Nearly a decade after its global launch, Pokémon GO continues to bring trainers together in the real world with exciting events, new Pokémon releases, and competitive raids. The v0.317 update (2025) introduces fresh raid bosses, seasonal events, and gameplay improvements that make catching ‘em all more exciting than ever.
This article covers the new events, raid bosses, and strategies you’ll need to maximize your progress in the latest update.
🆕 What’s New in v0.317
- New Raid Boss Rotation: Legendary Pokémon from multiple generations return with boosted stats.
- Season of Legends II: A new seasonal cycle featuring exclusive quests and wild spawns.
- Team GO Rocket Expansion: New Shadow Pokémon added to Giovanni’s lineup.
- Quality of Life:
- Improved raid lobby matchmaking.
- Expanded storage for Pokémon and items.
- AR+ mode optimized for newer devices.
🐉 New Raid Bosses
The heart of v0.317 lies in its new raid boss lineup, offering fresh challenges and rewards.
⭐ Tier 5 (Legendary Raids)
- Rayquaza (Mega Evolved) – Sky-high Dragon/Flying DPS, one of the best raid attackers.
- Dialga (Origin Forme) – Steel/Dragon tank, powerful in both PvE and PvP.
- Mewtwo (Armored Forme) – Strong Psychic option with bulkier defense.
🌟 Mega Raids
- Mega Garchomp – A beast in both raids and PvP Master League.
- Mega Tyranitar – Excellent Rock/Dark attacker for raids.
⚡ Shadow Raid Bosses
- Shadow Lugia – Available through Giovanni’s team rotation.
- Shadow Metagross – A top-tier Steel Pokémon when purified and powered up.
🎉 New Events in v0.317
1. Season of Legends II
- Runs for three months.
- Featured Pokémon: Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion spawning more frequently.
- Seasonal bonuses: Increased Stardust from raids, extra PokéStop XP.
2. Community Days
- April: Ralts Community Day Classic with new move “Fairy Strike.”
- May: Axew Community Day with boosted shiny rate.
3. Special Research Quest – “Skyward Journey”
- Ties into Rayquaza’s return.
- Rewards Mega Energy, TMs, and guaranteed shiny encounters.
4. Global Raid Week
- Players worldwide team up to complete raid challenges.
- Unlocks bonus rewards like rare candies and raid passes.
🏆 Best Counters for New Raid Bosses
🔹 Rayquaza (Mega)
- Best Counters: Mamoswine, Glaceon, Mega Abomasnow.
- Strategy: Focus on Ice-type attackers for maximum DPS.
🔹 Dialga (Origin)
- Best Counters: Lucario, Groudon (Precipice Blades), Mega Blaziken.
- Strategy: Steel resistance makes Dialga tough, but Fighting and Ground shine.
🔹 Mewtwo (Armored)
- Best Counters: Darkrai, Giratina (Origin), Tyranitar.
- Strategy: Dark and Ghost attackers are most effective.
🔹 Mega Garchomp
- Best Counters: Togekiss, Gardevoir, Mamoswine.
- Strategy: Use Fairy and Ice Pokémon to counter Dragon typing.
🔹 Mega Tyranitar
- Best Counters: Conkeldurr, Machamp, Lucario.
- Strategy: Fighting-types destroy Rock/Dark bosses.
🧩 PvP Impacts of v0.317
The new raid bosses aren’t just for PvE — they reshape the PvP meta too.
- Dialga (Origin Forme) – Dominates Master League with bulk and coverage.
- Mega Garchomp – Terrifying in raids, also strong in themed PvP cups.
- Shadow Metagross – Once purified, becomes a steel powerhouse for Ultra League.
- Rayquaza (Mega) – Too fragile for PvP but devastating as a raid glass cannon.
🎯 Tips for Trainers
- Stock Up on Raid Passes – With so many legendary bosses, having premium raid passes ready is a must.
- Use Weather Boosts – Plan raids when weather enhances your counter types (e.g., snowy weather for Ice).
- Coordinate with Friends – High-tier raids require groups. Join local Discords or communities.
- Save Rare Candies – Power up Mega and Legendary Pokémon for long-term PvE use.
- Balance PvE and PvP – Don’t just chase shiny raids; invest in Pokémon that help in Master and Ultra Leagues.
🌍 Community Reactions
- Fans are hyped about Mega Rayquaza returning, calling it the “ultimate raid boss.”
- PvP players are split on Dialga (Origin) being too strong for Master League.
- Many appreciate better raid lobbies, making coordination easier.
- Some casual players feel overwhelmed with too many raid bosses at once.
🔮 What’s Next After v0.317
Niantic has hinted at upcoming features:
- Expansion of Shadow Legendaries beyond Lugia and Metagross.
- A new Mythical Pokémon event tied to the summer season.
- Possible co-op raid mechanics with real-time team abilities.
✅ Conclusion
The Pokémon GO v0.317 (2025) update proves the game is far from slowing down. With Mega Rayquaza headlining raids, Dialga’s new Origin Forme shaking PvP, and seasonal events rewarding active trainers, there’s something for every type of player.
If you’re aiming for raid dominance, invest in Ice and Fighting counters. If PvP is your focus, Dialga and Shadow Metagross are must-haves. No matter your playstyle, v0.317 makes Pokémon GO in 2025 as engaging as ever.