Opinion: Why Mega Rayquaza being a Pokemon GO Elite Raid is justified

Mega Rayquza as Elite Raid in Pokemon GO.
Mega Rayquza should remain an Elite Raid in Pokemon GO (Image via TPC)

Mega Rayquaza being a Pokemon GO Elite Raid had disappointed trainers globally, mainly because it meant having to be physically present with a group of players to complete the Raid. This automatically took away the option to use Remote Raid Passes and take part remotely. This decision by Niantic has sparked immense displeasure in the community, but is it really that unjust to make the most sought-after Pokemon exclusive and make the challenge more difficult?

Mega Rayquaza appeared in Elite Raids on June 29, 2024, and left players severely unhappy with how the event proceeded. In an attempt to make up for the poor execution and the problems that players faced, Niantic will host a special makeup for Mega Rayquaza on August 3, 2024, although this will still remain an Elite Raid.

In my opinion, Mega Rayquaza being a Pokemon GO Elite Raid is not all that unfair. Enthusiastic and annoyed trainers are only looking at one side of the coin here, and there are a lot of factors that can justify Niantic's decision. Let's dive deeper and try to understand why Rayquaza's Mega Evolution as an Elite Raid is justified.


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Mega Rayquaza as an Elite Raid in Pokemon GO

Mega Rayquaza in Pokemon GO (Image via TPC)
Mega Rayquaza in Pokemon GO (Image via TPC)

Mega Rayquaza being an Elite Raid makes the critter rare and exclusive, which is how this Pokemon should be in my opinion. Rayquaza and its Mega Evolution is arguably the most elusive and sought-after creature in Pokemon GO, and I think everyone will agree with that perspective.

With the introduction of Remote Raids in Pokemon GO, the exclusivity of any Pokemon appearing in Raids has gone down significantly. People from anywhere in the world can join a Raid as long as they are invited to it.

This feature has also resulted in the creation of Remote Raid Applications, which has only streamlined this process of Remote Raiding. With rarity taking a hit, players somehow got used to the idea of staying in their rooms and completing Raids, even though Pokemon GO was a game that was created to be played while on the go.


The problem with Mega Rayquaza being an Elite Raid

Now, I understand the complaints people had with Mega Rayquaza Elite Raids in Pokemon GO. Exclusivity and rarity automatically mean not everyone will get it, which is exactly the main driving factor here behind collective dissatisfaction. This Elite Raid forces players to step outside for the Raid.

On the one hand, some people do not have groups to physically go for an Elite Raid. This is further restricted by weather conditions that can put trainers in an extremely difficult position. And finally, the problem is amplified for Pokemon GO trainers situated in rural areas. These neither have access to groups of players nor do they have a plethora of Elite Gyms available for Raids.

The frustration of these players is understandable as they will probably not be able to snag a Mega Rayquaza from the Elite Raids in Pokemon GO. Niantic and Pokemon GO do not cater to these external factors, prompting players to lash at them claiming the company does not pay attention to the community at all.


Why Mega Rayquaza should be an Elite Raid in Pokemon GO

The critter as seen in the anime (Image via TPC)
The critter as seen in the anime (Image via TPC)

This might seem harsh, but I believe Mega Rayquaza should remain as an Elite Raid in Pokemon GO. Rayquaza has been exclusive and rare. I would not want to see every trainer I come across with this Pokemon in their teams. Over the years, the critter has definitely earned this amount of respect from the community.

And finally, let's not forget Remote Raids were only introduced in 2020 as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic where people could not go out. Before that, all Raids functioned as an Elite Raid if you look at it objectively. You had to go out and be physically present for any and all Raids.

When Rayquaza was first released in Pokemon GO in 2018, trainers had to go out and take part in Raids to stand a chance at capturing it. This had been the case for all Raids up until 2020. With that in mind, it doesn't really make sense to have Mega Rayquaza easily accessible in Pokemon GO.

The GO Fest 2023 was a special case since it was the biggest annual event for the game, and Mega Rayquaza Raids seemed to be the perfect event to commemorate the day.

The entire idea of Pokemon GO is to step out and move physically to play the game. Sure, Remote Raids solved a lot of the problems, but I feel trainers are too used to that feature. The idea of a demanding Pokemon being locked behind physical play like the old days is one of the prime reasons behind the community's dissatisfaction.


Choosing between easy Remote Raids and making sure a Pokemon stays rare and exclusive is a tough choice, and opinions will vary for every person. There are enough logical reasons to support both sides of the coin here, and I choose to go with the path where Mega Rayquaza, one of the most elite Pokemon, stays rare and elusive all throughout.


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Edited by Abu Amjad Khan
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