Pokemon GO's upcoming patch is bringing some massive changes to the way players interact with in-game Gyms. In addition to a complete overhaul of the basic Gym mechanics, the big update is also adding a new feature called Battle Raids. Here is how you can participate in the multiplayer events...

Battle Raids are unique Pokemon GO co-op activities that offer up to 20 players the chance to work together to take down a powerful Pokemon and earn some big rewards. Unfortunately, these events come at a bit of a cost. Here is what you need to do to make sure you are ready when Battle Raids go live in the upcoming patch:

1.) Acquire a Raid Pass

Raid Passes are going to be a new item in Pokemon GO  that allow players entry into a Battle Raid. Players can get one free Raid Pass per day by visiting a Gym, but you can only hold one at a time. Alternatively, there will be Premium Raid Passes available in the in-game shop.

2.) Look For Gyms With An Egg On Top

Before a Raid Battle begins, a large Egg will appear atop the Gym. When the countdown above the Egg reaches zero, the Raid Boss will be revealed.

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3.) Trade Your Raid Pass for Entry and Start Battling

Upon using your pass to join the battle, you and up to 20 other Trainers work together to defeat the Raid Boss.

4.) Claim Your Reward!

After defeating a Raid Boss, you’ll receive a collection of rewards, including some new items obtained only by defeating a Raid Boss: Rare Candies, Golden Razz Berries, and two types of Technical Machines—Fast and Charged. A Rare Candy is a mysterious candy that, when used on a Pokémon, turns into that Pokémon’s Candy. Golden Razz Berries will greatly increase your chances of catching a Pokémon you encounter in the wild and can also be given to a Pokémon assigned to a Gym to fully recover its motivation meter. Technical Machines are items you can use to permanently teach a Pokémon a new Fast Attack or Charged Attack.

In addition to the standard rewards, if you successfully defeat the Raid Boss within the five-minute time limit, you’ll have the chance to catch 'an extra powerful Pokémon of your own.' There is no official release date for the big update yet, but check back for details about when the patch will go live.

What do you think of Pokemon GO Battle Raids? Do you plan to login and try them out? Let us know in the comments.

Pokemon GO is available now on Android and iOS devices in select regions.