Pokémon Go features Mega Evolution, a powerful transformation that makes your Pokémon stronger and unlocks additional benefits. This guide explains how to acquire Mega Energy, the currency needed for Mega Evolution, and details the various perks associated with these enhanced forms.
Beyond the standard Mega Evolution, Pokémon Go also includes Primal Reversion, a similar mechanic exclusive to Kyogre and Groudon. While technically distinct, it functions much like Mega Evolution.
Perks of Mega Evolution
Mega Evolving a Pokémon provides several advantages beyond increased combat power. Players receive bonus candy for Pokémon of the same type as the Mega Evolved creature. At trainer levels 40 and above, there's an increased chance of obtaining XL Candy for same-type Pokémon. For instance, a Mega Pidgeot (Normal-type) will grant bonus Buneary Candy when catching Normal-type Pokémon like Buneary or Lopunny. This bonus candy is not affected by Pinap Berries. Additionally, Mega Evolution grants increased catch XP for Pokémon sharing the same type.
In raids, Mega Evolved Pokémon boost the stats of allied Pokémon and provide an additional type-specific attack boost. For example, using a Mega Lopunny will enhance both Normal- and Fighting-type moves.
Certain Pokémon that reach a "Super Max Level," indicated by a fourth Mega symbol, can access an additional charge move when Mega Evolved. These special moves, currently unobtainable via TMs, grow stronger as the Pokémon's Mega Level increases. While reaching Super Max Level is not required to obtain this move, the Pokémon must have the potential to reach that level.
Increasing Mega Levels
Mega-Evolved Pokémon now possess Mega Levels that increase with repeated Mega Evolutions. Higher Mega Levels amplify the aforementioned bonuses. Following the Super Mega Raid update, players can now advance their Mega-Evolved Pokémon to "Super Max Level." This requires significant amounts of the specific Pokémon's Mega Energy. For example, Mega Victreebell needs 5,000 Victreebell Mega Energy to reach its Super Max Level.
Players can also use Mega Energy to directly increase Mega Levels, bypassing the need for repeated Mega Evolutions and their associated time gates.
Obtaining Mega Energy
Mega Energy is a specific resource required to Mega Evolve each individual Pokémon. This energy is primarily obtained by participating in and defeating Mega Raids. Faster completion of these raids yields greater amounts of Mega Energy. It typically takes multiple raids against the same Pokémon to gather sufficient energy for its initial Mega Evolution. As Mega Evolutions rotate in and out of raids, it is advisable to collect Mega Energy for desired Pokémon before they become unavailable.
Super Mega Raids offer more Mega Energy than standard Mega Raids, and any Pokémon caught from these encounters will have Mega Evolution unlocked without an initial energy cost.
Mega Energy can also be earned as rewards from certain Field Research and Timed Research tasks. If a Pokémon has been previously Mega Evolved, it can be set as a buddy, and walking with it will accumulate Mega Energy.
How to Mega Evolve
Only one Pokémon can be Mega Evolved at a time. Mega Evolving a different Pokémon will revert the currently active Mega Pokémon to its normal state.
During raids, Mega Evolved Pokémon provide an attack boost to allies, with an additional boost for same-type Pokémon. These boosts do not stack.
A Mega Evolved Pokémon remains in its enhanced form for a limited duration, which can be viewed on its information screen. After reverting, it can be Mega Evolved again without energy cost after a cooldown period. Mega Energy can be used to reduce this cooldown time.
Available Mega Pokémon
Pokémon Go has incorporated many Mega Evolutions, including those from the original Mega Dimension additions. The game continues to add more Mega Evolutions. The initial energy cost for a Mega Evolution varies by Pokémon. Some Mega Evolved Pokémon gain access to a special additional charged attack. For instance, Mega Mewtwo X and Y require 7,500 Mega Energy each and gain access to Dynamic Punch+ and Future Sight+ respectively. Mega Rayquaza costs 400 Mega Energy and does not gain an additional charged move. Many other Pokémon, such as Venusaur, Charizard X and Y, and Blastoise, require 200 Mega Energy each and do not receive a new charged move upon Mega Evolution. Beedrill, Pidgeot, Slowbro, Gengar, Kangaskhan, Pinsir, Aerodactyl, Houndoom, Steelix, Scizor, Heracross, Sableye, Medicham, Manectric, Banette, Absol, Glalie, Lucario, Abomasnow, and Gallade all require 100 Mega Energy, with some like Raichu X and Y receiving specific charged moves like Volt Tackle+ and Zap Cannon+.
