As Pokemon GO continues to make changes and adjustments to keep players engaged in the mobile AR game while they practice safe social distancing protocols, the app is seeing some features that the community thought might never come. In addition to special events that can be completed entirely from home, Niantic is also trying to find ways to keep the Battle Raid metagame alive and well.
Battle Raids are a massive part of the Pokemon GO experience and are the primary way that many players catch Legendary creatures. There are other options available now, thanks to GO Battle League, but level 5 Battle Raids are really what the game is all about for many players. Details from a new datamine suggest Pokemon GO has a plan to keep that scene alive without breaking state or country lockdown orders.
Battle Raiding in Pokemon GO is definitely not considered essential travel in states that are enforcing stay-at-home orders, but hints of a new Remote Raid feature could help keep the Raiding metagame alive. As always, datamined details have not been confirmed by Niantic and are subject to change. Keep in mind that Remote Raiding has been hinted by Niantic, but these details could still be adjusted before the code goes live...
Remote Raid Datamined Details
Remote Raid Pass will be a new item
If you are outside the range of the gym, you need to use a Remote Raid Pass
Remote Raid Passes are purchased from the Shop
During a Remote Raid, your Pokemon will do less damage
There will be a limit to remote players vs local
You can only carry a certain amount of Remote Raid Passes
So, it sounds like players are likely going to have to drop some cash on Remote Raid Passes if they want to participate in Battle Raids without leaving their house. It will be very interesting to see how much these items end up costing if and when the code goes live. Additional code goes on to suggest that players will be able to invite friends and put a call out for other players to join the raiding party.
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 Hub