Pokemon Go Raid News & Thundurus Updates: 2026
Stay updated with the latest Pokemon Go raid news, Thundurus raid schedules, legendary boss rotations, and exclusive raid events. Your complete source for current raid happenings and upcoming announcements.
Keeping up with Pokemon Go raid news is essential for any serious trainer, especially when Thundurus Pokemon Go appears in raids. The raid landscape changes constantly with new legendary rotations, event schedules, and surprise appearances that can dramatically affect your raiding strategy. After tracking Pokemon Go raids for years, I've learned that staying informed gives you a massive advantage in planning your resource allocation and maximizing your legendary collection.
This page serves as your comprehensive source for Pokemon Go raid news with a special focus on Thundurus and other Electric-type legendary raids. I'll cover current raid rotations, upcoming events, shiny opportunities, and breaking news that affects your raiding strategy. Whether you're hunting for a shiny Thundurus or preparing for the next legendary raid event, you'll find the information you need right here.
Current Raid Rotation - January 2026
The current Pokemon Go raid rotation features some exciting legendary bosses, including Thundurus Pokemon Go in select regions. As of January 2026, Niantic has implemented a dynamic raid schedule that varies by location, making it more important than ever to stay updated on your local raid offerings. Let me break down what's currently available in raids and how Thundurus fits into the current meta.
Legendary Raid Bosses (January 2026)
- 5-Star Raids:
- • Thundurus (Incarnate Forme) - Americas, Europe
- • Thundurus (Therian Forme) - Asia Pacific
- • Landorus (Therian Forme) - Select regions
- • Zekrom - Worldwide rotation
- • Raikou - Weekend spotlight events
- Mega Raids:
- • Mega Manectric - Ongoing
- • Mega Ampharos - Weekend rotation
- • Mega Gyarados - Special event
What makes this rotation particularly interesting is the regional split between Thundurus Formes. Thundurus Pokemon Go Incarnate is appearing in the Americas and Europe, while Asia Pacific gets Therian Forme. This regional distribution encourages international trading and community coordination, as players need to connect with friends in other regions to collect both Formes. If you're hunting for a specific Thundurus Forme, now's the time to check your local raids or find international trading partners.
The presence of Zekrom and Raikou alongside Thundurus creates an excellent Electric-type legendary lineup. Zekrom remains one of the top Electric attackers in the game, while Raikou continues to be a consistent performer. Having all three available simultaneously gives trainers unprecedented opportunities to build diverse Electric-type teams. If you've been neglecting your Electric-type counters, this is the perfect time to power them up and farm all three legendary Electric types.
Breaking News: Thundurus Raid Events
Recent Pokemon Go raid news has brought several exciting developments for Thundurus hunters. Niantic has announced special raid events featuring Thundurus Pokemon Go with enhanced rewards and boosted shiny rates. These events represent some of the best opportunities to add high-quality Thundurus specimens to your collection. Here are the latest announcements that every Thundurus hunter should know about.
Lightning Legend Event - January 15-22, 2026
Niantic has announced the "Lightning Legend" event, a week-long celebration of Electric-type Pokemon featuring Thundurus Pokemon Go as the star attraction. During this event, Thundurus will appear more frequently in raids, with increased shiny rates and exclusive moves. Here's what you can expect:
- • Thundurus raids spawn 50% more frequently
- • Shiny rate boosted to 1/10 (from standard 1/20)
- • Exclusive move: Thunder Punch guaranteed for caught Thundurus
- • 2x Stardust for winning Thundurus raids
- • Remote Raid Passes cost 50% less
- • Electric-type Pokemon spawn increased in wild
This is arguably the best time to hunt for shiny Thundurus Pokemon Go, as the boosted shiny rate combined with increased spawn frequency maximizes your chances. The guaranteed Thunder Punch move is also valuable, as it's Thundurus's cheapest charged move and excellent for PvP. If you've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to raid for Thundurus, this event is it.
