How to Get Raid Passes in Pokémon GO Without Spending a Dime
The allure of Pokémon GO raids is undeniable. Battling powerful Pokémon alongside other trainers and earning valuable rewards is a core part of the game’s appeal. However, raid passes can sometimes feel like a barrier, especially if you prefer not to spend real money on in-game purchases. Fortunately, there are several ways to get raid passes in Pokémon GO without reaching for your wallet. This article will detail those methods and answer frequently asked questions to help you maximize your raiding experience without spending a single PokéCoin.
Free Raid Pass Methods
The primary way to acquire free raid passes is through consistent gameplay and engagement with various in-game activities. Here are the main avenues for obtaining these coveted items:
Spinning Gym Photo Discs
The most reliable method to get a free Raid Pass is by spinning the Photo Disc at a Gym. Each day, you can obtain one free Raid Pass by doing so. Keep in mind that you can only hold one free Raid Pass at a time, and it cannot be removed from your Item Bag. It’s crucial to use the pass before attempting to collect another, as you won’t be able to accumulate multiple free passes this way.
Special Research Tasks and Questlines
Certain Special Research tasks or questlines within Pokémon GO will sometimes reward players with a free Raid Pass upon completion. These research lines are typically released alongside new events or Pokémon introductions, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the in-game news and research tab. Completing these tasks can offer a straightforward way to obtain a Raid Pass as a bonus.
Research Breakthrough Rewards
Completing 7 Field Research tasks will reward you with a Research Breakthrough. A key reward from Research Breakthroughs is the chance to get a free Remote Raid Pass. These passes allow you to participate in a raid from anywhere, making them incredibly valuable. Note that there’s a limit of three Remote Raid Passes that a Trainer can hold. If you earn a Remote Raid Pass from a Research Breakthrough while at the limit, you’ll receive a Premium Battle Pass instead.
In-Game Events
Pokémon GO regularly hosts various in-game events. Sometimes these events include free Raid Passes as rewards for participation or completion of specific tasks. These events are often announced via in-game notifications, so it’s worth checking regularly for opportunities to acquire free passes. Keep an eye out for special Raid Hours and other limited-time events.
Remote Raid Pass Considerations
While Remote Raid Passes can be earned through Research Breakthroughs, it’s vital to understand that there are usage limitations. There’s an inventory limit of three Remote Raid Passes per Trainer. However, if you’re already at the limit, earning one from a Research Breakthrough will get you a Premium Battle Pass instead. Remember that Remote Raid Passes cannot be used for Shadow Raids.
Understanding Raid Pass Types
It’s important to understand the different types of raid passes available in Pokémon GO:
- Raid Pass: This is the standard pass earned from spinning a Gym Photo Disc. It allows you to participate in a raid at a physical Gym.
- Remote Raid Pass: Allows you to join a raid from anywhere.
- Premium Battle Pass: Can be used for raids and the GO Battle League.
These passes, while serving similar purposes in raids, have distinct ways of acquisition and usage restrictions.
FAQs: Raid Passes in Pokémon GO
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions about getting raid passes in Pokémon GO, with detailed answers to provide extra guidance:
1. Can I get more than one free Raid Pass per day?
No, you can only get one free Raid Pass per day by spinning the Photo Disc at a Gym. You must use the existing one before getting another.
2. Can I store more than one free Raid Pass?
No, you can only hold one free Raid Pass at a time in your Item Bag.
3. Do Raid Hours give additional free Raid Passes?
No, Raid Hours do not provide any additional free Raid Passes. The primary advantage of a Raid Hour is the increased spawn rate of five-star raids.
4. What is a Premium Battle Pass, and how does it relate to Raid Passes?
A Premium Battle Pass was previously called a Premium Raid Pass. It can be used for both raids and the GO Battle League. These passes are typically purchased using PokéCoins but can sometimes be obtained as rewards for various achievements, like getting a Remote Raid Pass from a Research Breakthrough while at the pass limit.
5. Can I use a Remote Raid Pass on Shadow Raids?
No, Remote Raid Passes cannot be used to participate in Shadow Raids. You must be physically present at the Gym.
6. How many Remote Raid Passes can I have at once?
You can hold a maximum of three Remote Raid Passes in your inventory.
7. What happens if I earn a Remote Raid Pass from Research while having three already?
If you earn a Remote Raid Pass from a Research Breakthrough while already at the three-pass limit, you will receive a Premium Battle Pass instead.
8. Can you solo raids in Pokémon GO?
Yes, you can participate in raids alone. However, your Pokémon may do less damage, and you may get less rewards if you participate remotely, rather than at the gym in person.
9. Is there a limit on how many raids I can do in a day?
Yes, there is a limit of five Remote Raids per day. This limit may sometimes be increased for special events.
10. What are Raid Eggs?
When you see a Raid Egg at a Gym, it means a raid is about to begin. A countdown will appear, and when it finishes, the Raid Boss Pokémon will hatch and appear for a limited time.
11. What do different colored Raid Eggs mean?
Raid Eggs come in different colors based on the level of the raid. Pink Eggs indicate Level 1 Raids, Yellow Eggs are Level 3 Raids, and Purple Eggs with white stripes are Level 5 Raids. Mega Raids appear with beige and red eggs.
12. What is an Elite Raid Egg, and how does it work?
An Elite Raid Egg appears 24 hours before the Elite Raid. This allows you time to coordinate with other trainers for a difficult raid battle.
13. What are Raid Hours and how do I take part in them?
Raid Hours usually take place every Wednesday from 6 to 7 PM local time and features increased five-star raid activity. During this period, more high level raid battles are available across the game.
14. Are there other ways to get Raid Passes apart from the main methods?
While the methods discussed are the primary ways to get free Raid Passes, Niantic often introduces temporary promotions or features in the game that might include raid passes as part of their rewards. So, always pay attention to in-game news and special events.
15. Can I trade Raid Passes with other players?
No, Raid Passes cannot be traded between players.
Conclusion
Obtaining Raid Passes in Pokémon GO without spending money is certainly achievable with some consistent effort. By diligently spinning Gym Photo Discs, completing Special Research tasks, engaging with Research Breakthroughs, and participating in in-game events, you can amass a sufficient collection of passes to enjoy the raiding aspect of the game. Understanding the rules and restrictions around Raid Passes, especially the Remote Raid Pass limit, is essential for maximizing their value. Good luck, and happy raiding!