Pokemon Go current Raid bosses: July 2024 schedule for Mega Raids, 5-Stars & more

Daniel Megarry
Ultra Beasts in Pokemon Go Fest 2002 Finale event

Raids are a key element of Pokemon Go, and every month, there’s a new set of Pokemon ranging from 1-Stars to 5-Star Legendaries for players to battle and catch.

July is set to be an exciting month for Pokemon Go, as players can participate in events like the 8th Anniversary Party and Inbound from Ultra Space, as part of Shared Skies.

As for Raids, trainers worldwide can expect to face Pokemon like Articuno, Tornadus (Incarnate Forme), and plenty of Ultra Beasts. Additionally, players can take on Shadow Entei in Shadow Raids, as well as Swampert and Aggron in Mega Raids.

Pokemon Go Raid Boss schedule for July 2024

Niantic has revealed the July schedule for Raids, and there are some exciting battles to be had!

Most notable is the comeback of Legendaries Articuno and Tornadus (Incarnate Forme), alongside the sturdy Mega Aggron.

Here are the Pokemon you’ll be able to find in Raids this month:

Mega Raids

POKEMONDATES
Mega SwampertMega SwampertJuly 8 – July 23
Mega Aggron in Pokemon Go RaidsMega AggronJuly 10 – July 19

5-Star Raids

POKEMONDATES
GuzzlordGuzzlordJuly 8 – July 9
NihilegoNihilegoJuly 9 – July 10
CelesteelaCelesteelaJuly 10 – July 11 (Southern Hemisphere)
KartanaJuly 10 – 11 (Northern Hemisphere)
Stakataka PokemonStakatakaJuly 11 – July 12 (Eastern Hemisphere)
Blacephalon PokemonBlacephalonJuly 11 – July 12 (Western Hemisphere)
Buzzwole in Pokemon Go RaidsBuzzwoleJuly 12 – July 15 (The Americas and Greenland)
PheromosaPheromosaJuly 12 – July 15 (Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India)
xurkitreeXurkitreeJuly 12 – July 15 (Asia-Pacific)
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Articuno profile imageArticunoJuly 15 – July 23
TornadusTornadus (Incarnate Forme)July 23 – August 3

3-Star Raids

POKEMON
Camerupt pokemonAmpharos pokemon
GarchompCameruptAmpharos

1-Star Raids

POKEMON
Dedenne pokemonLitleo pokemonSnorunt pokemon
DedenneLitleoStuffulSnorunt

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 for July 2024

If you’re new to Raids or just need a bit of a helping hand, then look no further! We’ll be compiling guides on how best to get the Mega and 5-Star Raid Pokemon below:

When do Raid Hours take place in Pokemon Go?

Each week, Niantic hosts a special Raid Hour to give 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 Raid Bosses.

Raid Hours take place every Wednesday from 6 PM to 7 PM, 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.

Raid Hour Schedule

The following Pokemon will appear as part of Pokemon Go Raid Hour at 6 PM local time until 7 PM local time on the dates listed below:

Pokemon Go Raid Hour Schedule

POKEMONDATESSHINY AVAILABILITY
Ho-OhHo-OhJuly 3Yes
GuzzlordGuzzlordJuly 8Yes
NihilegoNihilegoJuly 9Yes
CelesteelaCelesteelaJuly 10 (Southern Hemisphere)Yes
KartanaJuly 10 (Northern Hemisphere)Yes
Stakataka PokemonStakatakaJuly 11 (Eastern Hemisphere)No
Blacephalon PokemonBlacephalonJuly 11 (Western Hemisphere)No
Buzzwole in Pokemon Go RaidsBuzzwoleJuly 12 (The Americas and Greenland)Yes (July 5, 2024)
PheromosaPheromosaJuly 12 (Europe, the Middle East, and India)Yes
xurkitreeXurkitreeJuly 12 (Asia-Pacific)Yes
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Articuno profile imageArticunoJuly 17Yes
TornadusTornadus (Incarnate Forme)July 24/July 31Yes

What are Raid Battles in Pokemon Go?

Screenshot of Pokemon Go Raid Boss logo.
Taking part in Raid Battles gives you the chance to catch some rare Pokemon.

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 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.

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

Raid Passes are required to take part in Raids.

You’ll need a Raid Pass to participate in a Raid Battle. You can earn one Raid Pass daily by spinning the Photo Disc at any Gym. You can purchase a Premium Raid Pass from the Shop if you run out.

Remote Raid Passes are also 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.

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

Pokemon Go Premier Balls
Premier Balls let you catch Legendary Pokemon.

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, as they have very low catch rates.

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!

That’s all you need to know about the current Pokemon Go Raid Bosses. Don’t forget to check out our Spotlight Hour guide, as well as How to get Remote Raid Passes and some key catching tips, or our rankings for the Best competitive Pokemon and the Best Mega Evolutions.