Dina Bader: All current Raid Bosses in Pokémon Go September 2020

Here's every Pokémon you can challenge in Pokémon Go Raids right now.

Pokémon Go Gyms do more than just house your Blissey and Slaking until a rival team paints it a new color. Gyms are also the host of Raid Battles where you and up to 19 other players can battle massive versions of specific Pokémon for the chance to catch one. While some of the Raid bosses are common and weak, Raids are also one of few ways to encounter Legendary Pokémon.

Which Pokémon, you ask? Well, the line-up changes pretty often. Each new event brings new and different Raid Bosses, and sometimes Niantic changes them up just for fun. Lucky for you, we've got the whole list right here, and we'll keep it updated for you too!

Note: Any Pokémon with the potential to be Shiny is indicated by an asterisk.

Mega Raids in Pokémon Go

On August 27, 2020, Niantic introduced Mega Evolution and with it Mega Raids. Mega Raids are a class unto themselves, providing some of the most challenging battles yet. Mega Pokémon get a massive stat boost, and in some cases new typing as well. There are currently five Mega Raids::

Mega Venusaur* Mega Raid Guide (4+ Trainers)
Mega Charizard X* Mega Raid Guide (3+ Trainers)
Mega Charizard Y* Mega Raid Guide (3+ Trainers)
Mega Blastoise* Mega Raid Guide (5+ Trainers)
Mega Pidgeot* Mega Raid Guide (3+ Trainers)

After completing any of these Mega Raids, you will be rewarded with the chance to catch the normal version of that Pokémon, as well as a bunch of Mega Energy - the species specific currency used to Mega Evolve your own Pokémon. The amount of Mega Energy you win is based on how quickly you can complete the Mega Raid so you want to invite as many people as possible to these Raids.

Five Star Raids in Pokémon Go

The Five Star tier is typically reserved for Legendary Pokémon and usually the most sought after of public Raids. They're more difficult to beat than lower star ratings, but if you have enough players to do it, the rewards at this level are the best. The current Five Star Raid Boss is Articuno*. Zapdos* will be taking its place on September 25 and Moltres* on October 2. Giratina Origin Forme will be in for two weeks following that and then we'll have at least one Halloween surprise for Legendary Raids.

If you need help beating Articuno*, check out our Articuno Raid Guide.
If you want to prep for Zapdos*, check out our Zapdos Raid Guide.
If you want to prep for Moltres*, check out our Moltres Raid Guide

Three Star Raids in Pokémon Go

Three Star Raids are fairly easy to take down, and many high-level players can do them with just one or two buddies. Still, they're worth a decent chunk of XP and other rewards. The current line up of Three Star Raid Bosses include:

Onix* (1+ Trainer)
Alolan Exeggutor* (1+ Trainer)
Pinsir* (1 or 2 Trainers)
Lapras* (1 or 2 Trainers)
Dragonite (1 or 2 Trainers)

One Star Raids in Pokémon Go

Just about any player able to Raid can solo a One Star. These are all super easy and, unless this is one of your very first Raids, you'll spend more time waiting on the counter for the battle to start than you'll actually spend in the battle itself. However, if you need to complete a lot of Raids fast, these are the ones you want to aim for. Plus, they provide the easiest way to get some of the rarer first stage Pokémon.

Ekans*
Doduo*
Wailmer*
Timburr*
Klink*

Raid Invitations and Remote Raids in Pokémon Go

As the global pandemic slowed Pokémon Go play and Raids in particular during the early part of 2020, Niantic began to implement new features to make Raids more accessible. Now Trainers can purchase Remote Raid Passes, which allow them to take part in Raids that aren't within range for a normal Raid Pass. These Remote Raid Passes will let you join in any Raid you can see on the screen. Additionally, Remote Raid Passes allow you to join into any Raid a Friend invites you to. Raid Invitations were added shortly after Remote Raid Passes, allowing Trainers to invite up to five of their Friends to join in a Raid from anywhere in the world.

EX Raids in Pokémon Go

An Exclusive or EX Raid is a special sort of Raid you can only participate in by invitation. Invitations are given to players who battle at EX eligible Gyms during a time of high traffic with some small bit of luck on top. Otherwise, invitations can be shared between Ultra and Best Friends. If you have a high-level friend who gets one, they can invite you to the EX Raid as well. The last EX Raid Boss was Regigigas, the leader of the Regi Titans Trio; however, Niantic has currently suspended EX Raids in the interests of public health concerns.

Four and Two Star Raids in Pokémon Go no more

Prior to Mega Raids being released, Pokémon Go had two other Raid types: Four Star Raids and Two Star Raids. Four Star Raids were combined with Three Star Raids, while Two Star Raids were combined with One Star Raids. The difficulty remained the same while increasing the rewards, making all of these battles more accessible.

Raid Questions?

Do you have any questions about which Pokémon are in Raids right now? Is there a Pokémon you're hoping will come to the line up next? Drop us a comment below, and be sure to check out our Complete Pokédex, as well as our many other Pokémon Go guides so you can be the very best like no one ever was!