Getting started with Pokemon GO raids in January 2025? You’re in for some good opportunities to catch powerful Pokemon. This month brings Palkia and Deoxys back to 5-star raids and introduces Mega Gallade for the first time. Whether you’re hunting for shinies or just want to fill out your Pokedex, there’s something worth raiding for everyone. So, with that, let’s break down everything you need to know about raids this month, from schedules to strategies for success.

Pokemon GO Current Raid Bosses (January 2025)

Let’s break down what you can expect from each raid tier this month:

5-Star Legendary Raids

The 5-Star raid lineup features some fan-favorite legendary Pokemon. Palkia returns early in the month, followed by both Attack and Defense Forme Deoxys. All featured legendaries can be shiny, so this is your chance to add some rare variants to your collection.

DatesPokemon ImageDec 24 – Jan 4Giratina (Altered Forme)Jan 4-16PalkiaJan 16-24Attack & Defense Forme DeoxysJan 24-Feb 6Dialga Related Articles

Mega Raids

This month brings the exciting debut of Mega Gallade to Pokemon GO. You’ll also have chances to battle Mega Lopunny and Mega Medicham. Remember that Mega raids typically need 4-6 trainers for success.

DatesPokemon ImageDec 26 – Jan 4Mega AbomasnowJan 4-16Mega LopunnyJan 16-24Mega GalladeJan 24-Feb 6Mega Medicham

1-Star and 3-Star Raids

These raids are perfect for solo players or small groups. You can usually complete 1-Star raids alone, while 3-Star raids might need 2-3 trainers depending on your level and counters.

3-Star Raids:

  • Bombirdier (shiny available)
  • Dewgong
  • Mightyena
  • Absol (shiny available)

1-Star Raids:

  • Pancham (shiny available)
  • Snorunt (shiny available)
  • Blitzle (shiny available)
  • Galarian Zigzagoon (shiny available)
  • Alolan Rattata (shiny available)

Max Battles

Max Battles feature Dynamax Pokemon from various regions. This month focuses heavily on Kanto starters and some popular picks like Machop and Wooloo.

DatesFeatured PokemonJan 6-13Machop, Gastly, Krabby, Wooloo, CryogonalJan 13-20Machop, Gastly, Krabby, Squirtle, CryogonalJan 20-27Charmander, Beldum, Cryogonal, ScorbunnyJan 27-Feb 3Bulbasaur, Wooloo, Cryogonal, Grookey

Pokemon GO Raid Hour Schedule

Raid Hours happen every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time. During this hour, most gyms will feature the current 5-Star raid boss.

DateFeatured PokemonImageJan 1Giratina (Altered Forme)Jan 8PalkiaJan 15PalkiaJan 22Deoxys (Both Formes)Jan 29Dialga

Pokemon GO Max Mondays

Max Monday events run every Monday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time, featuring special Dynamax raid bosses.

DateFeatured PokemonJan 6MachopJan 13SquirtleJan 20TBAJan 27TBA

What are Pokemon GO Raids and How to Participate

Raids are special battles where you team up with other trainers to defeat powerful Pokemon. To join a raid, you need a raid pass. You get one free raid pass daily by spinning a gym photo disc, or you can buy premium passes from the shop.

Remote raids are also available using Remote Raid Passes, letting you join raids from anywhere. However, remote raiders deal less damage than in-person participants, so keep this in mind when planning your raid strategy.

Remember to check the boss’s weaknesses and bring appropriate counter Pokemon to maximize your chances of success. After defeating a raid boss, you’ll get a chance to catch it using Premier Balls. The number of Premier Balls you receive depends on factors like damage dealt, gym control, and friendship level with other raiders.