Pokemon GO Event Adding Long-Requested Feature for a Limited Time

Summary

• For the first time, Pokémon GO players can use Remote Raid Passes in Shadow Raids during Fashion Week: Taken Over.
• Shadow Raids offer a chance to catch Pokémon with higher IV stats.
• This limited-time feature allows remote participation in Shadow Raids.

Niantic has announced a significant update to Pokémon GO: Remote Raid Passes will be available for Shadow Raids during the upcoming Fashion Week: Taken Over event. Introduced in 2023, Shadow Raids have become a popular way to catch powerful Pokémon.

As 2025 unfolds, Niantic continues to deliver exciting updates to the popular augmented reality game. January alone saw the return of Ralts for a Community Day, and now, this surprise addition to Shadow Raids.

Fashion Week: Taken Over, running from Wednesday, January 15th, 12:00 a.m. to Sunday, January 19th, 8:00 p.m. local time, allows trainers to participate in one-star, three-star, and five-star Shadow Raids remotely or in person. All participating trainers have a chance to catch Pokémon boasting higher IV stats.

Pokémon GO Temporarily Introduces Remote Raid Passes for Shadow Raids

While the feature is limited to Fashion Week: Taken Over, a special Shadow Ho-Oh Raid Day on January 19th (2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time) will also support remote participation. This raid day offers increased chances of catching a Shiny Shadow Ho-Oh and the ability to teach it the Sacred Fire charged attack. Players can also use Charged TMs to remove Frustration from Shadow Pokémon.

The ability to use Remote Raid Passes in Shadow Raids is a highly requested feature since their 2023 introduction. However, this functionality is temporary; after Fashion Week: Taken Over concludes, Remote Raid Passes will no longer work in Shadow Raids.

Whether Niantic will permanently implement this feature remains uncertain. Previous criticism regarding the in-person requirements for Dynamax and Gigantamax battles suggests that a permanent remote option for Shadow Raids would be a welcome change for many players.