Forces of Nature Weekend - February 8-9, 2026
Pokemon Go raid news has confirmed the "Forces of Nature" weekend event, featuring all three members of the Gen 5 legendary trio. Thundurus Pokemon Go will appear alongside Tornadus and Landorus in a special raid rotation that offers unique rewards for completing all three. Event details include:
- • All three Forces of Nature available in 5-star raids
- • Special research quest for defeating all three
- • 3x XP for completing trio-themed raids
- • Guaranteed Charged TM for each legendary caught
- • Collection challenge rewarding 50,000 Stardust
This weekend event is perfect for completing your Forces of Nature collection. The special research quest provides excellent rewards, including rare candies and premium items. If you're missing any of the trio members or want to hunt for shinies across all three, mark your calendar for this weekend - it's one of the most valuable Pokemon Go raid events of the year.
Raid Hour Schedule - January/February 2026
Weekly Raid Hours continue to be one of the best sources of Pokemon Go raid news and opportunities to raid for Thundurus. During January and February 2026, Niantic has scheduled several Thundurus- focused Raid Hours. Here's the upcoming schedule:
- • January 22, 2026: Thundurus Incarnate Raid Hour (6-7 PM local time)
- • January 29, 2026: Thundurus Therian Raid Hour (6-7 PM local time)
- • February 5, 2026: Electric-type Raid Hour (all Electric legendaries)
- • February 12, 2026: Thundurus Raid Hour (Forme varies by region)
- • February 19, 2026: Forces of Nature Raid Hour (all three available)
Raid Hours are ideal for coordinating with local communities and maximizing your raid efficiency. During these hours, Thundurus Pokemon Go raids spawn almost continuously, allowing you to complete multiple raids in a short timeframe. If you're serious about shiny hunting or building a team of Thundurus with different IVs, Raid Hours are your best opportunity.
Upcoming Raid Events - Q1 2026
Looking ahead at Pokemon Go raid news, the first quarter of 2026 promises several exciting raid events that will feature Thundurus and other legendary Pokemon. Planning ahead for these events can help you allocate resources effectively and ensure you don't miss out on limited-time opportunities. Here's what's on the horizon for Thundurus hunters.
March 2026 Raid Rotation Preview
Based on Pokemon Go raid news and seasonal patterns, here's what we can expect for the March 2026 raid rotation. While Niantic hasn't made official announcements yet, these predictions are based on historical data and reliable community sources:
Likely 5-Star Raid Bosses:
- • Thundurus (both Formes rotating)
- • New Gen 9 legendary (TBA)
- • Kyogre return confirmed
- • Groudon return likely
- • Regional legendary rotation
Expected Mega Raids:
- • Mega Tyranitar return
- • Mega Sceptile debut
- • Mega Swampert debut
- • Special Mega event raid
The expected return of Thundurus Pokemon Go in March gives you another opportunity if you miss the January/February raids. The potential debut of Gen 9 legendaries could shake up the meta significantly, so watch for official announcements on Pokemon Go's social media channels.
GO Fest 2026 Rumors & Predictions
Pokemon Go raid news and community speculation suggest that GO Fest 2026 will feature Electric-type Pokemon prominently, with Thundurus Pokemon Go expected to play a major role. While Niantic hasn't made official announcements, here are the credible rumors circulating in the community:
- • Global Electric-type challenge during GO Fest weekend
- • Shiny Thundurus guaranteed for completing research
- • Special Thundurus with exclusive event move
- • Increased shiny rates for all Electric-type legendaries
- • New Electric-type Pokemon debut during event
GO Fest is historically the best event of the year for legendary Pokemon, and 2026 looks to continue that trend. If past events are any indication, shiny rates will be significantly boosted, making it the perfect time to hunt for that elusive shiny Thundurus. Start saving your Premium Raid Passes and Remote Raid Passes now - you'll want to raid extensively during GO Fest.
