If you’ve played Pokémon Go for a while, you already know Raids are one of the most exciting parts of the game. They offer rare Pokémon, higher IV chances, and a reliable way to grab Legendaries that you may never see in the wild. With every new month comes a fresh rotation of Raid Bosses, and November 2025 has turned out to be packed with strong picks, shiny possibilities, and a handful of Shadow challenges that will push even experienced players.
The current rotation runs until December 2, the final day of the Tales of Transformation event. After that, the entire lineup will shift again, but until then, here’s everything you can take advantage of.
Note: A * next to a Pokémon’s name means that its shiny version is available during raids.
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Tier 1 Raid Bosses (Nov 25 – Dec 2)
Tier 1 Raids are great for casual players or anyone who just wants to do quick catches. They’re easy to complete alone, and each boss this month has a shiny chance, making them ideal for shiny hunters.
Tier 1 Bosses
- Machop / Machop* – Fighting – CP 678–730
- Timburr / Timburr* – Fighting – CP 699–751
- Pancham / Pancham* – Fighting – CP 796–850
This lineup is surprisingly good. Machop and Timburr both have extremely strong final evolutions (Machamp and Conkeldurr). Pancham eventually evolves into Pangoro, which isn’t top-tier but still fun to build.
If you’re newer to Raids, Tier 1 is the perfect place to practice with type advantages and get a feel for counter-picking.
Tier 3 Raid Bosses (Nov 25 – Dec 2)
Tier 3 Raids take a noticeable step up in difficulty. They still can be soloed, but only if you bring the right counters and a strong lineup. This month’s bosses continue the fighting-type theme.
Tier 3 Bosses
- Galarian Farfetch’d / Galarian Farfetch’d* – Fighting – CP 898-956
- Throh / Throh* – Fighting – CP 1391-1464
- Sawk / Sawk* – Fighting – CP 1517-1593
Galarian Farfetch’d, in particular, is worth grabbing if you’re still missing Sirfetch’d in your Pokédex. Throh and Sawk don’t show up often in the wild depending on your region, so these raids are a decent chance to fill out regional entries.
Tier 5 Legendary Raid Bosses (Nov 25 – Dec 2)
Tier 5 Raids are where the real grind begins. You’ll typically need around 3-5 trainers depending on weather boosts and counters. All three Swords of Justice are available this cycle, and all three can be shiny.
Tier 5 Bosses
- Cobalion* – Steel/Fighting – CP 1649-1727
- Terrakion* – Rock/Fighting – CP 2026-2113
- Virizion* – Grass/Fighting – CP 1649-1727
Out of the three, Terrakion is the most valuable for raids thanks to its incredible Rock- and Fighting-type damage output. Cobalion and Virizion tend to shine more in PvP if that’s your focus.
If you’re working on your Pokédex or building high-IV Legendaries, this rotation is a great opportunity.
Mega Raids (Nov 25 – Dec 2)
Mega Raids are always popular because they reward Mega Energy, which you’ll need if you want to unlock Mega Evolutions for battling, catching bonuses, and extra candy gains.
Mega Raid Bosses
- Mega Aerodactyl* – Rock/Flying – CP 1515-1590
- Mega Medicham* – Psychic/Fighting – CP 764-817
- Mega Garchomp* – Dragon/Ground – CP 2174-2264
Mega Garchomp is the highlight of the month. Its Mega form hits extremely hard and remains one of the most powerful dragons in the game. Mega Medicham is popular in PvP circles, while Mega Aerodactyl is great if you’re trying to farm extra Rock-type candy.
Tier 1 Shadow Raids (Nov 25 – Nov 30)
Shadow Raids can surprise you with their difficulty, even at Tier 1. The bosses can enter an enraged state, so their attacks hit far harder than their CP might suggest.
Tier 1 Shadow Bosses
- Drowzee* – Psychic – CP 512-594
- Ralts* – Psychic/Fairy – CP 250-308
- Bagon* – Dragon – CP 575-660
- Snover* – Ice/Grass – CP 577-662
Shadow Bagon is easily the star here. Shadow Salamence is one of the strongest Dragon-type attackers, and getting a shiny version is a major win.
Tier 3 Shadow Raids (Nov 25 – Nov 30)
These raids are significantly tougher than the normal Tier 3 lineup because the Shadow enraged mechanic makes them unpredictable.
Tier 3 Shadow Bosses
- Scyther* – Bug/Flying – CP 1414-1546
- Aerodactyl* – Rock/Flying – CP 1456-1590
- Sableye* – Ghost/Dark – CP 747-843
Shadow Sableye with a shiny chance will definitely get the attention of collectors. Shadow Scyther is also worth picking up if you’re aiming for a Shadow Scizor build later.
Tier 5 Shadow Legendary Raid (Nov 25 – Nov 30)
Shadow Latios is the only Tier 5 Shadow Raid this cycle, and it’s easily the toughest boss available this month.
Tier 5 Shadow Boss
- Latios* – Dragon/Psychic – CP 2021-2178
These Raids require teamwork and Purified Gems to help suppress the enraged mode. If you’re chasing the shiny, be ready to do multiple attempts.
Max Monday Raids (Every Monday, 6 PM – 7 PM Local Time)
Dynamax Raids are one of the newer additions to Pokémon Go and only appear during Max Monday events. You’ll need Max Particles to join, and after you defeat the Dynamax version, you’ll get the chance to catch it in its regular form.
Max Monday Boss
- Eevee* – Normal – CP 612–765
Max Eevee is straightforward but useful if you’re trying for a shiny or building up enough candy for multiple evolutions.
How Raid Battles Work in Pokémon Go
When a Raid is active, the Gym will show a massive Pokémon floating above it. If the Raid hasn’t started yet, you’ll see an egg with a countdown timer. Once it hatches, trainers can jump in using a Raid Pass.
The difficulty scales with the tier:
- Tier 1: Easy solo
- Tier 3: Solo with strong counters
- Tier 5: Requires a team
- Mega & Shadow Raids: Harder due to boss mechanics
Shadow Raids add an extra layer of difficulty because bosses can become enraged and deal massive damage until you calm them with Purified Gems.
After you win, you’ll get a limited number of Premier Balls to catch the Raid Boss. The shiny odds for raids are better than regular encounters, sitting around 1 in 20.
What Are Raid Hours?
Raid Hours happen every Wednesday from 6 PM to 7 PM local time. All Tier 5 Raids during this hour feature the same Legendary Pokémon, making it easier to farm for IVs or hunt a shiny.
If you’re short on Legendaries, this weekly event is the best time to stock up.
How to Get Raid Passes
You have a few options:
- Free Raid Pass: Earn one daily by spinning a Gym (cannot be stacked).
- Premium Battle Pass: Earn through Special Research or purchase with PokéCoins.
- Remote Raid Pass: Used to join from anywhere, but limited in inventory.
Buying the 3-pass bundle in the shop is always more cost-efficient than individual passes.
Pro Tip
You can temporarily boost your Remote Raid Pass limit to five by buying a 3-pack while you already have two in your bag.
FAQ
Q. How do you start a Raid Battle?
Tap an active Raid at a Gym, choose your team, and use a Raid Pass to enter.
Q. Can you solo a Raid?
Yes. Tier 1 and many Tier 3 raids are solo-friendly with the right counters.
Q. Can Raids give shiny Pokémon?
They can. Most Raid encounters have roughly a 1-in-20 shiny rate, making them ideal for shiny hunting.
