Pokémon Go is set to host another exciting Raid Day event, focusing on its Raiding feature. The upcoming event, called the Sparring Partners Raid Day, is unique because it features three Pokémon, all themed around Fighting types.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 13, 2025, between 2 PM and 5 PM local time. To make the most of this event, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the Sparring Partners Raid Day so you can enjoy all its perks!
Highlighted Pokémon: Mega Heracross, Scraggy, and Hariyama
During the Sparring Partners Raid Day, you can expect to encounter three featured Pokémon: Mega Heracross, Scraggy, and Hariyama. All three will appear in various Raid locations throughout the event, making them more accessible.
When you successfully complete a Raid featuring any of these Pokémon, you’ll earn special in-game rewards. This includes a chance to encounter the defeated Pokémon after the battle. Notably, participants will have enhanced chances of finding Shiny versions of Heracross, Scraggy, and Hariyama after completing their respective Raids.
New Move Available: Upper Hand
In line with this event, the three highlighted Pokémon can now learn a new Charged Attack called Upper Hand. You can teach this move to Mega Heracross, Scraggy, and Hariyama using a Charged TM or an Elite Charged TM.
Here are the stats for Upper Hand in Pokémon Go:
| Upper Hand Stats | |
|---|---|
| PvP (Trainer Battles) | 70 Power, Chance to lower opponent’s Defense |
| PvE (Gym and Raid Battles) | 50 Power |
Event Bonuses
During the Sparring Partners Raid Day, you can take advantage of standard Raid Day bonuses that will allow you to tackle more Raids than usual. The benefits include:
- Receive up to five extra free Raid Passes from Pokémon Gyms.
- Utilize up to 20 Remote Raid Passes from Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 5 PM PDT, to Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 8 PM PDT.
Timed Research for the Event
All players who join the Pokémon Go experience during this event will gain access to exclusive free Timed Research. This research involves completing specific in-game tasks by the end of the Sparring Partners Raid Day.
Successfully finishing these tasks (likely related to Raiding) will earn you the following rewards:
- 10,000 Stardust
- 1,000 additional Stardust when you win Raid battles.
Event Ticket Available
There will also be an Event Ticket for the Sparring Partners Raid Day, priced at $4.99 USD. This ticket provides the following bonuses, effective during the entire three-hour event:
- Gain eight extra Raid Passes from Pokémon Gyms.
- Increased chances of receiving Rare Candy XL after Raid battles.
- Double the Stardust for completing Raid battles.
- 50 percent more XP when winning Raid battles.
Get ready for an action-packed day filled with battling and catching opportunities!
