Pokemon Go's Remote Raid Passes Can't Be Used On New Shadow Raids (2024)

Despite the controversy surrounding its reigning in of remote raid passes, the Pokemon Go machine rolls on. Today, Niantic confirmed the addition of an all-new feature called shadow raids. Naturally linked to Team Go Rocket, the mobile game's villains will be able to overthrow gyms starting next week. However, you will need to visit these under-siege gyms in person to access them as your remote raid passes won't be compatible.

Remote raid passes were seriously nerfed recently when Niantic announced the decision to not only increase their price but limit the number that can be used each day. While those more expensive and limited passes can still be used to access raids from a distance, it turns out Pokemon Go's new shadow raids cannot be battled in remotely. A decision from Niantic that is only going to annoy those whose play relies on fighting from afar even more.

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Why shadow raids will not be compatible with remote raid passes is currently a mystery, and it's unlikely it will be explained anytime soon. Niantic hasn't really clarified why it nerfed remote raid passes in the first place outside of an ill-thought-out tweet poking fun at those annoyed by it the studio quickly deleted. A Niantic spokesperson also boasted in-person raiding has been up following this year's changes despite players vowing to strike and even leave the game.

For those of you unphased about the lack of remote raiding when it comes to Pokemon Go's new shadow raids, the new feature actually sounds pretty exciting. Team Go Rocket has been a part of the game for a while, lurking around Pokestops with shadow Pokemon that need to be purified among the rewards for beating various grunts and chasing them off your turf.

Shadow raids will effectively be a combination of that and Pokemon Go's regular raids. Far more powerful shadow Pokemon that will likely take a team of trainers to beat, hence why the ability to remote raid would have been ideal. Pokemon in shadow raids will get angrier as the battle progresses, meaning they will become harder and harder to beat the deeper into a raid you progress.

Your job will be to subdue the shadow Pokemon which can be done with purified gems. Purified gems are made of shadow shards which will be dropped by Rocket Grunts. Get enough shards and you can then use the shard refiner to create a purified gem. More remote raid pass drama aside, next week is going to be a big one for Pokemon Go as trainers will also have the chance to get a Master Ball for the first time.

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