Pokemon Go Raid Battles Are Getting An Update

Pokemon Go developer Niantic has outlined a slate of changes it will be making to Raid Battles. Beginning this summer, the studio will introduce a new feature called Trainer Achievements, and it will also implement various other quality-of-life improvements.

As detailed on the official Pokemon Go blog, Trainer Achievements "are designed to celebrate Trainers of all levels for taking part in a raid." Players will receive a commendation after the battle for certain criteria, such as using a Mega-Evolved Pokemon or dealing the most damage. Niantic has outlined some of the feats that will net you a Trainer Achievement after the Raid:

• Delivering the final attack
• Dealing the most damage overall
• Keeping a single Pokemon in battle for the longest time of all participants
• Using the tallest Pokemon among all participants in battle
• Joining the raid from furthest distance
• Using a Mega-Evolved Pokemon during the battle
• Changing your avatar's clothing or pose
• Using the most Charged Attacks of all participants

According to Niantic, you'll receive a medal the first time you earn a Trainer Achievement. The medal will initially be bronze and can be upgraded to silver and, eventually, gold.

In addition to Trainer Achievements, Niantic is going to give Raid Battles a visual makeover. The studio says it will implement new art and UI to make Raids "look better than ever." In particular, Niantic says that the stadium in which Raid Battles take place will sport a "whole new look."

Pokemon Go's current five-star Raid boss is Regigigas, which began appearing as part of the game's recent Solstice event. You'll be able to encounter Regigigas until July 1. Mega Gyarados has also returned to Mega Raid Battles until July 2.

In other Pokemon Go news, the game's July Community Day is set for Saturday, July 3. The featured Pokemon this time is Tepig, the Fire-type starter from Pokemon Black and White. Pokemon Go Fest 2021 is also on the horizon. The two-day global event takes place July 17-18.