Pokémon GO Unleashes Remote Raids and Max Battles: What’s New?
Pokémon GO trainers, get ready for a game-changing update! Niantic is rolling out significant changes to Shadow Raids and Max Battles, making them accessible remotely. This move aims to enhance accessibility and engagement, especially for rural players, while also catering to the existing in-person communities.
Key Updates:
Remote Shadow Raids: Starting May 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PDT, you can participate in Shadow Raids remotely using a Remote Raid Pass. This change, kicking off with the Crown Clash: Taken Over event, will remain in effect even after the event concludes. Remember, Shadow Raids will count towards your daily Remote Raid limit.
Increased Remote Raid Daily Limit: Also beginning May 13, 2025, the daily Remote Raid limit is being bumped up from 5 to 10. Niantic has hinted that this limit might increase further during special events. Both Shadow and normal Raids contribute towards this limit.
Max Battles Go Remote: From May 19, 2025, ahead of Gigantamax Machamp Max Battle Day, trainers can join Max Battles remotely. This requires a Remote Raid Pass and the usual number of Max Particles. While remote participation is now an option, those who battle in person will earn more Premier Balls and XP, incentivizing the traditional meetup experience. The Max Particle limit is also being increased from 1,000 to 1,500, with potential for further increases during special events. Get ready for Gigantamax Pokémon from the comfort of your home!
Web Store Bundle: A new Remote Raid Pass bundle is available in the Pokémon GO Web Store for $2.99 USD, offering two Remote Raid Passes.
Why Now?
According to John Funtanilla, Pokémon GO senior producer, these changes have been under discussion for years and are “100 percent” the decision of the game’s leadership. While the timing coincides with Niantic's sale to Scopely, the development team emphasizes that the decisions were made independently.
Funtanilla highlights a test run in January, where players could use Remote Raid Passes for Shadow Ho-Oh battles, as a critical step in understanding how remote raiding would impact player behavior. The team saw that remote and in-person play could coexist effectively, prompting them to expand remote options.
"The magic of Pokémon GO is still playing in person and meeting up in communities," Funtanilla said, emphasizing the importance of balancing engagement with maintaining the value of the in-person experience.
What This Means for Players:
These updates provide greater flexibility for players, allowing them to experience Shadow Raids and Max Battles regardless of their location. The increased Remote Raid limit and the option to battle remotely offer convenience, while the added incentives for in-person battles ensure the community aspect remains vibrant. The changes also align with Niantic's goal of evolving with players and ensuring they can enjoy the game their way, which in turn may increase player engagement.
Are you excited about the new remote raiding options in Pokémon GO? How will these changes impact your gameplay and community interactions? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
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