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06 Numbers and Powers

Pokemon Go Remote Raid Always Same Pokemon?

Card No. 06·41901 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

No, Pokémon GO Remote Raids do not always give you the same Pokémon. The Pokémon you encounter in a Remote Raid is determined by the specific Raid Boss at that Gym at that time, which rotates on a schedule and varies by location, so different Remote Raids can feature different Pokémon.

How Remote Raids Work

Remote Raids let you join a Raid Battle at a Gym you can see on your map or via an invitation from a friend, without being physically nearby. You use a Remote Raid Pass to enter the battle from the map or lobby screen. The Raid Boss—the Pokémon you battle and can catch—is the same one that would appear for local players at that Gym. Each Gym hosts a Raid Boss that changes periodically, typically every few hours, and the boss is drawn from the current Raid rotation set by Niantic.

Raid Boss Rotation and Schedules

Raid Bosses are not random per player; they are fixed for each Gym at a given time. Niantic rotates the available bosses across different tiers (1 to 5 stars, plus Mega Raids) on a schedule. For example, a Tier 5 Raid might feature a Legendary Pokémon for a week, then switch to a different Legendary. Similarly, Tier 1 and Tier 3 Raids have their own pools that change with events or seasons. The rotation applies globally, but the specific boss at a Gym is randomly selected from the current pool at the start of each raid egg hatching. So, two different Gyms at the same time could host different bosses from the same tier, and the same Gym will host different bosses over time.

Why You Might See the Same Pokémon Repeatedly

If you join several Remote Raids in a short period, you might encounter the same Pokémon multiple times. This is not because Remote Raids are programmed to repeat, but because the current rotation features a limited set of bosses. For instance, during a Legendary Raid event, the featured Tier 5 boss is the same for all Gyms for the entire event period. If you remote into multiple Gyms during that time, you will battle the same boss. Similarly, if you join a raid at the same Gym twice in a row, the boss may not have changed yet if the rotation hasn’t updated.

How to Choose a Remote Raid with a Different Pokémon

To find a Remote Raid with a different Pokémon, you need to check what boss is currently active at a Gym. You can do this by:

  • Looking at the in-game Raid tab or the Nearby screen to see active raid eggs and their timers.
  • Using third-party raid maps or community groups that report current raid bosses at specific Gyms (note: these are not official and may not be available in all areas).
  • Accepting invitations from friends who are at different Gyms—they can invite you to a raid that may have a different boss than what you see locally.
  • Waiting for the raid rotation to change, which happens at set times (often hourly or at specific event times).

Remember that you can only join a Remote Raid if you have a Remote Raid Pass and the Gym is within your interaction range (or you are invited).

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A frequent misconception is that the Pokémon you catch from a Remote Raid is random per player, but it is not—everyone who participates in the same raid gets the same Raid Boss, though the IVs (stats) and CP vary per player. Another issue is that Remote Raid Passes are limited; you can hold a maximum of 3 at a time (though you can purchase more), and using them costs PokéCoins. Some players also think that Remote Raids have a lower catch rate or different shiny odds, but the catch rate and shiny odds are the same as for local raids. However, there is a daily limit on the number of Remote Raids you can join (currently 5 per day), which Niantic has adjusted over time.

Comparing Remote Raids to Local Raids

Remote Raids function almost identically to local raids in terms of the boss, rewards, and catch mechanics. The main differences are:

  • You need a Remote Raid Pass instead of a regular Raid Pass.
  • Your Pokémon’s damage output is slightly reduced in Remote Raids (a known game mechanic).
  • You can join from anywhere, but you cannot use a Remote Raid Pass on a Gym that is too far away unless you are invited.
  • Remote Raids have a daily participation limit, while local raids do not.

In terms of the Pokémon you get, there is no difference—the same boss appears for both remote and local players in the same raid lobby.

Costs and Availability of Remote Raids

Remote Raid Passes are purchased with PokéCoins in the in-game shop. The cost has changed over time; as of the current version, a single Remote Raid Pass costs 195 PokéCoins, and bundles offer discounts. You can also receive Remote Raid Passes as rewards from certain events or special research. The daily limit on Remote Raids is a separate restriction, so even if you have many passes, you can only join a certain number per day. This limit is in place to encourage local play, but it can be frustrating if you are trying to catch a specific Pokémon from a remote location.

Safety and Etiquette for Remote Raids

When using Remote Raids, always be aware of your surroundings—do not raid while driving or in unsafe areas. Since you can join from anywhere, it is easy to raid while walking, but stay alert. Also, be considerate when inviting friends: only invite people who have expressed interest, and make sure you have enough time for them to join before the raid starts. If you are hosting a remote raid, you can invite up to 5 friends (10 if you have a full lobby), and you should coordinate through messaging apps or in-game communication.

Alternatives to Remote Raids

If you want to catch a specific Pokémon without using Remote Raids, you can:

  • Find a local Gym that is hosting that boss and join in person—this uses a regular Raid Pass and has no daily limit.
  • Use a Pokémon GO community or Discord group to find nearby raids that feature the boss you want.
  • Wait for the raid rotation to change; if the Pokémon you want is not currently available, it may appear in a future event or rotation.
  • Trade with a friend who has the Pokémon you need, though this does not involve raiding.

Each method has its own advantages, but Remote Raids are the most convenient for accessing Gyms far away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can two Remote Raids at the same time have different Pokémon?

Yes, if the Gyms are different and the raid bosses are from the same tier but randomly selected from the current pool, they can differ. However, during events where a specific boss is featured, all Tier 5 raids will have that same boss.

Does the Pokémon I catch from a Remote Raid depend on my level?

No, the Raid Boss is the same for all players, but the CP and IVs of the caught Pokémon are randomly generated per player, independent of level. Your level only affects the CP range of the catch, but the species is fixed.

Why did I get a different shiny from a Remote Raid than my friend?

Shiny odds are the same for all players, but the shiny check is random per encounter. Each player has an independent chance to get a shiny, so it is possible for one player to get a shiny while another does not, even in the same raid.

Can I change the Pokémon in a Remote Raid by leaving and rejoining?

No, the Raid Boss is set when the raid starts (egg hatches). Leaving and rejoining the same raid will show the same boss. You would need to join a different Gym’s raid to see a different Pokémon.

Are Remote Raid Passes worth it if I want a specific Pokémon?

If the Pokémon you want is currently in the raid rotation and you cannot find it locally, Remote Raid Passes are a convenient way to get it. However, be mindful of the daily limit and the cost, and consider waiting for the rotation to change if you are not in a hurry.

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