Trainers,
a new wave of EX Raid invites has been sent out, targeting an EX Raid next monday, on February 26 2018. The raid takes place at gyms that fit the “old” Level 12 S2 cell criteria. For those trainers that were using the old EX Raid schedule, we strongly advise to stop, as the schedule has been changed / dropped in favour of something else.
We invite our readers to share their data via our EX Raid survey, especially if you did not get an invite. We’re investigating a new potential schedule and verifying changes to the selection criteria, every response matters.
Early observation and analysis of the EX wave
Although this EX wave very similar to the ones that happened in January, there are a few things we’ve observed with this wave.
Trainer selection criteria has likely undergone some tweaks, with early data suggesting that the way Niantic values recent raid activity has changed. We’ve received a high number of reader reports that indicate a more strict selection criteria based on your recent activity. We are unable confirm that any other EX Raid selection criteria was tweaked.
If you don’t remember, the following selection criteria was shared by Niantic in a recent blog post (“An Update on EX Raid Battle Invitations”, Feb 7 2018):
- Trainers with a higher level Gym Badge are now even more likely to receive an invitation for an EX Raid Battle at that location.
- Trainers who complete more Raid Battles (at any location) the week before EX Raid Battle invitations are sent will now have a greater chance of being selected.
Level 12 S2 Cells are back
Additionally, Level 10 S2 cells were not used for invite distribution this wave, as confirmed by several members of the GO Hub Discord server last night. A special shout out goes out to 123321Mario who was quick to provide an map of his local area with L10 S2 cells and gyms hosting an EX raid this wave.
Left side shows L12 and right side shows L10 S2 cells coverage of his local area:
In order to prepare for an EX Raid, we suggest you read through our Mewtwo raid guide: counters, weather, capture chances, IVs and CPs and organize team based groups with other players participating at the raid. Gym color should match the team with the least amount of players to give everyone a fair chance to capture Mewtwo.
