The upcoming Pokemon GO Sparring Partners Raid Day is set to be a riveting experience, packed with special encounters and limited-time bonuses. Scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM local time, this three-hour event invites players to jump into a whirlwind of action.
The event features Mega Raids and an array of exclusive rewards. However, with a ticket price of USD $4.99, many players are left contemplating whether this investment is indeed worthwhile.
Let’s delve into the offerings of the Pokemon GO Sparring Partners Raid Day and assess whether the ticket provides adequate value for trainers.
Exciting Highlights of the Pokemon GO Sparring Partners Raid Day

Players can look forward to the following highlights during the event:
- Mega Heracross will spawn more frequently in Mega Raids, and there’s a chance for it to be Shiny.
- Hariyama and Scraggy will appear more often in regular raids, also with Shiny possibilities.
- All three featured Pokemon will gain access to a new Charged Attack called Upper Hand.
- A complimentary Timed Research questline will be available, offering:
- 10,000 Stardust upon completion.
- 1,000 additional Stardust per Raid victory, which can stack with ticket bonuses.
- Plus several mystery rewards!
- Up to six free Raid Passes (one from the event and five from Gym Photo Discs).
- Remote Raid Pass limit increased to 20 from April 12 at 5 PM to April 13 at 8 PM PDT.
- Higher shiny encounter rates for Heracross, Hariyama, and Scraggy during raids.
-
Scraggy as portrayed in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company) - Eight extra Raid Passes from spinning Gym Photo Discs, bringing your total to 14.
- Higher drop rate for Rare Candy XL from raids.
- 50% bonus XP for each Raid win.
- Double Stardust from Raids.
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Hariyama as depicted in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)
Don’t forget: the Timed Research tasks and rewards need to be completed and claimed by 5 PM local time on April 13.
Exclusive Free Bonuses for All Players
For players opting not to purchase a ticket, there are still several exciting bonuses available:
These incentives make the event appealing, especially for players eager to expand their collection of Fighting-type Pokemon or chase rare shiny forms.
What’s Included with the USD $4.99 Ticket?
For those seeking an enhanced experience, purchasing the ticket unlocks an additional suite of bonuses exclusive to the event:
This ticket effectively amplifies your raid rewards, accelerating your acquisition of XP, Stardust, and rare resources. If your plan involves heavy raiding during this time, these perks will accumulate rapidly.
Additionally, players can find a special Sparring Partners Raid Day Ultra Ticket Box in the Pokemon GO Web Store, which includes the event ticket and a complimentary Premium Battle Pass for the same price of USD $4.99. This option is ideal if you’re inclined to purchase the ticket.
Is the Pokemon GO Sparring Partners Raid Day Ticket Worth It?
Here’s the crux of the matter:
Buy the ticket if you’re a serious raider. The opportunity to use 14 Raid Passes, enjoy improved Rare Candy XL chances, and encounter Shiny Heracross and Hariyama make it a worthwhile investment for committed trainers. The additional XP and Stardust enrich the experience, especially beneficial for players focused on leveling up or resource collection.
Skip the ticket if you’re a casual player or can’t fully dedicate the time. If you can’t commit to the full three-hour window, the benefits may not justify the cost. Free-to-play participants can still enjoy solid bonuses and have the chance to catch shiny Pokemon without any expenditure.
In conclusion, the Pokemon GO Sparring Partners Raid Day ticket holds significant value for raid veterans and shiny hunters. However, it’s completely feasible to enjoy the event without spending any money. Ultimately, your decision hinges on your level of engagement during this exciting event.