A brand-new month means a brand-new Raid Boss schedule to look forward to inPokémon GO, and during October 2024, things are getting spooky with the return of Origin Forme Giratina and Darkrai in 5-Star Raids Battles. Trainers will also be able to encounter Shiny Zamzaenta for the very first time, so it’s a great month for Shiny Legendary Pokémon hunters.

Aside from the Legendary 5-Star Raid Bosses, there will be four Mega Raid Bosses to battle throughout the month, as well as several new Max Raid Bosses including the Galar-region starter trio: Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble. With so much going on, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and study the schedule so you know which Pokémon you want to battle and catch.

Mega Banette and Mega Sableye appearing in Mega Raids in Pokemon GO

5-Star Raid Bosses In October 2024

Encounter Three Powerful Legendaries & A Mythical Pokémon

During the month of October, you’ll be able to battleZacian, Zamazenta, Origin Forme Giratina, and Darkraiin 5-Star Raid Battles. This is the first time the Sword & Shield Legendaries have appeared inPokémon GOsince 2022, so if you missed out last time, or you’re a new player, it’s a good idea to catch them while you can. Even better,Shiny Zamazentawill now be available for lucky Trainers to encounter.

you may see the dates that each of these 5-Star Raid Bosses will be appearing inPokémon GO, as well as their weaknesses, in the table below:

Scorbunny, Grookey, Sobble, and Falinks appearing in Max Raid Battles in Pokemon GO

Darkrai

A set of strong Steel-type Pokémon like Dialga, Metagross, and Excadril will serve you well when battling Zacian inPokémon GO. As for the other 5-Star Raid Bosses, all of them are vulnerable to Fairy-type attacks, so powering up a collection of Fairy-type Pokémon such as Enamorus, Xerneas, Gardevoir, Togekiss, Hatterene, and Sylveon is a good idea.

As a nice bonus, if you’re able to catch a Zacian at the start of the month, you’re able to use that as an excellent counter for Zamazenta, Origin Forme Giratina, and Darkrai. verify all of your counters know attacks that complement their typing.

Shadow Entei in Pokemon GO

Mega Raid Bosses In October 2024

Darkness Reigns In This Month’s Mega Raid Battles

Throughout October, there will be four Mega Raid Bosses for you to take on. The first isMega Gardevoir, a crossover fromlast month’s schedule, followed byMega Blaziken, Mega Sableye, and Mega Banette. The latter two Mega Raid Bosses are symbolic of the Halloween celebrations that will be arriving inPokémon GOtowards the end of the month.

Here are the dates when you’ll be able to take on each Mega Raid Boss this month, as well as details of their weaknesses to help you defeat them:

Malamar and Feraligatr appearing in the best team for the Great League

Mega Banette

Mega Sableye will likely be the trickiest Mega Raid Boss to take on this month, as it only has one weakness, and that’s Fairy-type attacks. There aren’t a huge number of strong Fairy-type attackers to choose from inPokémon GO, but standouts include Enamorus, Xerneas, Gardevoir, Togekiss, Hatterene, and Sylveon. ensure they have Fairy-type attacks and are powered up as high as you’re able to get them.

Mega Raid Bosses are some of the strongest opponents you’ll ever face inPokémon GO. It’s not going to be possible to defeat them by yourself, so you’ll need to team up with other Trainers if you want to win. I’d recommend having at least six high-level Trainers in your lobby before heading into these battles.

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Be careful whentaking on Mega Banette, too. Although it might be tempting to use strong Ghost-type Pokémon like Giratina, Gengar, and Chandelure, it’s important to remember that Ghost-type Pokémon are typically vulnerable to Ghost-type attacks. This means they won’t last too long on the battlefield if Mega Banette uses Ghost-type moves. Take strong Dark-type Pokémon into battle instead if possible.

Max Raid Bosses In October 2024

The Galar-Region Starter Trio Will Be Able To Dynamax

Following on from the Kanto-region starter trio, it’s time for the Galar-region starter trio to get their turn in the Dynamax spotlight. The following Pokémon will be appearing in Max Raid Battles throughout October 2024:

A fifth Max Raid Boss will also be appearing at some point in October, but their identity hasn’t been revealed yet. With the exciting two-part Halloween event taking place at the end of the month, it could be something spooky… but for now, we’ll just have to wait for Niantic to confirm which Pokémon is getting the Dynamax treatment next.

Haven’t competed in a Max Raid Battle yet? This is a new type of Raid Battle that takes place at Power Spots around the map. You’ll take on giant-sized, powerful Dynamax Pokémon with up to three other Trainers. Collect enough Max Energy and you’ll be able to Dynamax your Pokémon to unleash powerful Max Moves. You can check out thiscomprehensive Max Raid guidefor more tips on how to take part.

Shadow Raid Bosses In October 2024

A Legendary Pokémon Becomes A Shadowy Raid Boss

During October, you’ll be able to take onShadow Enteiin Shadow Raid Battles. These special Shadow Raids will take place every weekend throughout the month, so ensure you’ve got some time set aside to battle this Legendary Shadow Pokémon if you’re looking to add it to your collection. Note that Remote Raid Passes cannot be used for Shadow Raids.

Best Team For The Great League In Pokémon GO (Max Out Season)

The Great League is the entry-level challenge in the Pokémon GO Battle League, but you’ll still need to know the best teams to win.

Just like its non-Shadow counterpart, Shadow Entei is a Fire-type Pokémon. This means it’svulnerable to Ground, Rock, and Water-type attacks. Some of the best counters you can use to take on Shadow Entei inPokémon GOare Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Mega Swampert, Mega Blastoise, Landorus, Garchomp, Greninja, Rhyperior, and Terrakion.

Finally, if you’re planning on taking part in Shadow Raids, remember that you’ll need several Purified Gems to calm them down from their powerful enraged state. Purified Gems are formed automatically when you collect four Shadow Shards. These are dropped from Team GO Rocket members as well as Shadow Raid Bosses when defeated inPokémon GO.