Recent Pokemon Go Raid Updates
Staying current with Pokemon Go raid news means keeping up with recent updates and changes that affect how we raid for Thundurus and other legendary Pokemon. Niantic frequently adjusts raid mechanics, rewards, and difficulty based on player feedback and game balance. Here are the most recent updates that every Thundurus hunter should know about.
Remote Raid Pass Changes (January 2026 Update)
Niantic has implemented significant changes to Remote Raid Passes that affect how players participate in Thundurus Pokemon Go raids remotely. The updated system now features:
- • Remote Raid Pass cost reduced to 75 PokeCoins (from 100)
- • Damage output reduced to 75% when raiding remotely
- • Daily limit of 5 Remote Raid Passes
- • Remote Raid Passes don't stack beyond 10
- • In-person raiding rewards increased to encourage local play
These changes make remote Thundurus raids slightly less efficient but still viable for players who can't raid in person. The damage reduction means you may need slightly larger groups for remote raids, but the lower cost makes remote raiding more accessible. If you're planning to hunt for Thundurus primarily through remote raids, factor in the 25% damage reduction when determining group size requirements.
Raid Difficulty Adjustments
Recent Pokemon Go raid news reveals that Niantic has adjusted the difficulty of 5-star raids, including Thundurus Pokemon Go. The changes, implemented in December 2025, include:
- • 5-star raid CP reduced by 5% across the board
- • Thundurus HP slightly reduced for faster clears
- • Attack timing windows adjusted for better dodging
- • Weather-boosted raids scale appropriately
- • Minimum group size requirements clarified
These changes make Thundurus raids slightly more accessible, especially for smaller groups or trainers with less developed counter teams. The CP reduction means your counters will survive slightly longer, potentially allowing you to use more aggressive movesets. If you struggled with Thundurus raids in the past, now might be a good time to try again with the adjusted difficulty.
Shiny Rate Updates
Pokemon Go raid news has confirmed updates to shiny rates for legendary raids, affecting your chances of encountering shiny Thundurus Pokemon Go. The updated shiny rates are:
- • Base legendary shiny rate: 1/20 (5%)
- • Event-boosted shiny rate: 1/10 (10%)
- • GO Fest shiny rate: 1/5 (20%) historically
- • Collection challenge bonuses: Additional 2% boost
- • First encounter of the day: No shiny bonus (myth debunked)
These rates are consistent across all legendary raids, including Thundurus. The 5% base rate means you should statistically encounter a shiny Thundurus every 20 raids. During events with boosted rates, your chances improve significantly to 10% or 20% depending on the event. Planning your Thundurus hunting around events with boosted shiny rates is the most efficient strategy.
Regional Raid Differences & News
One of the most important aspects of Pokemon Go raid news is understanding regional differences in raid availability. Thundurus Pokemon Go raids vary significantly by region, with different Formes appearing in different parts of the world. Staying informed about your regional raid offerings is crucial for planning your Thundurus hunting strategy and coordinating with international friends.
| Region | Current Thundurus Forme | Other 5-Star Raids | Special Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Americas | Incarnate | Zekrom, Landorus-I | Lightning Legend Event |
| Europe | Incarnate | Zekrom, Raikou | Forces of Nature Weekend |
| Asia Pacific | Therian | Landorus-T, Zekrom | Regional Exclusive Events |
As you can see, regional differences significantly affect which Thundurus Forme you can encounter. If you're in the Americas or Europe, you currently have access to Incarnate Forme Thundurus Pokemon Go. Asia Pacific players get Therian Forme instead. This regional split encourages international trading and makes completing both Formes challenging without coordinating with friends in other regions.
The good news is that Niantic typically rotates these regional offerings every few months. If you don't have access to your preferred Thundurus Forme right now, wait a few months and it will likely appear in your region. In the meantime, focus on raiding the Forme currently available to you, and use trading communities to acquire the other Forme from players in other regions.
