Pokémon Go is entering a new era of Mega Evolution with a substantial update rolling out during to , 2026, as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kalos. The update introduces “Super Mega Raids,” a more challenging raid tier, a new in-game currency called “Link Charges,” and a fourth Mega Evolution level dubbed “Super Max.” These changes aim to deepen engagement with Mega Pokémon and provide players with more substantial rewards.
Super Mega Raids: A New Challenge
Super Mega Raids are designed to be significantly more difficult than existing Mega Raids, requiring a minimum of seven players to successfully complete. Niantic strongly encourages participants to bring Mega-Evolved Pokémon into battle to overcome shields deployed by the raid boss. These raids will feature both new and existing Mega Pokémon, offering increased Mega Energy rewards upon defeat – crucial for leveling up Pokémon to the new Super Max tier.
The mechanics of Super Mega Raids introduce a new dynamic: raid bosses will periodically enrage and activate shields, reducing the damage from standard attacks. Players must coordinate to break these shields, with each player only able to remove one shield at a time. When a shield is broken, a Mega-Evolved Pokémon in a player’s party will automatically unleash a powerful attack, further contributing to the raid’s progress. However, certain Pokémon, including Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon and Ditto transformed into a Mega-Evolved form, are excluded from this shield-breaking ability.
Link Charges: A New Currency
Alongside Super Mega Raids, Niantic is introducing Link Charges, a new currency used to access both Mega and Super Mega Raids. Players can acquire Link Charges through weekly challenges, opening gifts, and attending community events organized through Campfire. Link Charges can also be purchased directly from the in-game shop or the Pokémon Go online store. Niantic states that Link Charges are intended to provide an alternative to Raid Passes, offering potentially better value for players, though Raid Passes remain a viable option.
During the Pokémon Go Tour: Kalos events in Tainan and Los Angeles, players with event tickets will receive Link Charges through the free GO Pass. Globally, during the Tour, players can earn Link Charges daily by registering for a community event via Campfire, and through the GO Tour: Kalos Pass and the premium GO Tour Deluxe Pass.
Super Max: The Next Level of Mega Evolution
The update also introduces the Super Max level, a fourth tier of Mega Evolution. Previously, Mega Pokémon could reach three levels, each providing increasing bonuses while in their Mega-Evolved form. Reaching Super Max requires players to continue using Mega Energy specific to that Pokémon, even after achieving the third level.
The Super Max level unlocks additional benefits, including significantly improved PC stats, increased chances of obtaining high-level Attack, Defense, and HP Pokémon upon capture when battling Pokémon sharing a type with the Mega-Evolved Pokémon, and a reduced cooldown period before a Pokémon can Mega Evolve without using Mega Energy – dropping to 24 hours.
Niantic plans to expand the ability to reach Super Max to more Mega-Evolved Pokémon in the future. The amount of Mega Energy required to reach Super Max will decrease with each subsequent Mega Evolution of the Pokémon.
New Mega Pokémon Debut
Mega Victreebel and Mega Malamar are among the new Mega Evolutions being discovered in Pokémon Go, and will be featured in Super Mega Raids during the Tour: Kalos. Players participating in the Tour events will have the first opportunity to battle these Pokémon and obtain the necessary Mega Energy to level them up, including to the new Super Max tier.
Looking Ahead
Niantic is also exploring ways to accelerate the process of leveling up Mega Pokémon, potentially allowing players to use Mega Energy to quickly advance through all levels, including the new Super Max tier. The company encourages players to stay tuned for further updates and discoveries regarding the power of Mega Evolution in Pokémon Go.
