Shadow Raids Pokemon GO explained: What are they?

Shadow Pokemon have been a part of Pokemon GO since mid-2019 along with Team Rocket. Now, however, a data mine leak has revealed the existence of Shadows Raids. Let's get into all there is to know in this Shadow Raids Pokemon GO explainer.

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Shadow Raids Pokemon GO explained: What are they?

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Shadow Raids in Pokemon GO appear to be as the name implies: Raids featuring powerful Shadow Pokemon bosses. As shown in the above tweet, the reveal has come from the data mining group, PokeMiners.

Although normally only obtainable for capture after defeating a Team Rocket Grunt or Leaders, Shadow Pokemon not only look menacing with their red eyes and purple aura as a result of their hearts artificially being closed, but they boast a 20% higher attack stat than normal as well.

If the same case for the Shadow Raids, a Shadow Pokemon raid boss will most certainly be a formidable foe.

In their breakdown, they explain that Shadow Raids will be available in 5 levels as with normal raids. However, it appears Shadow Raids in Pokemon GO will be accessible via a raid ticket. What may annoy various Pokemon GO fans, is that tickets such as these are usually paid for - such as with bonus Timed Research for Community Days. 

Even though Shadow Raids will apparently also provide bonus XP and will be playable remotely, unlike the recently relaunched Elite Raids, the paywall in front of what will arguably be a major new game feature would without a doubt be a big frustration to players.

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Shadow Raids Pokemon GO release date

Although coming from a data mine, there is no Shadow Raids Pokemon GO release date just yet. If being a part of the currently running Season 10: Rising Heroes though, they should be released by 1 June 2023. 

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That's all you need to know for now from our Shadow Raids Pokemon GO explainer. For more of what's new in the game, find out how to get Ditto following the March 2023 update or how to beat Team Rocket Leader Cliff. 

For even more Pokemon GO guides, you can be sure to find them right here at GGRecon.