Pokemon GO Event Introduces Long-Awaited Feature Temporarily

Pokemon GO enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as Niantic introduces a thrilling update for the Fashion Week: Taken Over event in January 2025. For the first time ever, players can utilize remote raid passes in Shadow Raids, a feature that has been eagerly awaited since the introduction of Shadow Raids in 2023. This limited-time opportunity will run from Wednesday, January 15, at 12:00 a.m. to Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time, allowing trainers to participate in one-star, three-star, and five-star Shadow Raids either in person or remotely.

During this event, players stand a chance to capture Pokemon with higher IV stats, enhancing their teams with stronger creatures. The excitement peaks on January 19 between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. local time during the Shadow Ho-Oh Raid day. Here, trainers not only get a boosted chance to catch the elusive shiny shadow Ho-Oh but can also teach it the powerful charged attack, Sacred Fire. Additionally, players can use a Charged TM on Shadow Pokemon to forget the move Frustration, further customizing their Pokemon's abilities.

The introduction of remote raid passes for Shadow Raids addresses one of the community's most requested features since their inception. This move by Niantic could potentially ease the challenge of gathering enough trainers for tougher battles, such as those involving Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon, which have drawn criticism for requiring in-person gatherings. While this feature is currently slated for the duration of the Fashion Week: Taken Over event, it remains to be seen if it will become a permanent addition to Pokemon GO.

As 2025 kicks off with a series of updates, including the return of Ralts for the second Pokemon GO Community Day of January, the addition of remote raid passes to Shadow Raids marks a significant enhancement to the game's dynamics. Players are encouraged to make the most of this feature during the event, as it may not be available post-event.