Pokémon GO is shaking up its raid system this May with the introduction of remote participation for Shadow Raids and Max Battles. These changes open up new opportunities for Trainers who can’t always make it to in-person events, while also adjusting daily limits and rewards to balance the experience.
Key Dates and Changes
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| From May 13, 2025, 11:00 a.m. PDT (GMT −7) | Remote Shadow Raids become available |
| Daily Remote Raid limit increases to 10 | |
| From May 19, 2025, 11:00 a.m. PDT (GMT −7) | Remote Max Battles launch |
| Max Particles limit raised to 1,500 |
Starting with the Crown Clash: Taken Over event on May 13, Trainers can join Shadow Raids remotely using a Remote Raid Pass. This means no more missing out on those elusive Shadow Pokémon just because you’re not physically near a raid location. Keep in mind, Shadow Raids will count toward your daily Remote Raid limit.
From the same date, the daily cap on Remote Raids will jump from 5 to 10. This change applies to both Shadow and regular raids, giving Trainers more chances to jump into battles without leaving home. Niantic hinted that this limit might increase further during special events.
Max Battles Join the Remote Party
On May 19, ahead of the Gigantamax Machamp Max Battle Day, Max Battles will also be accessible remotely. Trainers will need a Remote Raid Pass and the usual Max Particles to participate. While remote players can join the fun, those battling in person will receive more Premier Balls and XP as a reward for showing up physically.
also, the maximum number of Max Particles a Trainer can hold will increase from 1,000 to 1,500, potentially allowing for more frequent Max Battle participation.
Note: The Remote Raid limit will temporarily increase to 20 from May 24, 5:00 p.m. PDT to May 25, 8:00 p.m. PDT.
Remote Raid Pass Bundle Available
For trainers looking to stock up, a Remote Raid Pass bundle is now available at the Pokémon GO Web Store for US$2.99 (or local equivalent). Each bundle contains two Remote Raid Passes, making it easier to jump into remote raids without worrying about running out.
What This Means for the Community
Niantic’s move to expand remote raiding options addresses a long-standing demand from the community. Max Battles, which have seen lower participation, might get a much-needed boost as more Trainers can join from anywhere. Shadow Raids could become as popular as Mega Raids, especially if new Shadow Bosses like Shadow Mewtwo are introduced.
There were concerns about how these changes might affect local in-person communities. Still, Niantic’s testing during recent remote Ho-Oh Shadow Raids showed positive trends in both remote and physical participation. It seems the game is trying to balance accessibility and rewarding those who gather in person.
Infographic
- May 13, 2025, 11:00 a.m. PDT: Remote Shadow Raids become available; daily Remote Raid limit increases from 5 to 10.
- May 19, 2025, 11:00 a.m. PDT: Remote Max Battles launch; Max Particles limit increases from 1,000 to 1,500.
- The Remote Raid limit temporarily increases to 20 from May 24, 5:00 p.m. PDT, to May 25, 8:00 p.m. PDT.
- In-person Max Battle participants earn more Premier Balls and XP as an incentive.
What do you think about these changes? Will remote raiding breathe new life into Max Battles and Shadow Raids, or will it shift the community dynamics too much? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
