2020-09-07T18:11:11 02:00

Pokémon GO Raids 2020: All Raids & Raid Bosses

In this latest raid guide for Pokémon GO, we show you,

which raids are active
how you can defeat raid bosses
how long a raid lasts

Pokémon are usually encountered in the wild and during special bonus events and special research. However, there are also Raids that require your skills. Normal arenas turn into raids from time to time. There, a particularly strong opponent awaits you.

Since the Pokémon from Raid levels 1-3 are easy to master and usually even alone or with two people, we have only summarized the most important things there. As soon as you face a 4-star raid boss, things often look quite different. That's why we've listed some suggestions for these Pokémon that will help you win.

In addition to normal arenas and raid battles, there are also EX raids, which you can only enter with an invitation. Very special pocket monsters are waiting for you there. As you can see, there's a lot to do in Pokémon GO, so throw on your best Pokémon Trainer outfit and head to the next raid.

Want to know more about Pokémon GO? We have many guides on a variety of topics. For additional bonuses, you can participate in the global challenge and celebrate the third birthday of the app from Niantic. We'll also keep you up to date on the content of the latest Community Day.

Pokémon GO: Karpador 1-Star Raid

The goldfish Pokémon Karpador can't do more than splash and despair.

Karpador bounces up and down in the Raid until you finally defeat it. It doesn't pose much of a challenge and can be done on its own. Karpador also appears more often in the wild, mostly in parks and lakes. Don't miss the chance to catch the fish Pokémon and pocket the valuable candies.

Karpador: 1,077 Competition Points (WP)
Attacks: Splash, Despair

We advise you to fight against this Pokémon, which is really easy to defeat, because Karapdor candies are highly sought after. They can be used to evolve and strengthen Garados.

Pokémon GO: Loturzel 1-Star Raid

Loturzel has a leaf on its head, which already suggests its type: Plant/Flight. With enough candies, it evolves further into Lombrero and Kappalores. His love for unusual headgear remains with him.

Loturzel 2,020 Competition Points (WP)
Attacks: Aqua gun, razor blade, bubble jet, energy ball

As cute as the attacks sound, they are. Equip yourself with Fire, Poison, or Flight type Pokémon to deal damage. Roserade, Kramshef, and Deoxys are good choices in this regard.

Pokémon GO: Sheinux 1-Star Raid

The electric Pokémon Sheinux looks cute, but it masters some attacks that will electrocute you. With Luxio and Luxtra, it can be evolved twice, provided you have collected enough candies. The Pokémon can also be seen in the Pokémon anime.

Sheinux: 2,873 competition points (WP)
Attacks: Tackle, Spark Jump, Star Shower, Landing Strike, Thunder Bolt

Sheinux will face you bravely, but with Pokémon like Mewtu and its Psycho Attacks, it doesn't stand a chance. Good counterattacks are also Simsala and Mamutel, who can deal out a lot of damage with his Clay Clamor and Steamroller.

Pokémon GO: Wailmer 1-Star Raid

A whole 400 candies are needed to turn the broadly grinning Wailmer into a Wailord. It takes a while, but it's worth it!

Wailmer: 3,369 competition points (WP)
Attacks: splash, aqua snare, ram boss, bodyslam, aqua wave

Thunder and Plant type Pokémon are Waimler's natural opponents. If you have a Roserade in your collection, his knees will shake in his Raid Arena. With sparking companions like Elevoltek and Zapdos and their Thunder attacks, the Water Pokémon is quickly defeated.

Pokémon GO: Flunkiefer 2-Star Raid

Flunkiefer has a big mouth and is waiting for you to defeat in the Raid with its Steel/Fairy type combo. Even on its own, this pocket monster should be easy to defeat if you are no longer a beginner.

Flunkiefer: 9,008 competition points (WP)
Attacks: Bite, Astonisher, Hugger, Iron Skull, Clamp

For Flunkiefer, especially Pokémon from higher Raid levels come into question, since they cause a lot of damage with their fire attacks. Entei, Lavados and Heatran are a good combination in battle.

Pokémon GO: Roselia 2-Star Raid

Especially against 1-Star Raid bosses, Roselia's evolution, Roserade, is often effective with its attacks. Therefore, it pays to defeat and catch the plant and poison Pokémon.

