How To Join Shadow Raids In Pokemon Go

2025-12-30

Shadow Raids continue to be a major attraction for Pokemon Go players heading into early 2026. Throughout January, Niantic has scheduled a new rotation of Shadow Raid bosses, giving Trainers another chance to battle powerful Shadow Pokemon and expand their collections.

With Shadow Cresselia headlining weekend raids, many players are looking for clear guidance on how Shadow Raids work and how to join them.

Shadow Raids are different from standard Raids and require specific preparation. Understanding where they appear, what items are needed, and how the battle mechanics differ can significantly improve your chances of success.

Key takeaways

Shadow Raids only appear at Gyms taken over by Team Go Rocket and cannot be joined remotely.
Shadow Pokemon are stronger than normal Raid bosses and require Purified Gems to subdue.
Five-Star Shadow Raids are limited to weekends, while lower-tier Shadow Raids appear daily.
January 2026 features Shadow Cresselia as the main Five-Star Shadow Raid boss.

What Is Pokemon Go And Why Shadow Raids Matter

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Pokemon Go is a location-based mobile game developed by Niantic that encourages players to explore the real world while catching, battling, and collecting Pokemon.

Since its launch, the game has evolved with new features such as Raids, Team Go Rocket encounters, and seasonal events.

These additions have kept gameplay fresh and introduced new strategic elements for long-term players.

Shadow Raids were introduced during the Rising Shadows event in May 2023 as an extension of Team Go Rocket’s presence in the game.

Unlike standard Raids, Shadow Raids feature Shadow Pokemon that have been corrupted and empowered by Team Go Rocket. These Pokemon hit harder, take more effort to defeat, and offer unique rewards that make them highly desirable.

Understanding Shadow Raid mechanics

Shadow Pokemon encountered in Shadow Raids behave differently from regular Raid bosses. During battle, their attack and defense increase significantly once they become enraged.

This makes coordination and preparation far more important, especially for higher-tier Shadow Raids.

To counter this mechanic, players must use Purified Gems. These items are crafted by collecting Shadow Shards, which drop from Team Go Rocket battles and Shadow Raids.

Using Purified Gems during the Raid temporarily weakens the Shadow Pokemon, making it easier to defeat. Without them, even experienced players may struggle against tougher bosses.

Pokemon Go Shadow Raid schedule for January 2026

Throughout January 2026, Shadow Raids are divided into three tiers: Five-Star, Three-Star, and One-Star Raids.

Three-Star and One-Star Shadow Raids appear daily at eligible Gyms, while Five-Star Shadow Raids are restricted to weekends only.

The featured Five-Star Shadow Raid boss for January is Shadow Cresselia, which begins appearing on weekends starting January 3. This Psychic-type Legendary Pokemon is especially sought after due to its strength in PvP formats and the possibility of encountering a Shiny version.

Three-Star Shadow Raids include Shadow Scyther, Shadow Aerodactyl, and Shadow Sableye. These Pokemon offer strong individual value and are more accessible for smaller groups.

One-Star Shadow Raids feature Shadow Bagon, Shadow Drowzee, Shadow Ralts, and Shadow Snover, making them ideal targets for solo players or newer Trainers.

How To Join Shadow Raids In Pokemon Go

Joining Shadow Raids requires a few specific steps and conditions. Unlike Remote Raids, Shadow Raids must be joined in person, making location and timing important.

To Participate In A Shadow Raid, Follow These Steps

Look for a Gym that has been overtaken by Team Go Rocket. These Gyms are visually distinct and clearly marked on the map.
Approach the Gym in person, as Shadow Raids cannot be accessed remotely.
Use a Standard Raid Pass or a Premium Raid Pass to enter the Raid lobby. Remote Raid Passes are not supported.
Coordinate with other players, especially for Three-Star and Five-Star Shadow Raids, as Shadow Pokemon are significantly stronger.
Use Purified Gems during the battle when the Shadow Pokemon becomes enraged to reduce its power.

Players can earn one free Standard Raid Pass each day by spinning the Photo Disc at any Gym. Additional Premium Raid Passes can be purchased from the in-game Shop if needed.

Tips for success in Shadow Raids

Preparation plays a key role in Shadow Raid success. Building teams with type advantages, stocking up on Purified Gems, and coordinating with other Trainers can make a noticeable difference.

For Five-Star Shadow Raids like Shadow Cresselia, joining local communities or organizing groups in advance is strongly recommended.

Timing is also important. Since Five-Star Shadow Raids only appear on weekends, planning your play sessions around those days ensures you don’t miss limited-time opportunities.

Lower-tier Shadow Raids, on the other hand, provide consistent daily chances to earn Shadow Shards and practice Shadow Raid mechanics.

Why Shadow Raids Are Worth Your Time

Shadow Raids offer some of the most challenging and rewarding battles in Pokemon Go. Shadow Pokemon often deal more damage than their purified or normal counterparts, making them valuable for both raids and PvP battles.

In addition, Shadow Raids provide an engaging alternative to standard Raids by emphasizing teamwork, item management, and real-world coordination.

As January 2026 unfolds, Shadow Raids remain a central feature of Pokemon Go’s evolving raid ecosystem. Whether you are targeting Shadow Cresselia or building resources through One-Star Shadow Raids, understanding how to join Shadow Raids in Pokemon Go will help you make the most of this limited-time content.

FAQ

What are Shadow Raids in Pokemon Go?

Shadow Raids are special Raid Battles that feature Shadow Pokemon controlled by Team Go Rocket. These Pokemon are stronger than normal Raid bosses and require Purified Gems to weaken them.

Can Shadow Raids be joined remotely?

No, Shadow Raids cannot be joined using Remote Raid Passes. Players must be physically near the Gym to participate.

How do I find a Shadow Raid Gym?

Shadow Raids appear at Gyms taken over by Team Go Rocket. These Gyms are clearly marked on the in-game map and rotate throughout the day.

What items are needed to beat Shadow Raids more easily?

Purified Gems are essential for calming enraged Shadow Pokemon. They are crafted from Shadow Shards earned through Team Go Rocket battles and Shadow Raids.