Why Can’t I Join a Raid? A Comprehensive Guide to Raid Battles
Have you ever been ready for an epic raid battle, only to be met with frustration and the inability to join? This can be a common issue for many players, and the reasons behind it are often multifaceted. The inability to join a raid can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from in-game limitations and requirements to technical issues. Let’s dive into the primary reasons why you might be facing this problem.
The most immediate and common reasons why you might not be able to join a raid include:
- Distance Limitations: If you are trying to join a raid in person, you must be within the physical range of the Gym. You cannot participate if you are too far away. This is especially relevant for Elite Raids, which are exclusively local.
- Remote Raid Limits: There is a limit of 5 Remote Raids you can participate in per day. If you’ve reached this limit, you will not be able to join any more remote raids until the next day. This limit can sometimes be increased during special events.
- Invitation Requirements: If you were invited to a raid, ensure the invitation is visible on your screen. Keep an eye on the bottom right tab of your screen. If it’s orange, an invite is pending. You must accept the invite before the raid begins.
- Trainer Level: If you’re being invited to a raid, both you and the person inviting must be at level 32 or above. This is a requirement to participate in raid invites.
- Party Restrictions: You cannot join a raid battle that has already started. If you try to join a raid late, you might find the battle already in progress and be locked out.
- Time Constraints: Raid eggs will only spawn between 5:30 am and 7:45 pm local time and the raid bosses are available from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm once hatched.
These are the most common obstacles that prevent you from participating in raids. However, there are further nuances and restrictions to be aware of. Let’s delve deeper into some common questions and related scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the restrictions on inviting friends to a raid?
You can invite up to five friends to a raid. Both you and your invited friends must be at least level 32 to participate. Additionally, ensure that your friends are online and available to receive the invitation.
2. How do I join a raid when I’ve been invited?
To join a raid you’ve been invited to, tap the in-game notification to access the raid directly. Alternatively, tap a push notification which will open the Pokémon Go app. Then, tap the active raid invitation from the “Nearby” menu. Make sure to do this quickly, before the raid starts and you are locked out.
3. Why can’t I join 7-star Tera Raids?
7-star Tera Raid battles in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet have specific prerequisites. You need to:
- Complete the main story.
- Win all of the post-game gym leader rematches.
- Beat a number of 5-star Tera Raid battles.
Additionally, 7-star Tera Raids are only available during special in-game events. You can join a 7-star raid hosted by someone who has unlocked it, even if you haven’t.
4. Can I join a 7-star raid without unlocking it myself?
Yes, you can! You can join a 7-star Tera Raid battle hosted by a player who has completed the necessary post-game events, even if you haven’t met the prerequisites yourself. Keep an eye out for Black Tera Raid Crystals on the map, which have unique icons and special glows during events. Remember, you’ll still need to unlock 6-star raids to access these.
5. What are the weaknesses of common Raid Bosses?
Understanding a Raid Boss’ weaknesses will help you select the appropriate Pokémon to use in your battles. Here are some examples:
- Mega Rayquaza: Weak against Dragon, Fairy, Ice, and Rock-type moves.
- Zapdos: Weak against Rock and Ice-type moves.
- Guzzlord: Weak against Bug, Dragon, Fairy, Ice, and Fighting-type moves.
6. How long do raid eggs and raids last?
Raid eggs will only appear between 5:30 am and 7:45 pm local time. Raid bosses are available to battle from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm, once the egg hatches. If a raid lasts for 48,000 game ticks (40 minutes in real time) without being completed, the raid boss will disappear.
7. Can I join a raid late?
While you can technically join a raid late, you cannot join a raid if it’s already in progress. If other trainers have already begun battling, you will not be able to participate in the same battle.
8. How do I participate in a raid?
To participate in a raid:
- Enter a Gym with an active raid.
- Choose how you want to join:
- Tap “Battle” to automatically match with other players.
- Alternatively, you can invite friends or create a private group.
- Use a Raid Pass to gain entry into the raid.
9. How many raids can I do in a day?
You can participate in a maximum of five Remote Raids per day. This limit may occasionally increase during special events. There are no limits on the number of local raids you can participate in.
10. How can I get more Raid Passes?
You can obtain Raid Passes through the following ways:
- Spinning the Photo Disc at a Gym.
- Completing certain Special Research tasks or quest lines.
- Participating in Events which often provide free raid passes.
- Purchasing them from the Shop.
11. Are Shadow Raids local-only?
Yes, Shadow Raids are local-only. This means you cannot participate remotely and must be physically present at the Gym.
12. Can I solo a 3-star Raid?
Yes, it is possible to solo a 3-star raid if you are at a high level (level 40) and use powerful, well-matched Pokémon with perfect play. However, they are targeted towards groups of 2 level 30-40 players.
13. Can I beat a 5-star raid alone?
No, it is incredibly difficult to beat a 5-star raid alone. You’ll need multiple trainers to stand a chance of defeating the Raid Boss. Teamwork is essential for 5-star raids.
14. How do I unlock 6-star Tera Raids?
To unlock 6-star Tera Raids, you need to:
- Complete the Academy Ace Tournament after finishing the main story.
- Defeat all the Gym Leaders a second time.
- Win 15 Five-Star Tera Raid Battles.
15. Why can’t Rayquaza defeat Dialga in lore?
While Mega Rayquaza has impressive stats in the game, in the lore, it cannot defeat Dialga or the rest of the creation trio (Palkia and Giratina). The creation trio have dominion over aspects of reality, making them more powerful than Rayquaza despite its power and Mega evolution.
By understanding these various rules, limitations, and nuances, you’ll have a much better chance of successfully participating in raid battles. Remember to check for game updates and announcements for changes to these rules, and good luck, Trainers!