You’ve finally found it. You spun a PokéStop, and there it is—the "Win 5 Raids" field research task. Most players see this and immediately think about their dwindling supply of Premium Battle Passes or the logistics of finding five separate groups. It’s a grind. Honestly, it’s one of the most polarizing tasks in the game. Some people delete it the second they see it, while others will hold onto it for weeks, taking up a precious research slot just to get that specific encounter.
But is it actually worth the effort?
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The short answer is: it depends on your goals. If you're stuck on the "Let's GO, Meltan" Special Research, this task isn't just a recommendation; it's practically a lifeline. For others, it’s a slog that offers rewards you could probably find elsewhere with less stress. Let's break down why this task exists, what it actually gives you in 2026, and the smartest ways to knock it out without losing your mind.
What is the reward for Win 5 Raids in Pokémon GO?
In the current Precious Paths season, the "Win 5 Raids" task generally rotates between three specific Pokémon encounters. It’s not a guaranteed "one-and-done" deal. You're rolling the dice on which one pops out after that fifth orange bar fills up.
Currently, the pool includes:
- Aerodactyl (The big one everyone wants)
- Alolan Marowak
- Alolan Exeggutor
If you're hunting for a Shiny Aerodactyl, this is one of your best bets outside of specific Fossil-themed events. Aerodactyl’s Mega Evolution is a top-tier Rock-type attacker, so getting a high-IV specimen from research (where floor IVs are 10/10/10) is a huge deal for the PvE meta.
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Alolan Marowak and Alolan Exeggutor are "fine," but let’s be real—they feel like a bit of a letdown after doing five raids. However, Alolan Marowak is a staple in Great League PvP. If you’re looking for a specific IV spread or just more candy for a Shadow version, it’s not a total waste.
The Meltan Connection: Why Everyone Is Looking for This
There is a legendary (and frustrating) step in the "Let's GO, Meltan" questline that requires you to Catch an Aerodactyl.
Aerodactyl is a rare spawn. It doesn't just hang out at your local Starbucks most of the time. Unless there’s an "Adventure Week" or a Rock-type event happening, you could go months without seeing one in the wild. This makes the "Win 5 Raids" task the primary way players finish that quest.
I’ve seen trainers hold this task for two weeks because they only use their daily free pass. That’s dedication. If you’re in that "Meltan Hell," don't delete this task. It’s the most reliable way to move forward.
Strategies to Win 5 Raids Fast
You don't need to fight five Primal Groudons to finish this. That's a common misconception. Any raid counts.
- Solo the 1-Star Raids: In January 2026, we’ve got stuff like Ekans, Vanillite, and Sinistea in one-star spots. You can steamroll these in thirty seconds. It’s the most efficient use of time.
- Use Your Daily Passes: If you’re a Free-to-Play (F2P) player, don't feel pressured to buy passes. You get a free one every day by spinning a Gym. It'll take you five days, but the Aerodactyl isn't going anywhere.
- Shadow Raids Count: Don't forget the Shadow 1-star raids. Shadow Bagon or Shadow Snover are often available. They are slightly harder than regular 1-stars but still very soloable for a mid-level player.
- Remote Raiding: If you're stuck at home, apps like PokeGenie or the various raiding subreddits are your friends. Just keep in mind the daily limit on remote raids.
Is it worth the bag space?
This is where the nuance comes in.
If you already have a 4* Mega Aerodactyl and you finished your Meltan quest back in 2019, this task is probably a "delete." It occupies a slot that could be used for "Catch 10 Pokémon" (which gives easy Mega Energy) or "Make 3 Excellent Throws" (which often rewards Larvitar or Beldum).
However, if you are a shiny hunter, the boosted shiny rates for these research encounters are nothing to sneeze at. Research encounters traditionally have a higher "lucky" or shiny feel to them than wild spawns, though Niantic keeps the exact odds for field research under wraps.
Current Raid Bosses to Target (January 2026)
To get your 5 wins, you need to know what’s currently spawning. Right now, Thundurus (Incarnate Forme) is the 5-star boss. It's a tough fight that requires a group.
If you're trying to speed-run this task, look for these instead:
- Mega Sceptile: Good if you have 3-4 people.
- Cetitan (3-Star): A bit tanky, but soloable if you have strong Fire or Steel types.
- Sinistea (1-Star): The easiest way to get a "Win" tick on your quest bar.
Basically, keep your eyes on the 1-star eggs. They hatch frequently and require zero coordination.
Actionable Tips for Efficient Research
Stop spinning the same stop.
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Every PokéStop gives the same task to everyone for 24 hours. If your local park has a "Win 5 Raids" task at the fountain, it will stay there until midnight. If you're in a local Discord or campfire group, ask if anyone has "called out" the task location. This saves you from wandering aimlessly.
Also, remember that you can stack these. If you find three separate "Win 5 Raids" tasks, you can hold all three. When you win one raid, it counts as a win for all three tasks simultaneously. This is the "pro" way to do it—five raids for three encounters.
If you're serious about finishing this, clear your research queue, go to a high-density area, and spin until you have at least two of them. It makes the "cost" of the raid passes much easier to swallow when you're getting double or triple the rewards.
To make the most of your raiding week, check your items for any Lucky Eggs before you start your fifth raid. While the encounter is the main draw, the XP from five raids—especially if you're hitting 5-star bosses like Thundurus—can be significant. If you time it during a Wednesday Raid Hour, you can easily knock out the entire task in sixty minutes while maximizing your gains.