How to Stay Updated on Pokemon Go Raid News
With Pokemon Go raid news constantly evolving, it's essential to have reliable sources for the latest information on Thundurus raids and other legendary events. Missing a raid announcement could mean losing your chance at a shiny or exclusive move. Here are the best ways to stay updated on Pokemon Go raid news and ensure you never miss a Thundurus opportunity.
1. Official Pokemon Go Social Media
Follow @PokemonGoApp on Twitter and the official Pokemon Go Facebook page for immediate raid announcements. Niantic uses these channels to break news about Thundurus Pokemon Go raids, event schedules, and surprise raid rotations. This is the most reliable source for official announcements, though the news can sometimes be buried among other posts. Enable notifications for these accounts to receive raid news instantly.
2. In-Game News & Notifications
Pokemon Go's in-game news section is frequently updated with raid announcements, including Thundurus raid schedules and event details. Check the news tab regularly for the most accurate information about current and upcoming raids. Enable push notifications for Pokemon Go to receive alerts about breaking raid news and time-sensitive events. The in-game news is particularly reliable for event timing and duration details.
3. Community Discord Servers
Join local Pokemon Go Discord servers and community groups for real-time raid coordination and news sharing. These communities are often the first to report when Thundurus Pokemon Go raids spawn locally, and members frequently share breaking news from official sources. The Silph Road, Pokemon Go Hub, and various regional Discord servers are excellent resources for staying informed. Active community participation can give you advance notice of raid events and help you coordinate groups for Thundurus raids.
4. Pokemon Go News Websites
Websites like Pokemon Go Hub, The Silph Road, and various Pokemon Go news aggregators provide comprehensive coverage of raid news, including detailed analysis of Thundurus Pokemon Go raids. These sites typically publish raid schedules, event predictions, and strategy guides within hours of official announcements. Bookmark a few reliable Pokemon Go news sites and check them weekly for updates on raid rotations and upcoming events.
5. Pokemon Go Subreddit
The r/PokemonGo subreddit is an active community where trainers share raid news, coordinate groups, and discuss strategies. Major announcements about Thundurus raids are typically posted and discussed immediately, making it a valuable source for breaking news. The subreddit also features community-compiled raid schedules and event calendars that can help you plan ahead. Participate in discussions and share your own raid experiences to contribute to the community knowledge base.
Planning Your Thundurus Raid Strategy
Now that you're up to speed on Pokemon Go raid news, how should you plan your Thundurus hunting strategy? Timing your raids effectively can save resources, maximize shiny chances, and ensure you get the most value from your raiding efforts. Based on current raid schedules and upcoming events, here's my recommended strategy for hunting Thundurus Pokemon Go in 2026.
Optimal Thundurus Raid Timeline
January 15-22: Lightning Legend Event
Priority: MAXIMUM - Raid extensively during this week. The boosted shiny rate (1/10) makes this statistically the best time to hunt shiny Thundurus Pokemon Go. Aim for at least 20-30 raids to maximize your shiny chances. Take advantage of discounted Remote Raid Passes if you can't raid in person.
January 22 & 29: Raid Hours
Priority: HIGH - Both Raid Hours feature Thundurus, giving you excellent opportunities for efficient raiding. Coordinate with your local community to maximize raids during these hours. These are ideal for farming Thundurus with good IVs or hunting for shinies if you missed the Lightning Legend event.
February 8-9: Forces of Nature Weekend
Priority: MEDIUM-HIGH - Complete the special research quest by defeating all three Forces of Nature. Focus on Thundurus if you're missing good specimens, but don't neglect Tornadus and Landorus if you need those too. The guaranteed Charged TMs are valuable for optimizing your Thundurus moveset.
March 2026: Raid Rotation
Priority: MEDIUM - If you missed earlier opportunities, March likely brings another chance to raid for Thundurus Pokemon Go. Watch official Pokemon Go raid news for confirmed dates. Use this period to fill gaps in your collection if you're still missing key Thundurus specimens.
