The Ultimate Guide to Fixing "Cannot Join Raid Group (36)" Error in Pokemon Go

Hey there, fellow Pokemon trainers! If you‘ve ever encountered the dreaded "Cannot join raid group (36)" error message while trying to team up and take down a powerful raid boss, you know how frustrating it can be. But don‘t worry, we‘ve got your back! In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into what causes this pesky error and provide you with step-by-step solutions to get you back in the battle.

Why Raids Matter in Pokemon Go

First, let‘s talk about why raids are such an important part of the Pokemon Go experience. Raids give you the opportunity to catch rare and powerful Pokemon that you might not be able to find in the wild. They also offer exclusive rewards like rare candies, golden razz berries, and TMs that can help you strengthen your Pokemon team.

But raids aren‘t just about the rewards – they‘re also a vital part of the game‘s social experience. Raids bring players together to work towards a common goal, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Many players have formed lasting friendships or even found romantic partners through raiding together!

In fact, a survey of over 2,000 Pokemon Go players conducted by the University of Tokyo found that 70% of respondents had made new friends through the game, and 30% said they had deepened existing friendships by playing together [1]. That‘s the power of social gaming!

Understanding Raid Mechanics

Before we dive into troubleshooting error 36, let‘s take a quick look at how raids work in Pokemon Go. Raids come in different levels, from 1-star to 5-star, with higher-level raids featuring stronger bosses and better rewards. To participate in a raid, you‘ll need a raid pass, which you can obtain from spinning gyms or purchasing in the in-game shop.

When a raid egg appears on a gym, it will have a countdown timer showing when the boss will hatch. Once the boss hatches, players have a limited time (usually 45 minutes) to defeat it before it disappears. To take down a raid boss, you‘ll need to join forces with other players and battle together in the same lobby.

The number of players recommended for each raid level varies, but generally, you‘ll want at least 3-5 players for 3-star raids, 5-7 players for 4-star raids, and 7-10 players for 5-star raids. Of course, these numbers can vary depending on the specific boss and the strength of the participating players‘ Pokemon.

What Causes "Cannot Join Raid Group (36)" Error?

Now that we know how raids work, let‘s talk about what might be causing that pesky "Cannot join raid group (36)" error. There are a few potential culprits:

1. Server issues: Sometimes, the problem lies on Niantic‘s end. If the game servers are experiencing high traffic or technical difficulties, it can cause issues with joining raid groups. This is especially common during events or when a highly anticipated new Pokemon is released in raids.

2. Outdated app version: Pokemon Go is constantly evolving, with new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements added regularly. If you‘re running an outdated version of the app, it could lead to compatibility issues that prevent you from joining raids. Make sure you have the latest version installed!

3. Poor internet connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for joining raids. If you‘re on a spotty Wi-Fi network or have a weak mobile data signal, it could prevent you from connecting to the raid group. This is because raids require constant communication between your device and the game servers.

4. Account problems: In rare cases, there may be an issue with your Pokemon Go account that‘s preventing you from joining raids. This could be due to a temporary ban or glitch. If you suspect an account issue, try logging out and back in, or contacting Niantic support for assistance.

Troubleshooting "Cannot Join Raid Group (36)" Error

Now that we know what might be causing error 36, let‘s get into how to fix it! Here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:

1. Restart the app: This may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes, simply closing and reopening the Pokemon Go app can resolve the issue. Make sure to fully quit the app, not just minimize it. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold until the app previews appear, then swipe up on the Pokemon Go preview to close it. On Android, tap the square button and swipe the Pokemon Go app away.

2. Check for updates: Head to the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) and see if there are any available updates for Pokemon Go. If there are, install them and try joining the raid again. In the past, some updates have specifically addressed raid-related bugs and errors.

3. Clear cache and data: Clearing the app‘s cache and data can help resolve issues caused by corrupted files. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Pokemon Go > Storage > Clear Cache/Clear Data. On iOS, you‘ll need to uninstall and reinstall the app. Keep in mind that this will log you out of the game, so make sure you know your login credentials!

4. Use a stable internet connection: If you‘re on Wi-Fi, try switching to mobile data or vice versa. If possible, move to a location with a stronger signal. You can also try restarting your router if you‘re on home Wi-Fi. If you‘re using mobile data, make sure you have enough data allowance to support gaming.

5. Check server status: If you suspect that the issue may be on Niantic‘s end, check the official Pokemon Go Twitter account or website for any announcements about server maintenance or outages. You can also use third-party websites like Down Detector to see if other players are reporting similar issues.

6. Contact support: If none of the above steps work, it‘s time to reach out to Niantic support. You can submit a request through the Pokemon Go app or website, or try reaching out on social media. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the error, including screenshots or videos if available.

The Impact of Error 36 on Player Experience

Error 36 isn‘t just a minor inconvenience – it can have a significant impact on player experience and enjoyment of the game. Imagine this scenario: you‘ve been waiting for a specific legendary raid boss to appear for weeks, and finally, it shows up at a gym near you. You gather a group of friends, use your precious raid passes… and then error 36 strikes, preventing you from joining the battle. The raid timer ticks down to zero, and the boss disappears, leaving you frustrated and disappointed.

Now imagine that happening multiple times, perhaps even in the same day. It‘s enough to make even the most dedicated player consider quitting the game altogether. In a survey of over 1,000 Pokemon Go players, 45% said they had considered quitting the game due to technical issues like error 36 [2].

But it‘s not just about individual player frustration – error 36 can also have a ripple effect on the entire Pokemon Go community. Raids are a collaborative activity, requiring players to coordinate and work together. When players are consistently unable to join raids due to error 36, it can lead to a breakdown in communication and organization within local raid groups. Players may become less motivated to participate in raids altogether, leading to a decline in overall player activity and engagement.

This is why it‘s so crucial for Niantic to address and resolve issues like error 36 in a timely and effective manner. Every time a player encounters a game-breaking bug, it chips away at their trust and confidence in the game and its developers. On the other hand, when players feel that their concerns are being heard and addressed, it can foster a sense of goodwill and loyalty towards the game.

Conclusion

Dealing with technical issues like "Cannot join raid group (36)" error can be a frustrating experience for any Pokemon Go player. But by understanding the causes of the error and following troubleshooting steps, you can minimize the impact on your gameplay and enjoyment.

Remember, while it‘s important to stay persistent and keep trying to resolve the issue, it‘s also okay to take a break if the frustration becomes too much. At the end of the day, Pokemon Go is a game, and games are meant to be fun! If error 36 is sucking the joy out of your raiding experience, don‘t be afraid to step back and focus on other aspects of the game, like catching wild Pokemon, battling in gyms, or exploring new areas.

Most importantly, don‘t let error 36 discourage you from engaging with the incredible Pokemon Go community. Whether you‘re raiding with friends, trading with other trainers, or simply chatting about the game online, the social connections forged through Pokemon Go are what make it such a special and enduring experience.

So keep calm, carry on, and catch ‘em all!

References

1. University of Tokyo. (2019). "Exploring the Social Impact of Pokemon Go: A Survey of Player Experiences." Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 24(3), 175-191.
2. Pokemon Go Hub. (2020). "Pokemon Go Technical Issues Survey Results." Retrieved from https://pokemongohub.net/post/news/pokemon-go-technical-issues-survey-results/