Pokemon GO Event Adding Long-Requested Feature for a Limited Time

Summary

• Pokémon GO players can use Remote Raid Passes in Shadow Raids during Fashion Week: Taken Over.
• Higher IV stat Pokémon are available for capture during these Shadow Raids.
• This limited-time event is the only time Remote Raid Passes will be usable in Shadow Raids.

Niantic has announced a significant update to Pokémon GO: for the first time, Remote Raid Passes will be usable in Shadow Raids during the upcoming Fashion Week: Taken Over event. Shadow Raids, introduced in 2023, have become a popular method for catching powerful Pokémon.

As 2025 progresses, Niantic continues to roll out updates for the popular augmented reality game. January alone saw the return of Ralts for a Community Day, and now, this surprise addition to the game mechanics.

From Wednesday, January 15th, 12:00 a.m. to Sunday, January 19th, 8:00 p.m. local time, trainers can utilize Remote Raid Passes in one-star, three-star, and five-star Shadow Raids, whether participating in person or remotely. All participating trainers will have an increased chance of catching Pokémon with higher IV stats.

Pokémon GO Temporarily Introduces Remote Raid Passes for Shadow Raids

While this feature is limited to Fashion Week: Taken Over, players can remotely battle in the Shadow Ho-Oh Raid Day on January 19th, between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. local time. This raid day offers a boosted chance to catch a Shiny Shadow Ho-Oh and the opportunity to teach it the Sacred Fire charged attack. Additionally, players can use Charged TMs to remove the Frustration move from Shadow Pokémon.

The ability to use Remote Raid Passes in Shadow Raids is a highly requested feature since their introduction in 2023, and gamers will undoubtedly welcome this temporary addition. However, it's crucial to remember that this functionality will end once the Fashion Week: Taken Over event concludes.

Whether Niantic will permanently implement Remote Raid Passes for Shadow Raids remains uncertain. Previous criticism regarding the in-person requirements for Dynamax and Gigantamax battles suggests that a permanent solution would be welcomed by many players.