Summer 2026: GO Fest
Priority: HIGH - If historical patterns continue, GO Fest will feature significantly boosted shiny rates (potentially 1/5 or better). Save your resources for GO Fest if you're still hunting for shiny Thundurus. The event typically offers the best shiny opportunities of the year for legendary Pokemon.
Following this timeline ensures you're raiding during optimal periods with boosted shiny rates or enhanced rewards. Avoid wasting Premium Raid Passes on Thundurus raids during non-boosted periods unless you urgently need a specific Thundurus for your collection. Patience and strategic timing will maximize your raid efficiency and shiny hunting success.
Pokemon Go Raid News: Community Resources
Staying connected with the Pokemon Go community is essential for accessing the latest raid news and coordinating Thundurus hunts. The global Pokemon Go community has developed excellent resources for tracking raid news, sharing information, and organizing raid groups. Here are the most valuable community resources for Thundurus hunters.
The Silph Road
The Silph Road (thesilphroad.com) is the premier Pokemon Go research community, providing comprehensive raid schedules, shiny rate research, and legendary Pokemon guides. Their subreddit and website are excellent sources for Pokemon Go raid news, including detailed information about Thundurus Pokemon Go raids. The Silph Road also maintains a global raid coordinate system that helps trainers find local raid groups and coordinate raid times.
Pokemon Go Hub
Pokemon Go Hub (pokemongohub.net) offers daily news coverage, raid guides, and meta analysis. Their team of writers produces comprehensive articles about upcoming raid events, including predictions for Thundurus appearances and detailed strategy guides. Pokemon Go Hub is particularly valuable for their raid tier lists and counter recommendations, which help you prepare optimal teams for Thundurus raids.
Local Discord Communities
Almost every major city has active Pokemon Go Discord servers where trainers coordinate raids and share local raid news. Find your local community through Discord server directories or Facebook groups. These communities are invaluable for organizing Thundurus raid groups, sharing real-time raid spawn information, and trading for regional exclusives. Active participation in your local Discord will significantly improve your raiding experience and shiny hunting success.
Pokemon Go Raids Reddit
The r/PokemonGoRaids subreddit is dedicated specifically to raid coordination and news. Trainers post about active Thundurus raids, share shiny encounter stories, and coordinate remote raid groups. This subreddit is particularly useful for finding remote raid hosts in different regions, allowing you to access Thundurus Formes not available in your area. The community is generally helpful and welcoming to new raiders.
Related Guides
Our Take: Staying Ahead of Pokemon Go Raid News
After years of tracking Pokemon Go raid news and hunting legendary Pokemon, here's our honest assessment: staying informed is just as important as having good counters when it comes to successfully collecting Thundurus Pokemon Go. The trainers who consistently get the best results are those who stay updated on raid schedules, plan around events with boosted shiny rates, and coordinate with their communities effectively.
We've found that the most successful Thundurus hunting strategy combines three elements: (1) timing your raids during events with boosted shiny rates, (2) coordinating with local communities for efficient raiding, and (3) staying informed through reliable Pokemon Go raid news sources. The Lightning Legend event in January 2026 represents one of the best opportunities of the year to hunt for shiny Thundurus, with boosted rates and enhanced rewards that make it unbeatable.
Don't underestimate the value of community coordination either. Joining your local Discord and participating in Raid Hours will dramatically increase your raiding efficiency compared to solo queueing or trying to organize raids on the fly. The Pokemon Go community is generally welcoming to new raiders, and experienced trainers are often happy to share tips and help coordinate groups for Thundurus raids.
Our final recommendation: bookmark this page and check back regularly for updated Pokemon Go raid news. We'll continue to update our coverage of Thundurus Pokemon Go raids as new events are announced and raid rotations change. Combine this information with active community participation, and you'll be well-equipped to build an impressive Thundurus collection in 2026.