Pokémon Go is offering players a significant choice during its "Mega Ascension" event, a prelude to the upcoming "Pokémon Go Fest 2026: Mega Finale." The event tasks participants with selecting between Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox, or Mega Greninja. This decision grants immediate rewards and impacts potential bonuses related to the chosen Pokémon, including shiny encounter rates and Mega Energy.
Upon making a selection, players will receive a bundle of candy for the chosen Pokémon through instantly completed research. The chosen Pokémon will also unlock the "Go Pass: Mega Finale." Notably, these three Mega Evolved Pokémon will not be featured in Mega Raids during the "Mega Finale" event itself, making the initial choice crucial for players hoping to obtain Mega Energy or raid with these specific forms in the near future.
The "Mega Ascension" event offers two tracks: a standard free track and a deluxe paid option. The deluxe version, priced at $14.99, provides enhanced benefits. Both tracks offer increasing rewards as players progress, including storage limit increases and bonuses for Mega Raids. The deluxe track, however, significantly boosts the chances of encountering shiny versions of the chosen partner Pokémon and its evolutions. At higher ranks of the deluxe track, players can also receive a significant amount of Mega Energy for their chosen Pokémon, potentially bypassing the need for extensive raiding.
For players prioritizing in-game performance, Mega Delphox stands out as the most potent choice. According to data compiled by Dialgadex, Mega Delphox exhibits superior damage output compared to Mega Chesnaught and Mega Greninja. It also ranks as the strongest Fire-type attacker in the game, surpassing other Mega Evolved Fire-type starters like Mega Blaziken and Mega Charizard. While Mega Chesnaught is a capable Grass-type attacker, it is outclassed by Mega Sceptile and Kartana. Similarly, Mega Greninja is a strong Water-type attacker, though it falls behind Primal Kyogre in that category. Therefore, from a purely combat effectiveness standpoint, Mega Delphox is the most advantageous pick.
The deluxe track also offers cosmetic rewards, including a shirt featuring the chosen evolved starter at rank 40. This presents an additional incentive for players to select a Pokémon whose design they particularly admire, alongside the gameplay benefits. The choice ultimately blends strategic considerations of in-game power with personal preference for bonuses and aesthetics.