host’ a raid in the sense that you can initiate a raid and invite other players to join you. However, you don’t directly control where and when raids appear. Raids are triggered by the game itself at specific Gyms.
3. How many friends can I invite to a raid in Pokémon GO?
You can invite up to five friends to a raid. Keep in mind there are restrictions on the number of remote raiders who can participate, including invited friends.
4. How do I join a raid remotely in Pokémon GO?
You can join a raid remotely by tapping the “Nearby” button at the bottom right of the Map View and selecting the “Raid” tab. You can also tap any Gym with an ongoing Raid Battle on your Map View. Alternatively, receive a Raid Invitation from a Friend. You will need a Remote Raid Pass to participate in a remote raid.
5. What is the “Team Up” feature for raids?
The Team Up feature (often found in apps like Campfire) lets you search for existing raid groups to join or create a new raid group. Tap Join a Raid to search for an existing Team Up group. Tap Host a Raid to create a new raid group.
6. Why can’t I invite my friends to a raid in Pokémon GO?
There could be several reasons. You can only invite up to five friends. Also, some believe all the players should be at level 32 or above (though this has been debated). Ensure you are within the necessary range of the Gym.
7. What triggers a raid in Pokémon GO?
Raids are triggered by the game and appear at Gyms at random intervals within the active raid hours (typically 5:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. local time). An egg will appear atop the Gym, counting down until the raid boss appears.
8. Are all raids in Pokémon GO private?
No, most raids are initially public, meaning anyone can join. However, you have the option to create a private group within the raid lobby to restrict access to only your invited friends.
9. Is using third-party raid apps safe in Pokémon GO?
Generally, apps that don’t directly interact with the Pokémon GO game data are considered safe. However, be cautious of apps that require your login credentials or promise unrealistic advantages, as they could violate the game’s terms of service.
10. Can I win a raid alone in Pokémon GO?
It depends on the raid tier and your Pokémon team. Lower-tier raids (1-star and some 3-star) may be soloable by experienced trainers with strong counters. Higher-tier raids generally require multiple trainers.
11. What is the best app for finding Pokémon GO raids?
PokeRaid is a popular platform to join Worldwide Pokémon GO Raids.
12. How do I get unlimited raid passes in Pokémon GO?
There’s no legitimate way to get unlimited free raid passes. You can earn one free Raid Pass per day by spinning a Photo Disc at a Gym. Remote Raid Passes and Premium Battle Passes must be purchased or earned through special research tasks.
13. Are remote raids free in Pokémon GO?
No, you need a Remote Raid Pass to participate in remote raids. These passes can be purchased from the in-game shop or occasionally obtained through special research.
14. Can I remote raid anywhere in the world in Pokémon GO?
Yes, as long as you have a Remote Raid Pass and are invited to a raid or can see a raid on your “Nearby” screen, you can join it from anywhere in the world.
15. Can two people complete a raid in Pokémon GO?
Many raids require at least two to three trainers, depending on the boss difficulty. Strong teams, friendship boosts, and weather boosts can make it possible to defeat even difficult raid bosses with a small group.
Mastering the Raid Experience
Participating in raids, especially private ones, is a fantastic way to engage with the Pokémon GO community and test your battling skills. By understanding the mechanics and strategies involved, you can maximize your success and enjoyment. Remember to always communicate effectively with your team, prepare your Pokémon accordingly, and have fun!
Keep learning and exploring the world of gaming and its potential benefits. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to advancing the understanding of how games can be used for education and engagement. Explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
By following this guide and the FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to start your own private raids and conquer even the most challenging raid bosses in Pokémon GO!