Pokémon Go events: Surprise! Niantic unexpectedly rolls out new raids

Pokémon Go has received a new update to its in-game raids for the first time since they came into existence earlier this year. The new raids came into being over the weekend, without a single warning from Niantic.

As part of the update, raids have now been shorted by 15 minutes to 45 minutes after the raid egg hatches. Niantic has also jiggled around some of the egg hatches, kicking Porygon to a Tier 3 raid that's possible solo, with Golem being a Tier 4. Gen 2 starter evolutions have been kicked out in favour of Gen 1 starter evolutions Ivysaur, Charmeleon and Wartortle.

Metapod also replaces Magikarp as a Tier 1 raid, making for a strange decision due to it being practically useless in any battle. Marowak is now a Tier 2, following on from the influx of Cubone's during Pokémon Go's Halloween event.

Tier 3 raids Gengar and Machamp, as well as Tier 4s Tyranitar and Snorlax and Tier 5's legendary raids all remain.

Since the end of Pokémon Go's Halloween event, all the Gen 3 Pokémon have gone away. However, Niantic has said they will be coming soon, so anyone hoping to snatch up a Torchic, Shiftry or Zigazgoon can do so in a matter of months.

Here's the complete list of the reworked raids for Pokémon Go.
Tier 1

• Ivysaur
• Charmeleon
• Wartortle
• Metapod

Tier 2

• Sableye
• Magneton
• Marowak
• Cloyster
• Tentacruel
• Sandslash

Tier 3

• Porygon
• Ninetales
• Scyther
• Omastar
• Alakazam
• Gengar
• Machamp

Tier 4

• Poliwrath
• Victreebel
• Golem
• Nidoking
• Nidoqueen
• Lapras
• Tyanitar
• Snorlax

Pokémon Go events: Everything you need to know

What is a Pokémon Go event?

Pokémon Go events are updates issued to the game from its creators Niantic. Generally, these revolve around the addition of new raids, timed-release rare Pokémon and opportunities to boost XP, acquire Stardust and hatch rarer Eggs. These events tend to take place on a global scale but typically have regional elements mixed in – requiring completionists to travel or trade with other users.

When are Pokémon Go events held?

Niantic holds a Pokémon Go event every month, enticing players back into the augmented world of Pokémon with alarming regularity. Sometimes there will be a big Pokémon Go event, such as the release of the Legendary Birds and Legendary Dogs. These bigger events tend to take place a couple of times a year and you can usually expect one to happen over the summer period.

How do you take part in a Pokémon Go event?

Taking part in a Pokémon Go event is blissfully simple. All you need to do is download Pokémon Go from your relevant app store and open the app to take part. Events take place all around you, meaning that by simply playing Pokémon Go you’re involved in the latest event.