Pokémon Go is set to introduce Mega Skarmory during a Super Mega Raid Day this Saturday, June 27. This event will feature the new Mega-Evolved form of the Steel/Flying-type Pokémon, which boasts enhanced offensive capabilities compared to its standard defensive counterpart. Mega Skarmory will be recognizable by its golden armor and large, sharp talons.
Mega Skarmory will be available exclusively in Super Mega Raids from 2 PM to 5 PM local time. These raids are designed to be significantly more difficult than standard raids, requiring a minimum of seven players, each with a Mega-Evolved Pokémon. To aid trainers, Niantic is implementing several event bonuses. The maximum number of Remote Raid Passes a player can hold will be increased to 20 from June 26 to June 27. Additionally, players can acquire up to six free Raid Passes by spinning Photo Discs at Gyms. The chance of encountering a shiny Skarmory after a successful raid will also be elevated.
Timéd Research tasks will also be active during the event, offering rewards that can include a chance to catch Houndoom, a Pokémon that is particularly effective against Mega Skarmory.
Mega Skarmory's Weaknesses and Counters
Mega Skarmory retains its Steel/Flying typing, meaning its weaknesses remain the same as standard Skarmory. It is vulnerable only to Fire and Electric-type attacks. Therefore, prioritizing Pokémon with these types for your raid teams is crucial for maximizing damage output.
Recommended Fire-type attackers include Mega Charizard Y, Mega Blaziken, Entei, Heatran, Reshiram, Blacephalon, Cinderace, and Entei. For Electric-type counters, consider Mega Ampharos, Mega Manectric, Raikou, Electivire, Zekrom, Xurkitree, and Regieleki. Using attacks of the same type will grant these Pokémon a damage bonus.
Optimal Movesets for Mega Skarmory
Upon Mega Evolving, Skarmory's attack stats receive a substantial boost. As a Flying-type attacker, its most damaging moveset would be the Fast Attack Air Slash combined with the Charged Attack Sky Attack, making it effective against Fighting, Bug, and Grass-type Pokémon. For players who prefer to utilize Mega Skarmory's Steel typing, the combination of the Fast Attack Steel Wing and the Charged Attack Flash Cannon is recommended. This moveset makes Mega Skarmory a strong counter against Rock, Ice, and Fairy-type Pokémon.