Roselia: 10.304 Competition Points (WP)
Attacks: Poison Blow, Flower Whirl, Spell Glow, Mud Bomb, Razor Leaf

Fire and Psycho work optimally as counters. Lavados, Lohgock, Entei and Mewtu, for example, are a way to shape the team.

Pokémon GO: Kokowei 2-Star Raid

Significantly stronger than the first two 2-Star Raids is Kokowei, which is of the Plant and Psycho type with its round body.

Kokowei: 13.369 Competition Points (WP)
Attacks: Bullet Seed, Special Sensor, Confusion, Seed Bombs, Psychokinesis, Zen Headbutt, Solar Beam

Kokowei has some strong attacks. If you are facing him alone, we recommend using Pokémon of the Beetle type. Scherox, Pinsir and Yanmega make a good team.

Pokémon GO: Kapilz 2-Star Raid

Little Kapilz looks cute and innocent, but is used as a counter for many higher Raid levels. Its good stats and attack variety make it possible.

Kapilz: 13.695 Competition Points (WP)
Attacks: Bullet Seed, Counter, Blast, Mud Bomb, Shrubber, Seed Bombs

Pokémon of type Battle and Plant are best defeated with Air attacks and Fire. Therefore, you are spoiled for choice: How about Rayquaza, which itself counts as a Raid opponent? Lavados also cuts a good figure in the Raid.

Pokémon GO: Austos 2-Star Raid

Austos is the evolution of Muschas and combines the types ice and water. With him, it gets frosty during the raid.

Austos: 14,038 competition points (WP)
Attacks Ice Breath, Aurora Ray, Avalanche, Ice Storm, Blizzard, Hydro Pump, Ice Shard

Electric attacks, Rock Pokémon, and Battle Attacks all put a powerful dent in Austos. With three weaknesses, you have a lot of variation. Machomei is often the first choice, Zapdos is also possible. But better choose Elevoltek here, which can withstand a lot. Rihornior and Rameidon are also a safe choice.

Pokémon GO: Starmie - 3-Star Raid

Starmie, the evolution of Sterndu, has the dual Water/Psycho type. Although it has slightly more points than its Tier 3 friends, Starmie has poor defense stats. If possible, use Pokémon with Unlight, Electric, Plant, Spirit, and even Beetle type attacks to defeat Starfish quickly.

Starmie: 17384 Competition Points (WP)
Attacks: Aquacnare, power reserve, hydro pump, seer, jewel power

Best counters against Starmie:

Zapdos (Electro) - Thunder Lightning, Charge Beam
Blitza (Electro) - Thunder Lightning, Thunder Shock

Kokowei (Plant) - Bullet Seed, Solar Beam
Tengulist (Plant) - Leaf Blade, Razor Blade

Despotar (Unlight) - Bite, Crunch
Rayquaza (Dragon) - Dragon Rod, Tantrum

How to evolve Evoli in Blizza, we have described in detail.

If you have caught the Legendary Pokémon Mewtu, it is also open to you to use it. Its Psycho Attacks, such as Spookball or Psycho Blade, are also very effective. If you are more of the down-to-earth type, Groudon with Clay Shot (and Solar Beam) is also an option.

Pokémon GO: Alola Raichu - 3-Star Raid

The Alola Raichu looks like it's in a vacation mood year-round. Since it's from the Alola region, its appearance is slightly modified, but its Electro/Psycho type remains. This means that the best way to fight it is with Spirit, Beetle, Ground, and Unlight type Pokémon. If you are highly leveled, this is even possible alone. In a small team, the fight against Raichu is over quickly and you can throw the on the Raid boss.

Alola Raichu: 16,178 Competition Points (WP)
Attacks: Spark Jump, Volt Change, Surge, Seer, Thunderclap

Best counters against Alola Raichu:

Gengar (Ghost) - Dark Claw, Haunted Ball

Absol (Unlight) - tirade, dark aura
Hundemon (Fire/Unlight) - tirade, parasite

Scherox (Beetle/Steel) - Angry Blade, Beetle Bite, Cross Scissors

With the Psycho Pokémon Simsala, you also have good cards against Alola Raichu. Other Raid opponents, such as Despotar, Mewtu, and Groudon, also look good in your starting lineup. A Pokémon rarely used for Raids is Tohaido, which is an unusual but effective choice with Bite and Crunch.

