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 January 2023.
January is shaping up to be an exciting month for Pokemon Go players. The Season of Mythical Wishes continues with new events, there’s a Community Day Classic starring Larvitar, and of course, there’s a new set of Spotlight Hour stars to enjoy.
As for Raids, Trainers will be able to catch Reshiram, Zekrom, and Regice when they return to 5-Star Raids throughout the month. There will also be a brand new Mega Pokemon to battle and Tapu Koko will make its Shiny debut!
Updated January 27, 2023, to add new 1 and 3-Star Raid Pokemon.
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 January 2023
Niantic have revealed the January schedule for Raids, and there are some exciting battles to be had! Most notable are the debuts of Shiny Tapu Koko and Mega Salamence.
Here are the Pokemon you’ll be able to find in Raids this month:
Mega Raids
| Pokemon | Dates | |
| Mega Steelix | January 1 – January 10 | |
| Mega Salamence | January 10 – January 18 | |
| Mega Lopunny | January 18 – January 25 | |
| Mega Aerodactyl | January 25 – February 1 | |
5-Star Raids
| Pokemon | Dates | |
| Reshiram (with move Fusion Flare) | January 1 – January 10 | |
| Zekrom (with move Fusion Bolt) | January 10 – January 18 | |
| Regice | January 18 – January 25 | |
| Tapu Koko | January 25 – February 1 | |
3-Star Raids
| Pokemon | |||
| Galarian Weezing | Jolteon | Mawile | Venomoth |
1-Star Raids
| Pokemon | ||||
| Alolan Grimer | Bronzor | Helioptile | Klink | Shinx |
With the ending of the Lunar New Year event, the Raid Boss lineup has changed once again, with loads of Pokemon available to battle and catch, including Galarian Weezing, Alolan Grimer, and Mawile.
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 January 2023
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:
- How to beat Reshiram and Zekrom
- How to beat Regice
- How to beat Tapu Koko
- How to beat Mega Steelix
- How to beat Mega Salamence
When do Raid Hours take place?
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, so that’s Regice right now.
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.
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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.
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.
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 Pokemon in Pokemon Go | Pokemon Go Spotlight Hour | Arlo counters guide | Cliff counters guide | How to get Remote Raid Passes | Sierra counters guide | How to catch Ditto | Pokemon Go Shop: Items list, prices, box changes
