Pokémon GO September 2026 Raids: Zacian, Zamazenta, Ultra Beasts and Shadow Thundurus
By Matt · Published · Updated September 2026 started with Mega Finale on 5 and 6 September, then had Zacian (9 to 15 September), Zamazenta (16 to 22 September), Xurkitree, Pheromosa and Buzzwole in their regions (23 to 29 September) and Xerneas (30 September to 6 October). Shadow Incarnate Forme Thundurus appeared in Shadow raids for the first time, and Dynamax Ralts and Rhyhorn debuted.
Here are all the Pokémon that came to battles in September 2026.
The September 2026 raid schedule
Mega Finale took over on 5 and 6 September. After that:
- 9 to 15 September: Zacian in 5-star raids. This was the base form, with no energy. Mega Beedrill and Mega Houndoom were in 4-star raids.
- 16 to 22 September: Zamazenta, also giving no energy, with Mega Venusaur.
- 23 to 29 September: the Ultra Beasts returned, with Xurkitree, Pheromosa and Buzzwole in their regular regions, and Mega Malamar.
- 30 September to 6 October: Xerneas, with Mega Victreebel.
- 9 September to 6 October: Shadow Incarnate Forme Thundurus, in Shadow raids for the first time.
Max Battles
- Dynamax Ralts debuted from 7 to 13 September
- Dynamax Rhyhorn debuted from 14 to 20 September
- Dynamax Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres returned from 21 to 27 September
Spotlight hours
- Weedle on 10 September, with 2x transfer Candy
- Houndour on 13 September, with 2x transfer Candy
- A mystery Pokémon on 17 September, with 2x catch Stardust
- Rattata on 24 September, with 2x evolution XP and more XXS Rattata
It was another huge month.
For Zacian and Zamazenta, see my crowned forms guide. For the Ultra Beasts, see my Ultra Beast rankings.
FAQ
What raids were in Pokémon GO in September 2026?
Zacian (9 to 15 September), Zamazenta (16 to 22 September), Xurkitree, Pheromosa and Buzzwole (23 to 29 September) and Xerneas (30 September to 6 October) in 5-star raids.
Did Zacian and Zamazenta give energy in September 2026?
No. They were the base forms and their raids gave no energy.
What was in Shadow raids in September 2026?
Shadow Incarnate Forme Thundurus, for the first time, from 9 September to 6 October.
Which Dynamax Pokémon debuted in September 2026?
Dynamax Ralts (7 to 13 September) and Dynamax Rhyhorn (14 to 20 September), with Dynamax Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres returning from 21 to 27 September.
Get Matt's full take
The extended write-up on Patreon has Matt’s commentary, what to prioritise and Matt’s own plan.