Pokemon GO is doing everything it can to keep its players busy as the work fights the progression of coronavirus with social distancing and lockdowns, but some parts of the game just can't be completed from inside the house. Recent changes to spawns, incense, and bonuses ensured that there is still plenty of motivation to login daily even if players can't go out for Battle Raids, but certain events aren't going to happen as long as social distancing precautions remain in place.
Luckily, trainers can take advantage of the Psychic Spectacular bonuses from inside their homes, but that won't be the case for the upcoming Battle Raid themed events. To help offer Pokemon GO players the chance to still encounter Thundurus and Cobalion, those Tier 5 raids and Battle League rewards are being extended, but the weekly Raid hour is off the table until further notice.
This change gives trainers a few extra days to power through the GO Battle League and earn some Legendary rewards without ever heading out to a Raid. Obviously, this isn't a permanent solution and Niantic likely plans to return to the core gameplay loop once trainers are able to safely leave their homes and play outside with friends again in the future.
That said, the new option to earn Legendary encounters with GO Battle League instead of in Battle Raids is a great alternative for rural players who don't live near an active Raiding scene and may have felt left out of the Legendary hunt in the past. Hopefully this new option provides more gameplay variety and keeps everyone engaged as the game goes forward.
The following events have been canceled, postponed, or changed.
Thundurus in five-star raids and as GO Battle League rewards: This event has been extended until Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. PDT (GMT −7).
Cobalion in five-star raids and as GO Battle League rewards: This event has been extended until Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. PDT (GMT −7).
Raid Hour (every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. local time): This event has been canceled until further notice.
For now, players may want to keep hunting down the best Unova Pokemon in the game if improving their Battle Raid rosters is their primary goal. Be sure to check back in the near future for more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!
Pokemon GO is available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.
Source: Pokemon GO