TL;DR
- Elite Raids feature 20,000 HP bosses requiring coordinated in-person battles
- Mega Rayquaza requires Meteorite from Timed Research to learn Dragon Ascent for evolution
- Raid Eggs now appear same-day at 6 AM PST instead of 24 hours in advance
- Success demands proper team composition with ice and dragon-type counters
- 45-minute battle windows require strategic planning and preparation
The highly anticipated Elite Raid has arrived in Pokemon GO, bringing the legendary Mega Rayquaza to dedicated trainers worldwide. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the complex mechanics and maximize your chances of capturing this powerful legendary Pokemon.
Mega Rayquaza currently dominates the Elite Raid rotation, with the special event running from 12 PM to 6 PM Pacific Standard Time. The legendary dragon Pokemon will appear with increased frequency during specific hourly windows throughout the event duration:
- 12:00 pm – Initial wave activation
- 1:00 pm – Secondary opportunity window
- 5:00 pm – Late afternoon resurgence
- 6:00 pm – Final chance before conclusion
Strategic planning is crucial as Raid Eggs now materialize at 6 AM PST on event day, a significant departure from previous Elite Raid formats that provided 24-hour advance notice. This compressed timeline demands efficient coordination with your raiding community.
What is an Elite Raid in Pokemon GO?
Elite Raids represent the pinnacle of raid difficulty in Pokemon GO, featuring exceptionally powerful Raid Bosses that emerge from special Raid Eggs. Upon hatching, these formidable opponents remain available for exactly 45 minutes, creating intense battle scenarios that demand careful preparation. Unlike standard raids, Elite Raids enforce strict in-person participation requirements, eliminating remote raid pass usage entirely.
These extraordinary encounters boast staggering 20,000 HP pools, requiring coordinated team efforts of 5-8 experienced trainers depending on your counters and friendship levels. Victory against Mega Rayquaza grants the coveted opportunity to attempt capture of this majestic legendary Pokemon.
Successful Elite Raid completion hinges on proper team composition and battle strategy. The extreme HP values necessitate maximizing damage output through type effectiveness, weather boosts, and friendship attack bonuses. Understanding these mechanics separates successful trainers from those who repeatedly fail against these formidable opponents.
Research
Elite Raids introduce exclusive Timed Research tasks that provide essential evolution components. Completing these research objectives during the event window rewards trainers with Meteorites, crucial items required for Mega Rayquaza evolution.
Mega Rayquaza possesses unique evolution mechanics that differentiate it from other Mega Evolutions. Standard Mega Energy alone cannot trigger its transformation – trainers must first teach Rayquaza the exclusive Charged Attack Dragon Ascent. This powerful move can only be unlocked through Meteorite consumption, making event participation mandatory for obtaining this capability.
The Meteorite acquisition process through Timed Research typically involves completing specific battle tasks, catching certain Pokemon types, or achieving raid-related objectives. These research lines disappear after the event concludes, emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of Elite Raid participation.
Mastering Elite Raids requires sophisticated battle strategies beyond basic type matching. For Mega Rayquaza, optimal counters include Mamoswine with Ice-type moves, Galarian Darmanitan, and shadow Weavile. These Pokemon exploit Rayquaza’s double weakness to Ice-type attacks, dramatically increasing damage output.
Weather conditions play a pivotal role in Elite Raid success. Snowy weather boosts Ice-type moves by 20%, potentially reducing the required trainer count by 1-2 participants. Windy weather enhances Dragon-type attacks, which can provide alternative counter strategies.
Common mistakes include underestimating the HP requirement, using inadequately powered counters, and failing to coordinate mega evolution timing. Proper strategy involves staggering mega evolved Pokemon throughout the battle duration to maintain continuous damage bonuses. Our Class Guide provides additional team composition insights that can be applied to Pokemon GO raid scenarios.
Advanced trainers should prepare multiple teams of counters to avoid relobbying delays. Having a second pre-selected battle team ensures minimal downtime when your primary team faints, crucial for defeating the 20,000 HP boss within the 45-minute window.
Action Checklist
- Coordinate with local raiding community for specific time slots
- Power up Ice-type counters to level 35+ with proper movesets
- Complete Timed Research during event to obtain Meteorite
- Prepare backup battle teams to minimize relobbying time
- Teach Dragon Ascent to Rayquaza using Meteorite for mega evolution
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » What is an Elite Raid in Pokemon GO? Master Elite Raids with expert strategies, team composition tips, and Meteorite mechanics explained