How to best prepare for Darkrai Raid Hour in Pokemon GO (October 25)?

Darkrai entered the world of Pokemon GO during October 2019's Halloween celebrations. The Mythical creature has since appeared as a 5-star raid boss in the game multiple times through 2020 and 2021.

After a short absence, it is back during 2023's Halloween event. You can battle it in 5-star raids and might even encounter its shiny form.

Like all raids of this level in Pokemon GO, Darkrai will also appear in Raid Hours on October 25 and November 1 from 6 pm-7 pm local time. This is the phenomenon where the Pocket Monster will take over multiple Gyms in an area, thereby giving players more raiding opportunities.

This article will go over some tricks and tips to help you make the most out of this recurring event.

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How to leverage the Darkrai Raid Hour in Pokemon GO?

Darkrai (Image via The Pokemon Company)

1) Stock up on Raid Passes

You can participate in Darkrai raids using any Raid Pass. Make sure to put your free Daily Raid Pass (orange) to use for one of the raids. To participate in multiple raids, you must purchase additional Premium Battle Passes (green) from the store for 100 Poke Coins apiece.

Remote Raid Passes (blue) are also available at the shop and can be used for these raids from anywhere in the world. This item comes at 195 Poke Coins apiece or 525 Poke Coins for a set of three.

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2) Connect with friends

If you have friends living near you, get in touch with them so that you can take on Darkrai raids together. You can also get in touch with Pokemon GO friends from far away, but for that, you must coordinate with each other's local times. You may also attempt to solo defeat Darkrai raids if you have high-level counters.

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3) Prepare your raid party

Whether you are raiding with friends or going solo, you need the best possible counters to come out on top against Darkrai. Here are some of the suggested critters you should have on your team:

• Terrakion with Double Kick and Sacred Sword
• Shadow Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
• Shadow Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
• Shadow Granbull with Charm and Play Rough
• Shadow Pinsir with Bug Bite and X-Scissor
• Shadow Scizor with Fury Cutter and X-Scissor

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4) Charge your phone and carry power backup

Pokemon GO consumes a fair amount of your mobile's battery backup. Make sure to charge your device and carry an external power backup so that you don't run out of juice in the middle of Darkrai Raid Hour.

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5) Know the shiny odds

Darkrai has a 1-in-20 chance of being shiny in Pokemon GO when you encounter it in raids. While there is no way of boosting these odds, participating in more raids will give you a decent chance of landing a shiny form of this critter.