Look for Pokémon Dens

The Wild Area is full of what are known as Pokémon Dens. Sometimes, you’ll come across a Pokémon Den that is releasing a red pillar of light. Dynamax Pokémon of different species and varying strength are hiding in them, and you’ll be able to attempt a Max Raid Battle by investigating these dens. Whenever you see a red pillar of light, just walk up to the Pokémon Den and interact with it to start an encounter with a Dynamax Pokémon in a Max Raid Battle.

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Dynamax Pokémon are hiding in Pokémon Dens that are releasing a red pillar of light.

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You’ll be able to choose one Pokémon from your party or from your Pokémon Boxes to participate in the battle.

How to participate in a Max Raid Battle

In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, there is a feature called Y-Comm. With it, you can do things like trade Pokémon and have Link Battles via the internet or local communication.

If you see a stamp pop up while you’re on your adventure, it might be a sign that another player is looking for somebody to connect with! You’ll see a stamp when someone is looking for participants for a Max Raid Battle, too, so check the stamp on the Y-Comm screen to join in!

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Stamps can appear on the left side of your screen while you are on your adventure.

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Select the stamp with a Pokémon’s silhouette on it to join the Max Raid Battle.