Pokémon GO: Machomei - 3-Star Raid

We actually name Machomei in almost all counter suggestions for strong Raids, because the Battle-type Pokémon has it all. With good stats, it can give pretty much any opponent a run for their money. For this reason, it's worth defeating Machomei and stashing it in your Pokébox for the next battle.

Machomei: 19707 competition points (WP)
Attacks: Cartridge Strike, Counter Strike, Karate Strike, Ram Boss, Balancing Strike, Stone Hail, Cross Strike, Roll Over, Melee, Stone Edge, Stone Hail

Best counters against Machomei:

Mewtu (Psycho) - Confusion, Psychokinesis
Tobutz (Psycho) - Seer, Confusion, Special Sensor

Lavados (Flight) - Wingbeat, Sky Sweep
Rayquaza (Flight) - Air Slash, Aero-Ass

Guardevoir (Fairy) - Charm, Spell Glow

Pretty much any Pokémon that has Psycho attacks is suitable against Machomei. Just look for a pocket monster with good stats and put it on your team. Since Machomei is only level 3 on the Raid Scale, it should be doable to defeat it even with a less than perfect team.

Remember to have enough Berries in your pack to be able to catch Machomei easily in the end.

Pokémon GO: Tangela- 3-Star Raid

The plant Pokémon with the purple tentacles is no friend of fire, poison, ice or flight when it encounters other Pokémon. Take advantage of this to prevail against the pocket monster.

Tangela: 16,114 Battle Points (WP)
Attacks: Tendril Slash, Plague, Shrubber, Mud Bomb, Leaf Scourge, Solar Beam

Best counters against Tangela:

Entei (Fire) - Fire Whirl, Heat Fury
Lohgock (Fire) - Fire Whirl, Lohe Cannon
Lavados (Fire/Flight) - Sky Sweep, Fire Whirl

A Pokémon's Poison type is also effective against Tangela. So if Sleima, Nidorino, Toxiquak or Pokémon like Sarzenia and Alpollo are in your box, they are also good choices for battle. If you still have problems, just meet up with some other trainers or your friends in Pokémon GO and try again with collected power.

Pokémon GO: Alola Knogger - 4-Star Raid

The Pokémon with the sad story, Knogger, appears since the beginning of July 2019 in the 4-star Raids. Here, however, not the normal form can be caught, but the Alola version of Knogger.

Alola Knogger: 20,190 competition points (WP)

Attacks: Shatterer, Burden, Firestorm, Spookball, Bone Club

Knogger has two types in Pokémon GO: Fire and Spirit. Therefore, you are well advised with a team consisting of Pokémon of the type Unlight, Water, Ground, Rock and/or Spirit.

The raid boss is almost unbeatable in pairs, so you should have at least a group size of three, preferably more. This will make it a little easier for you to get through the enemy in the allotted time.

Best counters against Alola Knogger:

Kyogre (Water) - Cascade, Hydro Pump
Aquana (Water) - aqua gun, hydro pump

Despotar (Unlight / Rock) - Bite, Crunch, Stone Edge, Catapult

Rizeros (Ground) - Clay Clamp, Earthquake
Geowatz (ground) - clay rattle, earthquake, stone edge, stone throwing

Mewtu (Ghost / Psycho) - Haunted Ball, Psycho Blade
Gengar (Spirit) - Haunted Ball, Dark Claw, Burden

Pokémon GO: Dogemon - 4-Star Raid

Dogemon is a particularly strong opponent for a 4-star raid. If you are able to round up enough friends to defeat the pocket monster, you can look forward to an effective counter for other raids. Hundemon, with its good stats and Unlight / Fire type, has good prerequisites for other battles.

Dogemon: 28,590 competition points (WP)

Attacks: Telltale, Fire Tooth, Crusher, Firestorm, Parasite, Flame Throw

If possible, assemble a team that is capable of various attacks from the types of water, battle, rock and ground. With this, it should be possible to achieve victory within the time limit.

Best counters against Dogemon:

Rameidon(Rock): Stone Edge, Catapult

Kyogre (Water) - cascade, hydro pump
Impergator (Water) - cascade, aqua howitzer

Machomei (Combat) - Karate Chop, Counter Strike, Balancing Strike
Hariyama (Combat) - Counter, Sweeping Blow

There are many counters possible for Hundemon. If you want, you can also use Kapilz or Toxiquak with the same attacks as Hariyama. Rihornior with Catapult, Earthquake or Surfer is also conceivable.

