How to unlock 5 and 6-star raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Everything you need to know about unlocking 6-star raids, which offer some of the best rewards in the game

How to unlock 5 and 6-star raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

6-Star raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are currently the highest-tier raids in the game.

They’re incredibly difficult to beat, and feature Level 90 Pokemon, the highest in any Pokemon game so far. Even unlocking the ability to do these raids can be a bit of a pain, so we’ve broken it down for you below.

However, these challenges are worth the effort, as they offer some of the best rewards in Switch‘s new Pokemon games, including powerful items and final evolutionary forms of Pokemon.

So here’s everything you need to know about unlocking 5 and 6-star raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Guides:

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet walkthrough, tips, and Pokemon locationsRoaring Moon locationIron Valiant location | Shiny sandwich recipes | Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Legendaries | Pokemon type chart


How to unlock 5 and 6-star raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

The first step to gaining access to the more challenging 6-star battles is, of course, by accessing the 5-star predecessors.

In order to gain access to 5-star raids, players need to simply complete the main story, after which they will receive a phone call telling them that the challenges have been unlocked randomly throughout Paldea.

Read on below for the full process.


Complete the Gym rematches

How to unlock 5 and 6-star raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Firstly, you need to complete the eight Gym rematches that open once you’ve become Champion of the Pokemon League. You can do these in any order, with all battles featuring around 65-73 level Pokemon.


Complete the Academy Ace Tournament

How to unlock 5 and 6-star raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Once you’ve completed the Gym rematches, you’ll be contacted to return to the Academy. You’ll then be invited to take part in the Academy Ace Tournament.

You need to win four matches against 4 random high-level trainers, a full list of which, and their Pokemon, can be found here.


Complete 5 star raids

How to unlock 5 and 6-star raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

After you win the tournament, you’ll be contacted by Jacq. He’ll warn you that there are highly powerful raids appearing across the map, and asks you to investigate them.

YOU MUST HOST THESE RAIDS. Simply joining the 5-star raids online won’t count, so you’ll have to go out in the world and find 5-star raids, then matchmake other players into them.

It doesn’t matter what Pokemon you fight.


Wait for a phone call

After you successfully complete some 5 star raids, although the exact number isn’t clear, you’ll be once again contacted by Jacq. He’ll tell you that special raids have appeared across the map using dangerous black raid dens and that you should avoid them at all cost.

Obviously, you’re not going to do that. You’ve now unlocked 6-star raid, the highest-tier raids in the game so far.


6 star raid Pokemon list

Data via Serebii

  • Gengar
  • Tauros
  • Gyarados
  • Ditto
  • Vaporeon
  • Jolteon
  • Flareon
  • Dragonite
  • Espeon
  • Umbreon
  • Slowking
  • Scizor
  • Heracross
  • Blissey
  • Tyranitar
  • Pelipper
  • Gardevoir
  • Breloom
  • Torkoal
  • Salamance
  • Staraptor
  • Garchomp
  • Hippowdon
  • Magnezone
  • Leafeon
  • Glaceon
  • Gallade
  • Amoonguss
  • Haxorus
  • Hydreigon
  • Volcarona
  • Talonflame
  • Dragalge
  • Clawitzer
  • Sylveon
  • Goodra
  • Avalugg
  • Lycanroc
  • Toxapex
  • Mimikyu
  • Corviknight
  • Pincurchin
  • Frosmoth
  • Dragapult
  • Farigiraf
  • Dondozo
  • Revavroom
  • Orthworm
  • Maushold
  • Cetitan
  • Baxcalibur
  • Cyclizar
  • Pawmot
  • Kilowattrel
  • Bombirdier
  • Klawf
  • Garganacl
  • Glimmora
  • Grafaiai
  • Dachsbun
  • Masbosstiff
  • Tinkaton
  • Armarouge
  • Ceruledge
  • Toedscruel
  • Kingambit
  • Clodisre
  • Annihilape
Related Products
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Dual Pack
Pokémon Scarlet
Pokémon Violet
Other Products
Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch OLED - Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Limited Edition
Some external links on this page are affiliate links, if you click on our affiliate links and make a purchase we might receive a commission.