How to Find Raids in Pokémon GO

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Finding raids in Pokémon GO lets you battle a powerful Pokémon with nearby players and, if you win, earn rewards and a chance to catch the raid boss. You can look for raids on the in-game map or use the Nearby menu; make sure the app has location access and that you have a Raid Pass before joining a battle.

What You’ll Need

Pokémon GO installed and an internet connection.
Location services enabled for the app, so the map can show nearby gyms.
A Raid Pass to join a raid in person. You can hold one free orange Pass at a time; spin a Gym Photo Disc to get one if available. Remote raids require a Remote Raid Pass instead.
A suitable Pokémon team. Strong counters help, but you can check the boss and recommended team before the battle starts.
For an in-person raid, access to the Gym’s real-world location. Do not enter private or unsafe places to reach it.

Step-by-Step

Open the map and check your surroundings. Launch Pokémon GO in a safe place and let the map load. Gyms appear as large structures on the map. A raid may be underway if a boss, raid timer, or egg is displayed above a Gym. Eggs count down before the raid begins; once the timer ends, the boss appears and the raid’s remaining time is shown.
Use the Nearby menu to scan for raids. Tap the binoculars or Nearby button at the lower-right of the map, then select the Raids tab if it is available. The list can show raids at Gyms within the game’s current range, including a boss or an egg and the time remaining. Tap a listing to view its Gym on the map. The exact layout can change with app updates.
Check the Gym details before traveling. Tap the Gym or raid listing to see the boss, raid level, and timer. Confirm that the raid has started if you want to battle immediately; an egg means you must wait until its countdown finishes. Check that you can reach the Gym safely and that the raid will still be active when you arrive.
Choose how to join. For a nearby in-person raid, go to the Gym and tap it when you are within interaction range. For a remote raid, open an eligible invitation or use a Remote Raid Pass on a raid shown as available for remote participation. Follow the on-screen prompt to enter the lobby. Remote participation rules and availability can change, so rely on the current in-game prompt.
Use the lobby to prepare. Check the lobby countdown and the number of trainers joining. Select a battle party if prompted, or review the recommended Pokémon and adjust it if you have stronger type-advantaged choices. If too few players are present for a difficult boss, leave before the battle begins and find another group; you generally do not want to spend a Pass on an attempt you cannot reasonably complete.
Fight the boss and claim the encounter. Tap to use Fast Attacks and use charged attacks when they become available. If your team faints, choose another team and rejoin while the raid is still active. After a win, follow the prompts to use Premier Balls to try to catch the boss. A raid victory does not guarantee a catch.
Check other ways to find a group. If no suitable raid appears nearby, look for an in-game raid invitation or use a reputable community or raid-finding feature available to you. Confirm the raid’s location, start time, and whether it is in-person or remote before joining. Avoid sharing account passwords or personal information with strangers.

Common Mistakes

Confusing an egg with an active raid: An egg is a countdown, not a boss you can battle yet. Check the timer and return after it hatches.
Looking only at the map: A raid can be easy to miss when several Gyms are nearby or the map is zoomed in. Check the Raids tab in Nearby as well.
Arriving after the raid ends: The boss’s timer limits when you can enter. Allow time to travel and gather a group before it expires.
Assuming a pass is not needed: In-person raids use a Raid Pass, while remote participation uses a Remote Raid Pass. Check your item bag before traveling or accepting an invitation.
Entering with too few trainers: A high-level raid may be difficult or impossible for a small group, depending on the boss and everyone’s teams. Consider the lobby size and leave before the battle begins if the group is not ready.
Ignoring real-world safety: Do not play while driving, trespass, or enter restricted areas. Stop somewhere safe before using the app.

Tips

Check Nearby before setting out, then check the Gym again when you arrive; raid timers continue to count down.
Look for raids that fit your available time and team. Lower-level raids are usually more manageable with fewer players, while stronger bosses often benefit from a larger group.
Coordinate with friends before the lobby starts. Agree on the Gym, raid time, and whether everyone is joining in person or remotely.
Keep at least one suitable team ready, but review the boss’s type and your recommended party before each battle.
For a catch attempt after winning, use berries and aim for accurate throws. Gym control and other in-game bonuses may affect the number of Premier Balls, so check the post-battle screen.
Raid availability and remote-raid rules may vary as the game changes. The current raid screen and item prompts are the best guide to what you can join.

Troubleshooting

No Gyms or raids appear: Check that location services are on and that Pokémon GO has permission to use your location. Confirm your connection, wait for the map to load, and zoom out. Try closing and reopening the app if the map remains blank.
The Nearby Raids tab is empty: There may not be an eligible raid in range, or a raid may not have started. Check the map again later, widen your search by moving to a public area with more Gyms, or ask local players about scheduled meetups.
You can see a raid but cannot enter: Check whether it is an egg that has not hatched, whether the raid timer has expired, and whether you have the correct pass. For an in-person raid, move within the Gym’s interaction range. For a remote raid, confirm the invitation or remote entry is still available.
The lobby is empty or the raid group is too small: Wait briefly if time allows, invite eligible friends using the in-game option, or leave before the battle starts and coordinate another attempt. Do not assume other players will join automatically.
The app freezes or disconnects: Move to a stable connection, close other bandwidth-heavy apps, and reopen Pokémon GO. If the battle has already begun, use the in-game raid screen to see whether you can rejoin before the timer ends. Check the game’s official help resources if a pass or encounter appears to be missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I see raids near me?
Open the Nearby menu from the map and select Raids, or inspect nearby Gyms directly. The list only shows raids currently available within the game’s range.

Can I find a raid before it starts?
Yes. A Gym may show a raid egg and countdown. You can note the Gym and return after the egg hatches, as long as the raid is still active.

Do I need to be physically at a Gym?
For an in-person raid, you must be close enough to interact with the Gym. Remote participation may be possible for eligible raids through an invitation or the in-game remote entry option.

How do I get a Raid Pass?
Spin a Gym Photo Disc to receive a free daily Raid Pass when one is available. You can hold only one free orange Pass at a time. Other pass types and purchase options are shown in the in-game shop.

Can I do a raid alone?
Some lower-level raids may be manageable solo with a strong, well-matched team. More difficult raids usually need several prepared trainers; check the boss, your team, and the lobby before committing.

Why can’t I catch the boss after winning?
A victory starts a separate catch encounter, but catching the boss is not guaranteed. Use the Premier Balls provided, make accurate throws, and use a berry if you have one.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.