Event Overview
- A special Raid Day is set for April 13, highlighting Mega Heracross, Hariyama, and Scraggy in Pokemon GO.
- This event will introduce new moves, boost shiny encounter rates, and provide bonus raid passes.
- An exclusive ticket offers enhanced benefits, including double Stardust and increased XP from raids.
On April 13, Pokemon GO will host its fifth Raid Day of the year, bringing together fan-favorite creatures: Mega Heracross, Hariyama, and Scraggy. This follows previous Raid Days that featured notable Pokémon such as Mega Gallade, Ho-Oh, Hoopa Unbound, Mega Absol, and Mega Audino.
Heracross, a standout from Generation 2, resembles the Hercules beetle and has made appearances in the Pokémon anime as one of Ash’s key allies. It does not evolve into or from any Pokémon but possesses the ability to Mega Evolve, enhancing its formidable exoskeleton.
Hariyama, originating from Generation 3, draws inspiration from sumo wrestlers and evolves from Makuhita. In contrast, Scraggy, a Generation 5 Pokémon, evolves into Scrafty at level 39 and has captured the hearts of many fans with its distinctive lizard-like appearance. Trainers will have a prime opportunity to catch these characters during the upcoming event.
Essential Details for Pokemon GO’s Sparring Partners Raid Day
- Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM local time
- Featured Pokémon: Mega Heracross, Hariyama, Scraggy (including shiny variants)
- Attack Availability Updates
- Featured Pokémon can learn the new Charged Attack, Upper Hand:
- Trainer Battles: 70 power, with a chance to lower the opponent’s Defense by one stage.
- Gyms and Raids: 50 power.
- Event Bonuses
- Remote Raid Pass limit increases to 20 from Saturday, April 12, at 5 PM to Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 8 PM PT.
- Receive up to five additional free Raid Passes from spinning Gym Photo Discs (totaling six).
- Increased chance of encountering shiny variants of Heracross, Hariyama, and Scraggy in Raids.
- Event Ticket
- Price: $4.99
- Bonuses include:
- Eight extra Raid Passes from Gym Photo Discs (for a total of 14 per day).
- Higher chance of Rare Candy XL from Raid Battles.
- 50% more XP from Raid Battles.
- Double Stardust from Raid Battles.
- Timed Research
- Price: Free
- Rewards:
- 10,000 Stardust.
- 1,000 additional Stardust for completing a Raid Battle (totaling 2,000 Stardust, or 3,000 with the event ticket).
- Additional rewards included.
- Sparring Partners Raid Day Ultra Ticket Box
- Price: $4.99
- Purchasable at: Pokemon GO Web Store
- Includes:
- Event ticket.
- Bonus for Premium Battle Pass.
As part of the lead-up to Sparring Partners Raid Day, Niantic will expand the daily limit for Remote Raid Passes to 20 beginning Saturday, April 12, at 5 PM and lasting until Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 8 PM PT. During this event, players can collect up to five extra free Raid Passes through Gym Photo Discs while enjoying enhanced shiny capture opportunities for Mega Heracross, Hariyama, and Scraggy.
Players may purchase a $4.99 ticket, which provides significant advantages, including 50% more XP, double Stardust from raids, exclusive free Timed Research, and a special $4.99 box at the Pokemon GO Web Store.
In addition to the Raid Day activities, the Spring to Spring event will introduce Eldegoss and Gossifleur, set to launch on April 9. Furthermore, Tinkaton will make its much-anticipated debut during the event celebrating the Pokemon: Horizons anime, beginning April 16. Mark your calendars for another highlight on April 19, featuring Gigantamax Snorlax during the Max Battle Day.