Demystifying Raid Den Resets: A Comprehensive Guide for Pokémon Trainers
Raid dens, the hotspots for cooperative battles and rare Pokémon encounters, are a crucial part of the Pokémon experience in games like Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and even Pokémon GO. Understanding when these dens reset is vital for maximizing your opportunities and optimizing your gameplay strategy. So, let’s get straight to the point:
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and related games, raid dens generally reset at midnight local time. This means that at the stroke of 12:00 AM, wherever you are, the game will refresh the available raid dens, offering a new set of challenges and rewards. This reset doesn’t rely on any specific in-game event or requirement; it’s a simple, time-based system.
However, there are nuances and alternative methods for triggering a reset, which we’ll explore in detail. Let’s dive into the specifics and answer some of the most frequently asked questions by trainers like you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Raid Den Resets
This section aims to address the burning questions trainers often have regarding raid dens, their resets, and related mechanics.
How do I manually refresh Max Raid dens in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
If you’re impatient and don’t want to wait until midnight, you can force a reset of the dens. This is primarily applicable in Pokémon Sword and Shield. The most common method is to use a Wishing Piece on an empty den. This will initiate a new raid battle in that den, and also contribute to the overall refresh mechanic of the Wild Area. Clearing all active dens (those emitting beams of light) will also trigger a refresh, generating a new set of Max Raid Battles across the Wild Area. Remember that you must interact with and defeat/attempt to catch the Pokémon in each active den for this method to work.
How often do Pokémon dens reset in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and Pokémon Sword and Shield?
The natural, time-based reset for Pokémon dens occurs daily at midnight local time. This applies to both Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and Pokémon Sword and Shield. If you’ve cleared all the active dens, this midnight reset will repopulate the Wild Area/Paldea with new raid opportunities.
What time do raids start and end each day in Pokémon GO?
In Pokémon GO, raids don’t follow the midnight reset rule. Raid availability is different. While individual raid events can happen at any time, raids generally occur between 5:00 AM and 7:45 PM local time. A Raid Egg will appear above the Gym, alongside a countdown timer before the actual raid begins. The raid battle itself lasts for 45 minutes once it starts.
Why are my raids not resetting?
Several factors can prevent raid dens from resetting properly:
- Incorrect System Time: Ensure your Nintendo Switch’s clock is synchronized with the correct local time.
- Game Glitches: Occasionally, a game glitch can prevent a reset. Try completely closing the game and restarting it. Some players have reported success setting the console clock to 23:59, opening the game, and waiting for it to roll over to 00:00.
- Unfinished Raids: If you’ve initiated a raid but haven’t completed it (either by winning or losing), it might block the reset.
Can I redo a raid if I fail?
Yes, in most Pokémon games with raid battles, if you fail to defeat the raid boss, you can rejoin the raid and battle again. In Pokémon GO, your Raid Pass will remain active for the duration of the raid, allowing multiple attempts. In Pokémon Sword and Shield and Scarlet and Violet, you may have limited attempts based on online connectivity and the raid’s expiration.
How do you get Max Raids to spawn?
Max Raids spawn automatically within Pokémon Dens in the Wild Area (or their equivalent in other games). To increase the chances of new raids appearing, clear all the currently active dens. This will prompt the game to generate a new set of raids. Alternatively, using a Wishing Piece on an empty den will force a new raid to appear.
Can one person solo a 3-star raid?
Yes, a skilled player with well-trained Pokémon can solo a 3-star raid. Tier 3 raids are designed for a small group (around two players), but a high-level player (level 40 or higher) with optimal Pokémon and strategic play can often succeed alone.
What is today’s raid hour in Pokémon GO?
In Pokémon GO, Raid Hour occurs every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time. During this hour, most Gyms will host 5-Star Raids, giving you an increased chance of encountering the featured 5-Star Raid Pokémon.
Can one person beat a 5-star raid?
Generally, no, it’s incredibly difficult to solo a 5-star raid. These raids are designed for multiple trainers (typically at least 3-5), requiring coordinated teamwork and powerful Pokémon.
How do I get 2000 Watts from dens?
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, the amount of Watts you receive from dens depends on your game progress. Before completing the main storyline, you’ll get 200 Watts from dens with active raids and 50 Watts from empty dens. After completing the game, this increases to 2,000 Watts for active raids and 200 Watts for empty dens.
Are Pokémon dens 100% catch rate?
When you defeat a raid boss from a den you found yourself, you have a 100% catch rate regardless of the Poké Ball used. However, this doesn’t apply to event dens or raids joined online. In these cases, the Pokémon will have their regular (often lower) catch rates.
Can Wishing Pieces spawn rare dens?
Yes, Wishing Pieces can spawn Raid Battles from Dens, including Gigantamax Pokémon, especially in Pokémon Sword and Shield. These rare spawns are more likely to appear from dens with a purple beam of light and swirling clouds. Even then, the chance of encountering a Gigantamax Pokémon is relatively low (around 5%).
What is the Max Raid glitch in Pokémon?
There have been several glitches associated with Max Raid Battles. One notable glitch involved multiple Shiny Pokémon on the player’s team playing the Shininess animation repeatedly during the battle, potentially causing visual distractions or even game crashes. These glitches are often patched in subsequent game updates.
Why are there no raids at night in Pokémon GO?
Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO, generally disables raids at night to discourage players from roaming the streets late at night for safety reasons. However, you can still participate in raids in different time zones through Remote Raid Passes and friend invites.
Can Nihilego be shiny?
Yes, Nihilego can be shiny in Pokémon GO. Its shiny variant has a golden core and white accents. The shiny odds for Nihilego are approximately 1 in 20 during its raid events.
Mastering the intricacies of raid den resets can dramatically improve your Pokémon training and collecting experience. By understanding the timing, methods, and potential issues, you’ll be well-equipped to take on the toughest challenges and catch the rarest Pokémon. Knowledge is power, trainer! To further your understanding of gaming and its impact, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for understanding how gaming impacts our learning.