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

Daniel Megarry
Mega Rayquaza in Pokemon Go

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.

June is expected to be an exciting month for Pokemon Go, as players can participate in events like Stadium Sights and Slumbering Sands, as well as Pokemon Go Fest Madrid as part of the new season, Shared Skies.

The month of June will also host a Community Day on June 9, featuring a still unannounced Pokemon, and another Community Day Classic on June 22. 

As for Raids, trainers worldwide can expect to face Pokemon like Zapdos, Yveltal, and Ho-Oh in 5-star Raids and Mega Alakazam and Mega Charizard Y in Mega Raids. More so, while Shadow Raikou takes on Shadow Raids, the mighty Mega Rayquaza will be back for an Elite Raid at the end of the month.

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Pokemon Go Raid Boss schedule for June 2024

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

Most notable is the comeback of Legendaries Yveltal and Ho-Oh, alongside one of the most popular Megas, Mega Gyarados.

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

Mega Raids

POKEMONDATES
Mega PidgeotMega PidgeotMay 23 – June 1
Mega GyaradosJune 1 – June 10
Mega AlakazamMega AlakazamJune 10 – June 19
Mega Charizard YJune 19 – June 28
Mega TyranitarJune 28 – July 8
Mega Rayquaza pokemonMega RayquazaJune 29 (Elite Raid)

5-Star Raids

POKEMONDATES
Blacephalon PokemonBlacephalonMay 23 – June 1 (Western Hemisphere)
Stakataka PokemonStakatakaMay 23 – June 1 (Eastern Hemisphere)
ZapdosZapdosJune 1 – June 10
Landorus incarnateLandorus (Incarnate Forme)June 10 – June 19
YveltalYveltalJune 19 – June 28
Ho-OhHo-OhJune 28 – July 8

3-Star Raids

POKEMON
Galarian WeezingDruddigonTurtonator
Galarian WeezingDruddigonTurtonator

1-Star Raids

POKEMON
Paldean WooperHisuian QwilfishHisuian SneaselBagonDeino
Paldean WooperHisuian QwilfishHisuian SneaselBagonDeino

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 June 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
Blacephalon PokemonBlacephalonMay 29 (Western Hemisphere)No
Stakataka PokemonStakatakaMay 29 (Eastern Hemisphere)No
ZapdosZapdosJune 5Yes
Landorus incarnateLandorus (Incarnate Forme)June 12Yes
YveltalYveltalJune 19 / June 26Yes

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.