How Long Do You Have to Beat a Raid?
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The clock is ticking, the boss is powerful, and the rewards are enticing – but how much time do you actually have to conquer a raid in the world of Pokémon GO? The short answer is: you have a limited window of 45 minutes to defeat the raid boss once the raid egg hatches and the battle begins. However, this simple answer opens up a world of questions regarding time limits, catch opportunities, and strategic planning. Let’s dive deep into the specifics of raid timers, ensuring you’re fully equipped to become a seasoned raid master.
Understanding the Raid Timer
The 45-minute timer starts counting down as soon as the raid egg hatches and the boss emerges, signaling the beginning of the battle. This is your main window of opportunity to join the raid, battle the boss, and try to catch it. During this time, any number of trainers can participate, however, they are divided into groups of up to 20. If you want to be in the same group as your friends, you have the option to create a private group. Once the battle starts (the timer counts down, “GO” pops up and disappears, and the battle time appears) trainers are free to leave the raid.
What Happens After 45 Minutes?
The raid will expire when the 45-minute timer runs out. The raid boss will disappear, and a message reading “raid expired” will appear. This means you can no longer participate in the raid. Any trainer who is in battle when the timer expires will still be allowed to complete their battle attempt. The raid timer is separate from the catch screen timer.
Catching the Raid Boss – Time Limits
There’s good news! Once you’ve successfully defeated the raid boss, there’s no specific time limit on the catch screen as long as you remain on the screen. Take your time, observe the boss’s attack pattern, and try to land those excellent throws for a higher chance of catching the Pokémon.
The 10-Minute Return Window
If you accidentally leave the catch screen, you have a 10-minute window from the start of the battle to re-enter the catch screen. However, if the raid timer expires before you return to the catch screen, you will not be able to go back. So, be mindful of both timers; the 45-minute raid timer and the 10-minute catch screen return timer. It’s wise to be cautious and try to be certain you can stay on the catch screen until you’ve caught (or not caught) the raid boss.
Raid Time Limit Considerations
It’s essential to manage your time wisely when dealing with raid battles. Coordinating with fellow trainers, being aware of the raid timer, and ensuring you don’t leave the catch screen unless absolutely necessary can significantly impact your success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raid Timers
1. Can I Solo a 5-Star Raid?
No, 5-star raids are designed to be challenging and require multiple trainers. It’s highly unlikely that one person can defeat a 5-star raid boss alone. You’ll need the help of other trainers to succeed.
2. Can I Leave a Raid Once Started?
Yes, you can leave a raid once the battle begins, and this will not impact your rewards or catch attempts. You can even drive a distance away, and as long as you don’t exit the catch screen, you can still battle, get rewards, and catch.
3. How Long Can a Raid Actually Last?
Technically, a raid will last for a maximum of 45 minutes from the time the egg hatches. If the battle is not completed during that time, the boss will disappear.
4. Will a Raid Eventually End on Its Own?
Yes, if a raid goes on for 45 minutes, the raid boss bar will disappear, and you’ll see a message stating “raid expired.” Even if the trainers are still battling, if the 45 minutes is up, the raid will be over.
5. Can I Solo a 3-Star Raid?
While designed for a small group, 3-star raids can be soloed by a high-level player (level 40) with strong Pokémon, perfect gameplay, and a bit of luck. However, they are generally targeted at a group of 2 or more level 30-40 trainers.
6. How Many Remote Raids Can I Do in a Day?
You can participate in a maximum of five Remote Raids per day. This limit may increase during special events.
7. What Should I Do if I Accidentally Start a Raid?
If you accidentally start a raid and need to stop it, take out every enemy except one in the first wave of the raid. This will effectively end the raid.
8. What Is Zapdos Weak Against?
Zapdos is a dual-type Electric/Flying Pokémon, making it weak against only two types: Rock and Ice.
9. Can Two People Win a 5-Star Raid?
Yes, two level 40 trainers with strong teams can defeat a 5-star raid boss, or a larger group of trainers with less powerful Pokémon. Team composition, and type advantages, will have a direct impact on how easily a 5 star raid can be completed.
10. Can One Person Beat a 1-Star Raid?
Yes, level 1 raids are very easy and can be soloed by any trainer as long as they understand type matchups. These are a great way for newer players to experience raids.
11. What is the 24-Hour Raid Egg?
An Elite Raid Egg appears 24 hours before the Pokémon takes over the gym. This allows you to coordinate with other trainers to gather a raid group, as these raids are more challenging. Elite raids are generally more difficult and require trainers to work together.
12. Why Do I Never Catch Raid Pokémon?
To improve your chances of catching a raid Pokémon, ensure you hit excellent or great throws. Observe the raid boss’s movements and attack patterns and time your throws appropriately. Patience is key!
13. How Do I Know if a Raid Pokémon is Shiny?
You can tell if a Pokémon you’ve encountered is Shiny if you see a specific icon above their CP. Shiny Pokémon are rare and highly sought after.
14. How Can I Get Free Raid Passes?
You can get free raid passes by spinning the Photo Disc at a Gym daily, completing some Special Research tasks, during certain events, or as part of special offers. Keep in mind, you can only carry one free raid pass at a time.
15. Can 4-Star Raids Be Soloed?
Usually, these special tier 4 Community Day raids are not soloable; however, sometimes there may be special cases where it is possible. Lower-level trainers or those without ideal counters should bring a couple of friends to ensure success.
By understanding the time limits, catch windows, and frequently asked questions regarding raid battles, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any raid that comes your way. Happy raiding!