Raids are an essential part of the Pokemon Go experience, and each month there’s a new set of Pokemon ranging from common 1-Stars to rare 5-Star Legendaries to battle and potentially catch. Here’s the current line-up of Raid bosses for October 2021.
October has already been an exciting month for Pokemon Go players. The Season of Mischief rumbles on, the Mythical monkey Zarude has made its debut, and there was a special Community Day event featuring the spooky Duskull.
As for Raids, Trainers will have the chance to add the powerful Genesect holding a Douse Drive to their Pokedex, while later in the month Altered Forme Giratina and Darkrai with the move Sludge Bomb will both be appearing in 5-Star Raids.
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It also appears that there will only be one Mega-evolved Pokemon appearing in Mega Raids at a time from now on, so it may have just become more difficult to get the Mega Energy you need.
Contents
- Raid schedule
- Raid boss guides
- When do Raid Hours take place?
- What are Raid Battles?
- How to get Raid Passes
- How to catch Pokemon in Raid Battles
Pokemon Go Raid Boss schedule October 2021
Niantic have revealed the October schedule for Raids, and there are some exciting battles to be had! Most notable is Darkrai with the move Sludge Bomb, as well as the debut of Mega Absol to celebrate Halloween.
Here are the Pokemon you’ll be able to find in Raids this month:
Mega Raids
| Pokemon | Dates | |
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Mega Gengar | October 1 – October 22 |
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Mega Absol | October 22 – November 5 |
5-Star Raids
| Pokemon | Dates | |
|
Genesect (with Douse Drive) | October 1 – October 12 |
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Altered Forme Giratina | October 12 – October 22 |
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Darkrai (with Sludge Bomb) | October 22 – November 5 |
3-Star Raids
| Pokemon | |||
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| Alolan Marowak | Banette | Drifblim (Halloween Mischief costume) | Lampent |
1-Star Raids
| Pokemon | ||||
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|
|
|
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| Galarian Yamask | Murkrow | Phantump | Pumpkaboo (Average Size) | Yamask |
The arrival of the Ghoulish Pals event has shaken up the Raid schedule once again, featuring the new debuts Phantump and Pumpkaboo, as well as Galarian Yamask, which can only be found at Halloween.
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- Read More: Pokemon Go Spotlight Hour schedule
Mega Raids and 5-Star Raids will follow the schedule above, but 1-Star and 3-Star Raids often change at random, especially during special events. Check back regularly for the latest Raid opportunities!
All Pokemon Go Raid Guides October 2021
If you’re new to Raids or, alternatively, just need a bit of a helping hand, then look no further! We’ve compiled extensive guides on how best to snag the Mega and 5-Star Raid Pokemon:
When do Raid Hours take place?
Each week, Niantic hosts a special Raid Hour takes place to allow players a better chance at catching the current 5-Star Raid Pokemon. All of the gyms that have Raids in them will be 5-Star, so that’s Giratina in the middle of October.
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Raid Hours take place every Wednesday from 6PM to 7PM, and you won’t have to worry about time zones as it will always be your local time. This is the perfect chance to get out there and catch yourself a Legendary.
What are Raid Battles in Pokemon Go?
Raid Battles occur when a Boss Pokemon takes over a Gym. You can find them by walking around local Gyms and keeping an eye out for eggs that are about to hatch, or Boss Pokemon that are part of a currently ongoing Raid.
These Pokemon are very powerful, so it’s recommended that you team up with a few other trainers in order to secure a victory. There are four tiers: 1-Star, 3-Star, 5-Star, and Mega Raids. The higher the tier, the harder the battle.
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Raid Battles are worth the time and effort to complete, though. As well as earning special items, you’ll also get a chance to catch the Pokemon you beat. In the case of 5-Star Raids, these will be Legendaries you can’t get anywhere else.
How to get Raid Passes in Pokemon Go
In order to take part in a Raid Battle, you’ll need a Raid Pass. You can earn one Raid Pass each day by spinning the Photo Disc at any Gym. If you run out, you can purchase a Premium Raid Pass from the Shop.
There are now also Remote Raid Passes available in Go. These are ideal for trainers who can’t leave the house, as they let you join any Raid Battle that’s on the Nearby screen or tappable from the Map View.
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Remote Raid Passes can be bought from the Shop, or received as free gifts every now and then.
How to catch Pokemon in Raid Battles
When you successfully defeat a Raid Boss, you’ll get the chance to catch it. You’ll be given a set number of Premier Balls to use, but it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be able to catch it, especially if it’s a Legendary.
Here are some ways to increase the number of Premier Balls you’ll get:
- Deal a high amount of damage to the Raid boss.
- Your team deals a high amount of damage to the Raid boss.
- Controlling the gym that the Raid takes place in.
- Participating in Raids with friends.
Remember, you can also use Razz Berries, or even better Golden Razz Berries, to help catch Raid bosses. Getting excellent throws or spinning curveballs will increase your chances, too.
Now you’re all clued up on Raids and the creatures you can battle at Gyms this month, it’s time to get out there and catch yourself some Pokemon – and maybe even a Legendary. Good luck, trainers!
For more tips and tricks covering all things Pokemon Go, make sure to check out our guides:
Spotlight Hour guide | Current Raid Bosses | Best ‘mon in Go: Attackers and defenders | Pokemon Go Spotlight Hour | Arlo counters guide | Cliff counters guide | How to get free Remote Raid Passes | Sierra counters guide | How to catch Ditto | Shop: Items list, prices, box changes