Pokémon GO: Despotar - 4-Star Raid

Despotar is not content with just one type either. It combines Unlight and Rock, which gives it a double weakness against combat attacks. So if you want to win, go all out for strong Battle Pokémon! But also Water, Plant, Soil, Steel, Beetle, and Fairy type Pokémon will give it a run for its money.

Despotar: 37,599 Battle Points (WP)

Despotar is rightly considered one of the most popular counter Pokémon for Raids in the app. All the more reason to defeat it in the Raid and include the green monster in your team. It can't evolve, but the candies collected in battle find their use in the form of power-ups.

Best counters against Despotar:

Machomei (Battle) - counter, balancing strike, karate chop, melee, cross chop
Lohgock (Battle) - Counter, Focus Strike

Hariyama (Battle, Steel) - Cartridge Slash, Balancing Strike

Lucario, Galagladi, Quappo, and Skaraborn also have some battle attacks that can help you in the Raid. Just check your Pokébox to see which pocket monster has good stats and is a good companion for the Raid.

Pokémon GO: Tengulist - 4-Star Raid

In contrast to Despotar, Tengulist has more than 10,000 WP less to show and is thus a whole corner easier to defeat. Since it is of the Plant / Unlight type, Fire Pokémon, Beetle Attacks, and Air Strikes cause it especially great damage.

Tengulist: 23,786 competition points (WP)
Attacks: razor blade, feint, leaf blade, hurricane, grass blender, parasite

Best counters against Tengulist:

Yanmega (Beetle) - Beetle Bite, Beetle Growl
Pinsir (Beetle) - Cross Scissors, Fury Blade, Beetle Bite

Lavados (Fire, Flight) - Fire Whirl, Sky Sweep, Wing Strike

Lohgock (Combat, Fire) - Lohe Cannon, Fire Whirl

Skaraborn, Sichlor, Scherox, and Heatran also have a number of viable attacks against Tengulis.

Even Omot has them suitable attacks and can deal out properly. Which Pokémon you end up choosing depends on your preferences. In addition, the weather also plays a role, because some pocket monsters get a handy boost in the Raid through weather changes.

Pokémon GO: Absol - 4-Star Raid

Absol is a special Pokémon in the Raid, because you can also encounter this pocket monster in its Shiny version if you're lucky. Then Absol is colored differently, but its stats remain unchanged. It has the type Unlight and offers you some possibilities to cause a lot of damage.

You can't really go wrong with fighting attacks or attacks of the Fairy type.

Absol: 28,769 competition points (WP)
Attacks: Psycho Blade, Telltale, Thunder, Sinister Aura, Vielender

Best counters against Absol:

Machomei (Combat) - Karate Chop, Blast, Counter, Close Combat
Skaraborn (Combat/Plant) - Counter, Melee, Multi-ender

Togekiss (Fairy) - Charm, Spellshine
Granbull (Fairy) - Hug, Charm

Depending on your rating, Guardevoir can also be particularly effective against Absol, as this Pokémon is also capable of some Fairy attacks. Otherwise, we recommend Lohgock, Kapilz, and Hariyama, which all have similar attacks to Machomei and complement your team.

Pokémon GO: Armored Mewtu

Currently, there is a special form of the legendary Pokémon Mewtu to be found in 5-star Raids. Armored Mewtu is weaker than its test tube-made brother, as the armor suppresses its abilities.

We have dedicated an entire guide to the armored Mewtu.

Pokémon GO: Deoxys initiation form

This is not the first time that the Legendary Pokémon Deoxys has appeared on the player. Already in 2018, Deoxys appeared in an EX Raid, to which only players with an invitation had access. The current (as of July 2019) situation is similar with the initiative form of Deoxys.

To get the special Pokémon, you need an EX Raid Passwhich is sent to selected players in the form of an invitation. Once a week, these invitations go out and end up in the inventory of players who have spent the last few days doing Raids. The more Raids you have completed at a particular PokéStop, the higher your chance of receiving an EX Raid Pass for that exact arena.

This will open the gates of the EX-Raid at a certain time and give you the opportunity to defeat Deoxys in Speed Form. Even in this special form, Deoxys is of Psycho type and therefore vulnerable to Unlight, Beetle, and Spirit Pokémon. In our guide to Deoxys, we describe exactly how you can get an EX Raid Pass and with which team you have the best chances in the fight against the rare Pokémon.

