Exciting news for Pokémon GO enthusiasts! Niantic has announced a thrilling update for the upcoming Fashion Week: Taken Over event, set to take place from Wednesday, January 15, at 12:00 a.m. to Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time. For the first time ever, players will be able to use remote raid passes in Shadow Raids during this event. This feature, much anticipated since the introduction of Shadow Raids in 2023, is set to enhance the gaming experience significantly.
Shadow Raids have become a popular way for trainers to capture strong Pokémon, and the ability to participate remotely will make these battles more accessible. During the Fashion Week: Taken Over event, you can engage in one-star, three-star, and five-star Shadow Raids either in person or from the comfort of your home. Not only does this offer convenience, but it also provides an opportunity to catch Pokémon with higher IV stats, adding an extra layer of excitement to your gameplay.
The highlight of the event will be the Shadow Ho-Oh Raid day on January 19, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time. This special raid day will offer players a boosted chance to catch the elusive shiny Shadow Ho-Oh, and you'll have the option to teach it the powerful charged attack, Sacred Fire. Additionally, you can use a Charged TM on your Shadow Pokémon to forget the move Frustration, allowing for more strategic team building.
While the use of remote raid passes in Shadow Raids is limited to the Fashion Week: Taken Over event, the community's response has been overwhelmingly positive. Since their introduction, remote raid passes have been one of the most requested features for Shadow Raids. After the event, these passes will no longer be usable in Shadow Raids, leaving players to wonder if this is a one-time opportunity or a sign of things to come.
Niantic has been under scrutiny for the challenges posed by Dynamax and Gigantamax battles, which require a large number of trainers to gather in person. The introduction of remote raid passes for Shadow Raids during Fashion Week: Taken Over could be a step towards addressing these concerns and enhancing player satisfaction. Whether this feature will become a permanent part of Pokémon GO remains to be seen, but for now, trainers are eager to make the most of this limited-time opportunity.