Mega Evolution Comes to Pokémon GO

Mega Evolution, an evolutionary mechanic introduced to the Pokémon franchise in 2016’s Pokémon X and Y, is coming to Pokémon GO.

In Pokémon GO, Mega Evolution can be achieved by certain Pokémon through the collection of a new resource, called Mega Energy. Mega Energy can be obtained by completing Mega Raids, a new form of Raid Battle that features Mega Evolved Pokémon. The quicker you are able to defeat the Raid boss Pokémon, the more Mega Energy you’ll receive. Pokémon that are able to Mega Evolve include Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise and Beedrill. Once you’ve Mega Evolved a Pokémon, the amount of Mega Energy required to Mega Evolve that specific Pokémon will decrease from then onward, though Shadow and Clone Pokémon cannot be Mega Evolved.

Only one Pokémon can be Mega Evolved at a time, and if you Mega Evolve a second Pokémon, the first Pokémon will revert back to its original form. The Mega Evolution update comes alongside a new feature called the Mega Pokédex, which helps you keep track of which Pokémon you’ve Mega Evolved!

Pokémon that are Mega Evolved only stay that way for a limited amount of time, even outside of battle. While your Pokémon is Mega Evolved, you can battle in raids, in gyms, with other players, and against Team GO Rocket. You can also make it your buddy Pokémon to see it on the overworld map, feed it and play with it!

The update also comes with new avatar items inspired by Mega Bracelets, though wearing one is not required for Mega Evolution in Pokémon GO, unlike previous Pokémon games. You can also participate in a new Mega Evolution themed special research event, called A Mega Discovery. Completing this special research will give you Beedrill Mega Energy, allowing you to Mega Evolve Beedrill.

Finally, a Mega Evolution-themed event was announced for September.

- From Tuesday, September 1, 2020, to Monday, September 7, 2020, your goal will be to complete as many Mega Raids as you can! Gather Mega Energy to Mega Evolve your Pokémon and feel like a hero in your Raid Battles!
- From Friday, September 11, 2020, to Thursday, September 17, 2020, hone your battle skills with your Mega-Evolved Pokémon. Take part in Gym battles, Team GO Rocket battles, and Trainer Battles (excluding GO Battle League battles).
- From Tuesday, September 22, 2020, to Monday, September 28, 2020, become buddies with your Mega-Evolved Pokémon and spend time with it! Be sure to take snapshots and share them with us on social media using #GOsnapshot.