Here’s Why Pokemon Go Raids Have Rhydon As The Logo

thegamer.com:

Pokemon Go raids are a confusing beast. They were the first thing announced for Niantic’s augmented reality game in an epic trailer that saw thousands of trainers descend on Times Square to beat a Mewtwo. While they didn’t actually arrive for another year after the game’s launch, when they did, they were game-changing when they did. I have countless great memories of joining throngs of players moving from Gym to Gym to catch as many Rayquaza or Giratina as possible, and they’re the part of the game that has brought players together more than any other.

However, they’re more than a little controversial. Some Pokemon are locked behind raids, unavailable to earn otherwise, which practically forces players to spend money if they want to catch them. Raid bosses are usually the best Pokemon, too – fan favourite Legendaries and the most powerful monsters are found here, behind a soft paywall. The costs spiral even further if you want to try to get a shiny or 100 percent IVed Pokemon. As it stands, you practically have to pay to encounter Rockruff.

Related: Please Don’t Reduce Ultra Beasts To Just Another Raid Boss

Surprisingly, things got better for raiding during the pandemic. Niantic introduced Remote Raids, and gave out free passes regularly while we were all stuck at home. This goodwill was swiftly rescinded earlier this year, however, as remote raid prices increased as remote raiders themselves were nerfed.

Raids will always be a prickly subject for Pokemon Go players, but I’ve recently enjoyed going back to Mewtwo to try to get a shiny or a hundo – I still have neither – and hopefully more powerful Pokemon will appear in future to make the most of our passes. And no, Ultra Beasts don’t count as powerful Pokemon, they