If you’re still catching ’em all in Pokémon GO, there’s never been a better time to raid with friends and test your battle skills. The current lineup of Raid Bosses reflects Niantic’s dynamic approach to keeping trainers engaged, with fan-favorite Legendaries, spicy new additions, and valuable rewards for those daring to take them down.
Whether you’re looking to catch a Shiny, fill out your Pokédex, or earn those coveted XL Candies, the current Raid Boss schedule has something for everyone. Here’s a look at what’s happening in Pokémon GO raids right now and how you can make the most of it.
Table of Contents
Current Raid Boss Lineup (April 2024)
Raid Bosses in Pokémon GO rotate regularly—usually every few weeks—and differ based on the raid level. Here’s the current list of Raid Bosses, categorized by tier:
1-Star Raids
- Litwick
- Sneasel (Hisuian)
- Espurr (with a chance for Shiny)
- Sandile
- Buneary (Spring Form during Spring Celebration Event)
These are ideal for solo raiders looking to snag regionals, hunt Shinies, or collect rare Pokémon that are hard to find in the wild.
3-Star Raids
- Alolan Marowak
- Machamp
- Crobat
- Galarian Stunfisk
These raids often require more than one trainer unless you’re highly leveled with strong counters. They also have real PvP value—especially Machamp and Stunfisk!
5-Star Legendary Raids
This is where things get exciting! During the first half of April 2024, the rotating Legendary in Tier 5 Raids is:
- Therian Forme Thundurus (April 1 – April 10)
- Tapu Fini (April 10 – April 24)
- Necrozma (Dusk Mane) (April 24 – May 1)
Each of these Legendaries has a potential Shiny form available, and their appearance reflects ongoing seasonal events and theme-based updates.
During their active periods, Raid Hours take place every Wednesday between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM local time to provide players more opportunities to catch them.
Mega Raids
- Mega Venusaur: April 1 – April 10
- Mega Heracross: April 10 – April 20
- Mega Garchomp: April 20 – April 30
These Mega Evolutions offer powerful boosts and are essential for high-level raid strategies, especially when tackling tough Legendaries. Plus, successful raids grant Mega Energy, which is vital for evolving your own Pokémon.
Upcoming Raid Events
Niantic regularly sprinkles in special raid-focused events. In April 2024, look out for:
- Spring Into Spring Mini-Event – Special 1-Star and 3-Star raid additions with flower-crowned Pokémon.
- Raid Day: Mega Lucario – April 21 features boosted spawns and increased Mega Energy rewards.
- Elite Raids Return – Shadow Mewtwo will be featured in high-difficulty timed raids starting April 28.
How to Prepare for Raids
If you’re planning to tackle these Raid Bosses, it’s crucial to come prepared. Here are a few tips:
- Check Weaknesses: Each boss has counter-types. Use recommended counters like Dark-types for Ghosts or Electric-types for Flying Pokémon.
- Use Remote Raid Passes: Join raids with friends across the globe without needing a physical location.
- Complete Field Research: Some missions provide raid passes or candies, so keep an eye on them.
- Evolve and Power Up Teams: Saving Stardust pays off when facing high-tier Legendaries.
- Coordinate with Local Communities: Use Discord and Facebook groups to find groups and organize remote raids.
With Mega Evolutions and Shadow Pokémon influencing battles more than ever, forming a solid team isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary for higher-tier success.
Final Thoughts
The current Raid Boss schedule in Pokémon GO offers a variety of challenges for both new and veteran players. Whether you’re after a shiny Espurr or teaming up to take down Necrozma, the rewards are worth the effort. Stay updated through in-game news, or follow official accounts and community channels to be in the loop.
So, grab your Raid Passes, charge your battery packs, and get ready to battle—because the world of Pokémon never sleeps, and there’s always a battle just around the corner!