Pokemon Sword and Shield Pikachu Max Raid event Guide

Earlier this week, we talked about this month’s Max Raid event in Pokemon Sword and Shield. It’s all about Water and Ground types in August 2020, but we did note that special, limited events could easily interrupt the scheduled Max Raid pools. Turns out that exact thing has happened, only days into the normal event. A new Pokemon Sword and Shield Pikachu Max Raid event has kicked off today, and will last through the weekend, closing off on August 9, 2020. Here’s what you can expect during the event:

Pokemon Sword and Shield Pikachu Max Raid event Guide

Guess what? In this Max Raid event you’ll be catching a bunch of Pikachu. I know, we’re shocked too. It’s cooler than it sounds though, honestly. As you challenge the Wild Area raid dens, you’ll have an increased chance of encountering members of the Pikachu family. This includes the lovable mascot character we all know, but it also includes Pichu, Raichu, Alolan Raichu, and even Mimikyu.

Related: Pokemon Sword and Shield August 2020 Max Raid Event Guide

Max Raid events usually consist of themed pools, but within those pools there can be variations, with things like Gigantamax or different Pokemon showing up in the more difficult dens. Here, there are no variations, only Pikachu. Each “tier” technically has six “slots,” and two of those slots have Pikachu in each tier. The remaining critters take up the other four. That said, there is a surprise hiding among the Pika Posse, and that surprise is a shiny Pikachu! Some of the tiers will roll a guaranteed Shiny Pikachu, not only giving you a rare color variant, but one that comes with the benefits of the Max Raids. This includes higher stats than usual, and sometimes abilities you can only get from raids.

So, Pikachu may not be the most exciting interruption around during a Max Raid event, but if you’re a Shiny hunter this is a great opportunity to cross one off the list. Otherwise, it only lasts for a weekend, and you’ll be able to get back to Gigantamax hunting after that. But if you’re all about that Pika Power, things are looking pretty good for you this weekend.

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Are you ready to dive into the Wild Area to seek out those Shiny Pikachu dens? Do you still need an Alolan Raichu to round out your collection? Let us know what your Pika Plans are over at the Prima Games Facebook and Twitter channels!