Pokemon Go current Raid bosses: August 2023 schedule for Mega Raids, 5-Stars & more
Raids are a key part of Pokemon Go, and every month there’s a new set of Pokemon ranging from common 1-Stars to rare 5-Star Legendaries for players to battle and catch. So, here’s the current line-up of Raid bosses for August 2023.
August is another exciting month for Pokemon Go players. The Season of Hidden Gems is well underway, there’s a Froakie Community Day to look forward to and, of course, there’s a new set of Spotlight Hour stars to enjoy.
As for Raids, Trainers will be able to catch Cresselia, Xerneas, and Yveltal when they return to 5-Star Raids during this month. There will also be opportunities to once again battle Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre in Primal Raids.
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 for August 2023
Niantic have revealed the August schedule for Raids, and there are some exciting battles to be had! Most notable are the Legendaries Xerneas and Yveltal, which will return to 5-Star Raids this month.
Here are the Pokemon you’ll be able to find in Raids this month:
Primal Raids
Pokemon | Dates | |
Primal Kyogre | August 23 – August 26 | |
Primal Groudon | August 23 – August 26 |
Mega Raids
Pokemon | Dates | |
Mega Tyranitar | July 25 – August 4 | |
Mega Gyarados | August 4 – August 16 | |
Mega Salamence | August 16 – August 23 & August 27 – September 1 |
5-Star Raids
Pokemon | Dates | |
Regidrago | July 25 – August 4 | |
Cresselia | August 4 – August 16 | |
Xerneas | August 16 – August 23 & August 27 – September 1 | |
Yveltal | August 16 – August 23 & August 27 – September 1 |
3-Star Raids
Pokemon | ||||
Golduck | Lileep | Octillery | Vileplume | Weepinbell |
1-Star Raids
Pokemon | ||||
Cacnea | Foongus | Krabby | Lotad | Tangela |
The current Raid Boss lineup has changed once again now that the 2023 World Championships event has ended, with some great Pokemon available to catch including Lileep, Vileplume, and Cacnea.
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 August 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:
- Regidrago Raid guide
- Xerneas Raid guide
- Yveltal Raid guide
- Mega Tyranitar Raid guide
- Mega Gyarados Raid guide
- Mega Salamence Raid guide
- Primal Groudon Raid guide
- Primal Kyogre Raid guide
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 Xerneas 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.
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 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!
For more tips and tricks covering all things Pokemon Go, make sure to check out our guides:
Best Pokemon in Pokemon Go | All upcoming Spotlight Hours | Arlo counters guide | Cliff counters guide | Giovanni counters guide | Sierra counters guide | Grunt counters guide | How to catch a Ditto | What are Strange Eggs? | How to get Remote Raid Passes | Fastest way to get Best Buddy status | Pokemon Go catching tips