Pokémon GO Staraptor Raid Day: Times, Shiny & Rewards
Pokémon GO is hosting a Super Mega Staraptor Raid Day on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The event runs from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time and marks the debut of Mega Staraptor in Super Mega Raids. Trainers will have a three-hour window to battle the new Mega-Evolved form, chase the shiny, collect free Raid Passes, and unlock Mega Level 1 on every Staraptor they catch from these raids.
This guide covers the exact timing, shiny details, free and paid rewards, catch CP ranges, and practical tips so you can make the most of the afternoon.
Event Timing
The Raid Day takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time.
Because the window is based on local time, every region experiences the same three-hour block according to their own clock. Gyms will typically clear other raids in the hours leading up to the start so that Super Mega Staraptor can take over the raid rotation for the duration of the event.
A related remote-raid bonus begins earlier: the Remote Raid limit rises to 20 from Friday, September 18, at 5:00 p.m. PDT until Saturday, September 19, at 8:00 p.m. PDT. This gives trainers extra flexibility both before and during the Raid Day itself.
What Are Super Mega Raids?
Super Mega Raids are a higher-difficulty version of standard Mega Raids. The boss can become enraged and deploy shields that sharply reduce incoming damage. Breaking those shields requires a group of trainers, each bringing a Mega-Evolved Pokémon. Most sources indicate a minimum of roughly seven to eight trainers with Mega Pokémon is needed for a smooth clear.
Once the raid is won, the catch encounter is always the regular (non-Mega) form of Staraptor. The Mega Energy and Mega Level progression come from the battle rewards and subsequent power-ups.
Shiny Staraptor Odds
Shiny Staraptor is available from these raids with an increased encounter rate. Community reporting consistently places the boosted odds around 1 in 10, which is significantly higher than the standard raid shiny rate. Every Super Mega Staraptor raid you complete therefore gives a meaningful chance at the shiny.
Because the event lasts only three hours, the best strategy is to complete as many raids as possible while the boosted rate is active. Saving Premium Battle Passes or using the free daily passes efficiently will maximize your attempts.
Free Event Bonuses
During the 2:00–5:00 p.m. window trainers receive:
- Up to six free Raid Passes from spinning Gym Photo Discs (the usual daily free pass plus five additional ones)
- Mega Level 1 already unlocked on every Staraptor caught from Super Mega Raids
- Increased shiny chance for Staraptor
- Remote Raid limit raised to 20 (as noted above)
These free bonuses alone make the afternoon worthwhile for most players. The six free passes allow a solid number of attempts without spending coins or Premium Battle Passes.
Paid Event Ticket
An optional ticket is available for US$4.99 (or the equivalent local price). Purchasing the ticket grants the following additional bonuses, active only during the 2:00–5:00 p.m. local window:
- Up to 14 free Raid Passes from spinning Gym Photo Discs (instead of the free six)
- Increased chance of receiving Rare Candy XL from raids
- An extra 5,000 XP from each Super Mega Raid
- An extra 5,000 Stardust from each Super Mega Raid
The ticket is useful for trainers who plan to raid heavily and want both more attempts and better resource returns. It can also be gifted to friends if you prefer to support someone else’s raid day.
Catch CP Ranges
Staraptor caught from the raids fall into these CP windows:
- No weather boost: 1538 – 1614 CP
- Partly Cloudy or Windy weather: 1922 – 2018 CP
Weather-boosted encounters are preferable because they start at a higher level and require less candy and stardust to power up later. Keep an eye on the in-game weather forecast for your area on the day of the event.
Preparing for the Raid Day
Raid group size
Super Mega Raids need multiple trainers with Mega Pokémon. Coordinate with local groups or use remote invites so you do not get stuck in under-manned lobbies.
Counters
Mega Staraptor is Fighting/Flying. Strong Electric, Fairy, Flying, Ice, and Psychic attackers perform well. Bring your best Mega-Evolved Pokémon of those types to help break shields quickly.
Inventory and passes
Clear space for the new Staraptor and any candy or Mega Energy you will receive. If you own the paid ticket, spin Gyms early in the window to collect the extra free passes.
Remote play
The raised remote limit to 20 makes it easier for trainers who cannot gather in person. Still prioritize local raids when possible to save Remote Raid Passes.
Timed Research
A Timed Research story is available during the event and typically rewards items such as a Premium Battle Pass and an encounter. Complete it while the Raid Day is active so you do not miss the rewards.
Why This Raid Day Matters
Mega Staraptor is a new addition to the Mega roster and can be raised all the way to Super Max Level. Pokémon that reach Super Max Level unlock an additional Charged Attack while Mega Evolved (in Staraptor’s case, Brave Bird+). Catching multiple Staraptor on Raid Day gives you both the chance at a shiny and the Mega Energy needed to begin the power-up path toward Super Max.
The combination of free passes, boosted shiny odds, and the debut of a new Mega form makes September 19 one of the more efficient afternoons for dedicated raiders in the current season.
Final Checklist
- Event runs Saturday, September 19, 2:00–5:00 p.m. local time
- Super Mega Staraptor debuts with boosted shiny odds (approximately 1 in 10)
- Up to six free Raid Passes (14 with the paid ticket)
- Every caught Staraptor starts with Mega Level 1 unlocked
- Remote Raid limit raised to 20 for an extended window
- Weather-boosted CP range is 1922–2018
Plan your afternoon around the three-hour local window, gather a group that can bring Mega Pokémon, and take advantage of the free passes and increased shiny rate. Whether you are hunting the shiny, stocking Mega Energy, or simply adding a new Mega to your collection, Staraptor Super Mega Raid Day offers a focused and rewarding three hours of raiding.