Pokémon Go is launching its "Mega Squads" event, which will introduce the dog Pokémon Maschiff and its evolution Mabostiff to the game. The event, running from September 8 to September 14, will also feature the debut of a shiny version of Flamigo and upgraded Mega Evolutions for Beedrill and Houndoom. This event is divided into two parts, with changes to spawns, Field Research, raids, and eggs occurring on September 11 at 10 a.m. local time.
Players will have several opportunities to acquire Maschiff during the event. Beginning September 11, Maschiff can be hatched from 5 km eggs, obtained as a reward from an as-yet-undisclosed Field Research task, or earned by progressing through the event's Go Pass. Maschiff evolves into Mabostiff using 50 Maschiff Candy, though the shiny form of Maschiff is not yet available.
The event introduces a new Go Pass structure with 30 ranks, plus an additional 30 bonus ranks. Progressing through these ranks can reward players with Maschiff and Mega Energy for Houndoom and Beedrill. Rank 1 unlocks the potential for Mega Energy from catching specific Pokémon like Weedle, Pidgey, Houndour, and Carvanha. At Rank 15, players receive double Stardust for hatching eggs, and a reduced egg hatch distance when using an Incubator during the event period. A Deluxe version of the Go Pass, available for $4.99, includes a cosmetic jacket as a reward at Rank 25.
Field Research tasks obtained by spinning PokéStops will also vary throughout the event. From September 8-11, tasks may lead to encounters with Fletchling, Pidgey, or Weedle, or rewards like Rare Candy XL and Stardust. From September 11-14, new tasks will become available, which will be detailed as the event progresses.
Boosted spawns during the event will include Weedle and Flamigo. From September 8-11, Pidgey and Rookidee will appear more frequently, with Rookidee having an increased chance of being shiny. From September 11-14, Houndour and Carvanha will be more common spawns, and Carvanha will have an increased chance of being found in its shiny form.
Certain Pokémon will have a chance to hatch from 5 km eggs obtained during the event. From September 8-11, these include Emolga, Fletchling, Rookidee, and Flamigo. From September 11-14, the egg pool will change to Sandile, Pancham, Maschiff, and Flamigo.
Raids will also see adjustments. Specific raid targets for September 8-11 and September 11-14 will be updated as the event unfolds.