How to Do an Egg Raid in Pokémon GO: A Comprehensive Guide

What is an Egg Raid?

In Pokémon GO, an Egg Raid refers to a special event that begins with an egg appearing atop a Gym. This egg doesn’t hatch immediately; instead, it initiates a countdown timer. Once the timer reaches zero, the egg hatches, revealing a powerful Raid Boss Pokémon. Players then have a limited time to team up and battle this boss. Understanding how these Egg Raids work is crucial for any serious Pokémon GO player who wants to catch rare and powerful Pokémon.

To participate in an Egg Raid, you need to be present at the Gym where the egg has appeared. Once the egg hatches, you can join the raid lobby and battle the Raid Boss. It’s a cooperative experience, usually requiring multiple trainers to defeat the boss, depending on the tier of the raid. The difficulty levels vary, indicated by the color of the egg before it hatches.

How to Participate in an Egg Raid

Step-by-Step Guide:

Locate a Gym with an Egg: Keep an eye on your map for gyms with an egg on top. The color of the egg will indicate the raid difficulty.
Observe the Countdown Timer: Note the remaining time before the egg hatches. This will help you plan your strategy.
Gather a Team: Depending on the raid level, you may need to gather other trainers. Coordinate with friends or join local Pokémon GO communities.
Prepare Your Pokémon: Choose Pokémon with types that are strong against the anticipated Raid Boss.
Join the Raid: When the egg hatches, enter the gym and use a Raid Pass (either a standard Raid Pass or a Remote Raid Pass if you’re not physically at the gym – though note that Elite Raids require an in-person pass).
Battle the Raid Boss: Work with your team to defeat the Raid Boss within the allocated time.
Catch the Raid Boss: If successful, you’ll get a chance to capture the defeated Raid Boss with Premier Balls. The number of Premier Balls you receive will depend on your contribution to the battle, as well as gym control.

Important Considerations:

Raid Passes: You need a Raid Pass to participate in a raid. You can get one free pass daily by spinning a Photo Disc at a Gym.
Raid Levels: Different colors of eggs indicate the difficulty of the raid. Pink eggs are for Level 1 and Level 2 raids, yellow eggs for Level 3, purple eggs with white stripes for Level 5 and Legendary Raids, and tan-and-brown eggs with a Mega Energy symbol are for Mega Raids.
Elite Raids: These are a special type of raid with very powerful Raid Bosses that requires trainers to be physically present at the gym and are announced 24 hours in advance. They are signified by a unique icon.
Time Limits: Once an egg hatches, you have a limited amount of time to battle the Raid Boss. The exact time varies, so pay attention to the timer after the egg hatches.
Gym Control: If you and your team control the gym when the raid boss is defeated, you will receive 2 extra Premier Balls to capture the raid boss.
Teamwork: Higher-level raids often require multiple players to succeed. Coordinate with others for the best chance of winning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Egg Raids

1. What is a 24-hour Raid Egg?

A 24-hour Raid Egg refers to Elite Raid Eggs. These eggs appear 24 hours before the Raid Boss takes over the gym. This extended notice gives trainers time to coordinate and prepare for these exceptionally challenging raids. They are marked by a unique symbol and often feature very powerful Pokémon.

2. Can you battle a Gym with an Egg?

Yes, you can still battle a Gym even when an egg is present. In fact, many players try to battle and win control of the Gym before the egg hatches. If they control the Gym when they defeat the Raid Boss, they earn extra Premier Balls, which are critical for catching the Pokémon.

3. What is a Mega Raid Egg?

A Mega Raid Egg is signified by a tan-and-brown color and the Mega Energy symbol appearing above the gym. These eggs contain Mega-Evolved Pokémon, and winning the raid can earn you Mega Energy. This Mega Energy is needed to Mega Evolve your own Pokémon.

4. How do you get Eggs in Pokémon GO?

In Pokémon GO, Eggs are not obtained through breeding. Instead, they are found randomly from spinning PokéStops, from opening gifts from friends, or from defeating Team Rocket Leaders (for 12km eggs). There is a maximum of 9 Eggs you can carry at any one time.

5. How do you get 7km Eggs in Pokémon GO?

7km Eggs are obtained by opening gifts from your friends. This is the only way to obtain 7km Eggs, and there’s no guarantee that every gift will contain an egg.

6. What are Elite Raids?

Elite Raids are a very challenging type of Raid Battle, featuring powerful Raid Bosses. These raids require an in-person Raid Pass and cannot be done remotely. Elite Raid Eggs take 24 hours to hatch, giving trainers ample time to prepare. Once they hatch, the boss is available to battle for 30 minutes.

7. Can you beat a 5-Star Raid alone?

Generally, no. 5-Star Raids are designed to be extremely difficult and require the participation of multiple trainers. You will need to work with others to defeat the powerful Raid Boss.

8. How do you tell what a Raid Egg will be?

The color of the egg indicates the Raid Tier. Pink eggs signify Level 1 and Level 2 Raids, yellow eggs for Level 3 Raids, purple eggs with white stripes are Level 5 Raids (often containing legendary Pokemon), and beige with red are for Mega Raids.

9. Can you solo a 3-Star Raid?

Yes, 3-Star Raids are usually soloable, especially if you use appropriate counters. However, some trainers may want to have a friend with them, as some Pokemon can be difficult.

10. Can you solo raids in Pokémon GO?

Yes, Level 1 Raids are very easy to solo. Level 3 Raids are more difficult, but still potentially soloable, depending on your level and Pokémon. Higher tier raids are not recommended to solo and will usually end in failure.

11. What color are Raid Eggs?

Level 1 Raids are pink, Level 3 Raids are yellow, Level 5 Raids are purple with white stripes, and Mega Raids are beige and red.

12. What is a pink egg raid?

A pink egg raid indicates a Normal Raid Egg, containing Level 1 and Level 2 Pokémon. These are generally the easiest raids to complete.

13. What are Level 5 Raid Eggs?

Level 5 Raid Eggs are also known as Legendary Raid Eggs and are purple with white stripes. They contain very powerful Legendary Pokémon that are only available through these raids.

14. Can you beat a raid alone?

Generally, no. Higher level raids will require more trainers and better Pokemon to defeat.

15. Can you delete eggs in Pokémon GO?

No, unfortunately, you cannot delete eggs in Pokémon GO. You have to hatch them all in order to get more. This is a common point of frustration for many players.

Conclusion

Understanding how to do an Egg Raid is vital for any Pokémon GO player. It’s not just about participating; it’s about being prepared, knowing your Pokémon’s strengths, and coordinating with other trainers. By following these guidelines and understanding the nuances of each egg type, you can increase your chances of catching powerful Pokémon and becoming a more proficient player.

How to do an egg raid?