A few tips for good counters against Deoxys:

Banette
Dogemon
Gengar
Mewtu
Scherox
Absol

Pokémon GO: Demeteros - 5-Star Raid

Beware of the new level 5 raid with Demeteros, also known as Wealth Pokémon. It originates from the Einall region and is one of the Legendary Pokémon in the game.

Demeteros combines the two Poké types of ground and flight, so be armed against attacks from both directions. It's best to include Ice and/or Water type Pok émon in your team before going into battle.

Best counters against Demeteros:

Mammutel: Powder Snow, Lavine
Mewtu: Psycho Blade, Ice Beam
Arktos: ice breath, ice ray
Glaziola: ice breath, lavine
Snibunna: Ice Shard, Lavine

Special: In GO Battle League, Demeteros can appear as a special reward encounter for a limited time starting at Rank 4.

Pokémon GO: Heatran - 5-Star Raid

It's going to be fiery! In the level 5 raid, Heatran awaits you with its powerful attacks.

When: August 21, 2020 (10:00 p.m.) - September 10, 2020, 10:00 p.m

Heatran is of the type Fire as well as Steel and with its 49,192 WP a really tough opponent. We recommend you to use Pokémon of the Ground type to have a chance against this colossus.

Best counters against Heatran:

Rihornior: Clay Shard, Earthquake
Demeteros: clay shot, earth forces
Groudon: Clay Shot, Earthquake

Pokémon GO: Cresselia - 5-Star Raid

Pokémon fans around the world have known Cresselia since the 4th generation and can now catch it in Pokémon GO's Level 5 Raid.

When: September 10, 2020 (10:00 p.m.) - September 18, 2020, 10:00 p.m

With a strength of 30,849 WP, Cresselia is surprisingly quick to beat - at least for a 5-star raid. Best arm yourself with Crypto Pokémon to defeat it.

Best counters against Cresselia:

Crypto-Snibunna: Shouting, Parasite
Crypto-Despotar: Bite, Crusher
Crypto-Hundemon: Standpauke, Parasite

In addition to other Crypto Pokémon, such as Crypto Pinsir, Crypto Banette or Crypto Scherox, you also have good chances with Darkrai, Skelabra or a normal Snibunna.

Pokémon GO: Arktos - 5-Star Raid

It's getting icy again! In the level 5 raid, the legendary Pokémon Arktos awaits you once again. The giant kingfisher will keep you in check with its cool attacks.

When: September 18, 2020 (10:00 p.m.) - September 25, 2020, 10:00 p.m

Arktos makes fan hearts beat faster, as it is one of the first legendary Pokémon in the franchise. Arktos is of the type ice and flight. Oppose him best Pokémon that will melt his cold disposition.

Best counters against Arktos:

Despotar: catapult, stone edge
Lavados: Firewhirl, Heatwhirl
Geowatz: Stone throw, Stone edge

Pokémon GO: Zapdos - 5-Star Raid

The last Level 5 Raid in September has the Legendary Pokémon Zapdos in its luggage.

When: September 25, 2020 (10:00 p.m.) - October 02, 2020, 10:00 p.m

Zapdos is part of the Legendary Pokémon trio from the first generation and focuses on thunder attacks from the air. For this reason, you should equip your team with rock and ice Pokémon. Psycho attacks like Mewtu's also show a good effect.

Best counters against Zapdos:

Geowatz: Stone throw, Field throw
Despotar: Catapult, Stone Edge
Mewtu: Psycho Blade, Spook Ball

How to play Pokemon GO from home now

The current situation forces us to be indoors as much as possible. Large community meetings and gatherings for raids are currently not possible. Niantic is also aware of this change and doesn't want to risk you getting too close to other trainers on your hunt for rare Pokémon.

That's why they've come up with some, temporary changes for PokémonGO.

Community Day has been extended to 6 hours
Smoke extension instead of Lock Module bonuses for Community Day to keep you moving
Battle sets in the PKMN GO League no longer need to be unlocked on foot
Introduction of the remote raid pass to participate in raids from home
1x per day, all players will receive a field research pack without turning at PokéStops
Your buddy Pokémon will go to nearby PokéStops on its own and collect gifts
Candies and stardust can soon be used in larger quantities at the same time
Effects of smoke, star piece and lucky egg can be stacked
Friendship level for Trainer Battles has been lowered

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