Raids are a key part of Pokemon Go, and every month, there is a new set of Pokemon ranging from common 1-Stars to rare 5-Star Legendaries for players to battle and catch. Here’s the current line-up of Raid bosses for January 2024.
January is expected to be an exciting month for Pokemon Go players. Players can participate in events like Lustrous Odyssey, Dazzling Dream, and Taken Treasures.
The month of January will also hold a Rowlet Community Day for users to enjoy. Also, a Community Day Classic will be held on January 20.
As for Raids, trainers worldwide can expect to face Pokemon like Buzzwole and Landorus in 5-star Raids in addition to Mega Steelix and Mega Medicham in Mega Raids.
Contents
- Raid schedule
- Raid Boss guides
- When do Raid Hours take place?
- Raid hour schedule
- What are Raid Battles?
- How to get Raid Passes
- How to catch Pokemon in Raid Battles
Pokemon Go Raid Boss schedule for January 2024
Niantic has revealed the January schedule for Raids, and there are some exciting battles to be had!
Most notable is the possibility of encountering a Shiny Therian Formes of Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus. The Legendaries will also come with the Featured Attacks of Bleakwind Storm, Wildbolt Storm, and Sandsear Storm, respectively.
Here are the Pokemon you’ll be able to find in Raids this month:
Mega Raids
| Pokemon | Dates | |
| Mega Ampharos | January 1 – January 10 | |
| Mega Medicham | January 10 – January 24 | |
| Mega Steelix | January 24 – January 31 | |
5-Star Raids
| Pokemon | Dates | |
| Buzzwole | January 1 – January 10 (The Americas and Greenland) | |
| Xurkitree | January 1 – January 10 (Asia-Pacific) | |
| Pheromosa | January 1 – January 10 (Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India) | |
| Tornadus (Therian Forme) | January 10 – January 17 | |
| Thundurus (Therian Forme) | January 17 – January 24 | |
| Landorus (Therian Forme) | January 24 – January 31 | |
3-Star Raids
| Pokemon | |||
| Alolan Marowak | Donphan | Camerupt | Bombirdier |
1-Star Raids
| Pokemon | ||||
| Trapinch | Tirtouga | Archen | Litleo | Pawmi |
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 January 2024
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:
- How to beat Mega Ampharos
- How to beat Mega Steelix
- Mega Medicham counters
- Buzzwole counters
- Xurkitree counters
- Pheromosa counters
- How to beat Tornadus Therian Forme
- How to beat Thundurus Therian Forme
- Landorus counters
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 Raid Bosses.
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.
Raid Hour Schedule
The following Pokemon will appear as part of Pokemon Go Raid Hour at 6PM local time until 7 PM local time on the dates listed below:
Pokemon Go Raid Hour Schedule
| Pokemon | Dates | Shiny Chance | |
| Buzzwole | January 3 (The Americas and Greenland) | No | |
| Xurkitree | January 3 (Asia-Pacific) | No | |
| Pheromosa | January 3 (Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India) | No | |
| Tornadus (Therian Forme) | January 10 | Yes | |
| Thundurus (Therian Forme) | January 17 | Yes | |
| Landorus (Therian Forme) | January 24 | Yes | |
What are Raid Battles in Pokemon Go?
Taking part in Raid Battles gives you the chance to catch some rare Pokemon.
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 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
Raid Passes are required to take part in Raids.
You’ll need a Raid Pass to participate in a Raid Battle. You can earn one Raid Pass daily by spinning the Photo Disc at any Gym. You can purchase a Premium Raid Pass from the Shop if you run out.
Remote Raid Passes are also 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
Premier Balls let you catch Legendary Pokemon.
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!