Discover how to maximize Mega Evolution in Pokemon GO, including battles, bonuses, catching boosts, buddy perks, and more!
Mega Evolution is an exciting feature in Pokemon GO that makes your Pokemon temporarily stronger and unlocks exclusive perks. If you want to make the most of this feature, this guide is here to help. Learn how to collect Mega Energy, Mega Evolve your Pokemon, and use them effectively in battles.
What Is Mega Evolution?
Mega Evolution is a temporary boost that significantly increases a Pokemon’s CP for eight hours. While it doesn’t change HP, it can alter the Pokemon’s type in some cases. For example, Altaria becomes Dragon/Fairy when Mega Evolved and Charizard offers two forms: Fire/Dragon or Fire/Flying.
This feature not only boosts your Pokemon’s strength but also activates bonuses like increased Candy and XP for catches during the Mega Evolution period. These benefits depend on your Pokemon’s Mega Level. Shadow Pokemon, however, are not eligible for Mega Evolution.
How To Collect Mega Energy in Pokemon GO
To Mega Evolve, you’ll need Mega Energy. You can collect it in the following ways:
- Mega Raids: Participate in battles featuring Mega-Evolved Pokemon.
- The faster you win, the more Mega Energy you receive (150–250 per raid).
- Look for Mega Raids marked with tan-and-brown Eggs above Gyms.
- Research Tasks: Complete specific Field Research and Timed Research tasks to earn Mega Energy.
- Walking with Buddies: Some Pokemon generate Mega Energy when you walk with them.
The amount of Mega Energy required varies for each Pokemon, and you can track your collected energy on the Pokemon’s stats page, next to its Candy and Candy XL.
How To Mega Evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO
Not all Pokemon can Mega Evolve. Use the “Can Mega Evolve” tag in the search bar to check which of your Pokemon are eligible. Here’s how to Mega Evolve:
- Open the Pokemon’s page.
- Tap the Mega Evolve button below the green Power Up tab.
- Confirm the action.
The Mega Evolution lasts eight hours. If you Mega Evolve another Pokemon during this time, the first one reverts to its original state. You can also Mega Evolve directly from the Raid Lobby to prepare for battles. Look for the Mega Energy icon beside your team lineup to make last-minute adjustments.
How To Use Mega-Evolved Pokemon in Pokemon GO
Mega-evolved Pokemon are valuable in various situations:
1. Raid with Mega Power
Mega-Evolved Pokemon shine in Raid Battles, offering more than just raw strength. Their boosted CP, attack, and defense make them formidable fighters but the real magic lies in the team-wide benefits. When a Mega-Evolved Pokemon is on the battlefield, all Trainers’ Pokemon receive a universal attack boost. If your allies use moves matching the Mega-Evolved Pokemon’s type, they get an extra attack boost.
Ready to jump into action? You can Mega Evolve a Pokemon directly from the Raid Lobby. Look for the Mega Evolution icon in the top-left corner of your Battle Party screen. Tap it and pick a Pokemon to Mega Evolve right before the Raid begins. During the battle, Trainers with Mega-Evolved Pokemon will have a glowing Mega icon beside their avatars and an aura that sets them apart as powerhouses in the arena.
Important Note: If multiple Mega-Evolved Pokemon join the fight, their bonuses don’t stack—the highest boost will be applied.
2. Dominate Gym Battles
Mega-evolved Pokemon are excellent attackers in Gym Battles. While they can’t stay behind to defend Gyms, their offensive prowess is formidable. The attack boosts seen in Raids also apply here, making them ideal for taking down stubborn Gym defenders. If other Trainers are attacking the Gym as well, they’ll benefit from the same bonuses, especially if their attack types align with your Mega-Evolved Pokemon’s type.
3. Take Down Team GO Rocket
Team GO Rocket has met its match! Mega-evolved Pokemon are perfect for battling grunts, leaders, and even Giovanni himself. Their enhanced stats give you a distinct edge in these encounters, helping you breeze through tough battles.
4. Make Them Your Buddy
Want your Mega Evolution bonuses to extend beyond battles? Set your Mega-Evolved Pokemon as your active buddy. If you’re already Best Buddies, you’ll enjoy the Best Buddy CP boost on top of the Mega Evolution perks.
5. Boost Catch Rewards
When you have an active Mega-Evolved Pokemon, you’ll earn extra Candy for catching Pokemon that share a type with your Mega buddy. It’s a great way to stock up on resources while exploring.
Understanding Mega Levels in Pokemon GO
Mega Levels determine how often you can Mega Evolve a Pokemon and the bonuses it offers. There are three levels:
- Base Level:
- Requires one Mega Evolution.
- Seven-day rest period.
- Minimal bonuses.
- High Level:
- Requires seven Mega Evolutions.
- Five-day rest period.
- Improved bonuses, including extra XP and Candy XL chances.
- Max Level:
- Requires 30 Mega Evolutions.
- Three-day rest period.
- Maximum bonuses, such as enhanced XP and Candy rewards.
You can Mega Evolve without additional Mega Energy after the rest period, though you can use reduced Mega Energy to evolve before the cooldown ends. Each Pokemon has its own Mega Level progress.
Pokemon That Can Mega Evolve in Pokemon GO
Here’s a list of Pokemon that can Mega Evolve:
- Venusaur (Grass/Poison)
- Charizard (Fire/Flying → Fire/Dragon or Fire/Flying)
- Blastoise (Water)
- Beedrill (Bug/Poison)
- Pidgeot (Normal/Flying)
- Slowbro (Water/Psychic)
- Gengar (Ghost/Poison)
- Kangaskhan (Normal)
- Gyarados (Water/Flying → Water/Dark)
- Aerodactyl (Rock/Flying)
- Ampharos (Electric → Electric/Dragon)
- Steelix (Steel/Ground)
- Houndoom (Dark/Fire)
- Manectric (Electric)
- Altaria (Dragon/Flying → Dragon/Fairy)
- Absol (Dark)
- Latias (Dragon/Psychic)
- Latios (Dragon/Psychic)
- Lopunny (Normal)
- Abomasnow (Grass/Ice)
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