A new challenge is coming to the hit mobile AR game Pokémon GO in the form of Elite Raids. Developer Niantic has revealed that these challenges can only be attempted in person.
Elite Raids are particular types of raids that will be random encounters of existing gyms. If they appear, a special Elite Raid egg will take a full day to hatch. This gives local players 24 hours to organize a group if they desire to challenge the boss. Once a day passes and the egg hatches, the elite Pokémon will be available to battle for up to 30 minutes.
Hoopa Unbound, a stronger version of the legendary Hoopa from the Kalos region, will be the first ‘mon to be encountered in Elite Raids. Hoopa was initially made available through the completion of special field research during late 2021’s Season of Mischief.
This announcement comes after the unveiling of the game’s annual Halloween event, which takes place in two parts starting on October 20. It introduces Dark and Ghost-type Pokémon in the wild, a new Mega Raid featuring Banette, and increased drop rates of Candy through the hatching or catching of Pokémon.
Pokémon GO was initially released worldwide in July 2016. It is currently available to download for free across Android and iOS devices.