Mega Evolution is an additional, temporary evolution form of specific Pokémon that reached their final evolution stage. They have greatly increased Combat Power, but their HP remains the same. Certain Pokémon may also change their types after being Mega Evolved.
Similarly to the main series games, Mega Evolution is temporary, however in Pokémon GO it is a temporal change of form that occurs in Trainer's Pokémon collection instead of a single battle. When a Pokémon is Mega-Evolved, the Trainer receives bonuses.
Mega-Evolved Pokémon can be assigned as a Buddy Pokémon and used to battle in Gyms, Raid Battles and Trainer Battles (including against other Trainers, Team Leaders, Team GO Rocket members, and Challengers in events). However, they cannot be deployed to defend Gyms, traded, powered up nor used in GO Battle League matches (outside of specific events) and Max Battles while Mega Evolved.
Primal Reversion is a similar mechanic which is exclusive to Kyogre and Groudon.
Mega Evolving a Pokémon[]
Mega Evolving Charizard
In order to Mega Evolve a Pokémon, a Trainer needs enough Mega Energy for a specific Pokémon species.
Pokémon will remain in their Mega Form for 8 hours. It will enter its rest period once the timer expires. Only one Pokémon can be Mega Evolved (or in Primal Reversion) at any particular time. If another Pokémon is Mega Evolved or undergoes Primal Reversion, the previous Mega Evolved Pokémon will return to its standard form and enter its rest period. Pokémon can also be Mega Evolved in a raid lobby or Trainer Battle preparation screens. Mega Evolving a Pokémon revives and fully heals it.
Mega Evolved form selection screen
If Pokémon such as Charizard has different Mega Evolution forms, the requested form can be chosen when Mega Evolving said Pokémon.
The first time a Pokémon is Mega Evolved, it is registered to the Mega & Primal Pokédex.
Clone or Shadow Pokémon cannot be Mega Evolved. Purified or costumed Pokémon can be Mega Evolved, but they do not have their white aura or costume while Mega Evolved. Dynamax capable and Gigantamax capable Pokémon can be Mega Evolved, but they cannot be used in Max Battles while they are Mega Evolved.
Mega Energy[]
Mega Energy is a consumable resource that is similar to Pokémon Candy, as each Pokémon species has specific Mega Energy used to Mega Evolve. Unlike Candy, each individual type of Mega Energy has a max limit of 9999.
Mega Energy for a particular species can be received by battling that specific Pokémon in Mega Raids (a special Tier of Raid Battles), by walking any member of that species' evolutionary family as a Buddy Pokémon (unlocked by registering the species in the Mega & Primal Pokédex), or by completing research tasks. Completing a Mega Raid in a shorter time awards more Mega Energy. Mega Energy is given upon completion of the raid and does not require catching the Raid Boss. The data shown below applies to most Mega Raids. Mega Rayquaza (outside of its Elite Raid) is an exception; it uses the same numbers as Primal Energy from Primal Raids.
| Mega Raid Clear Time | Mega Energy Received |
|---|---|
| 0:00 - 0:30 | 250 |
| 0:31 - 1:15 | 225 |
| 1:16 - 2:30 | 200 |
| 2:31 - 3:45 | 175 |
| 3:46 - 5:00 | 150 |
Buddy Pokémon can earn 5 Mega Energy per km via walking (along with the usual Candy) if it is part of previously a Mega-Evolved Pokémon's Evolutionary line. For example, if Mega Slowbro has been registered in the Pokédex, any Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking or their Galarian forms can earn Mega Energy when assigned as the Buddy Pokémon. If both Mega Gardevoir and Mega Gallade have been registered, any male Ralts, Kirlia, Gardevoir or Gallade can earn both Gardevoir and Gallade Mega Energy while a Buddy. However, walking a female Ralts, Kirlia or Gardevoir won't earn Gallade Mega Energy if Mega Gallade is registered.
Mega Evolving a Pokémon for the first time costs a high amount of Mega Energy. Mega Evolving that single Pokémon subsequent times does not require Mega Energy again if its rest period is completed. Mega Energy can also be used to skip the rest period for that Pokémon, with the cost gradually decreasing as the rest period progresses. Mega Evolving other Pokémon of the same species still requires the full cost. Certain Pokémon such as Charizard have two Mega Forms, unlocking one form counts towards both Mega Forms in terms of energy required.
Mega Level and bonuses[]
Mega Evolving a Pokémon progresses that specific Pokémon's Mega Level (shared between forms if it has two) and unlocks increasing bonuses. Only the first Mega Evolution of the specific Pokémon in a day counts towards the Mega Level progression; additional Mega Evolutions in a day will still provide Candy and damage boosts, but will not progress that Pokémon's Mega Level.
Damage boost[]
Mega-Evolved Pokémon boost the attack power of all other Trainers' Pokémon while actively battling in Raid Battles by 10% or 30%. Attacks that share their type with the Mega-Evolved Pokémon's type(s) receive a 30% boost, while all other attacks receive a 10% boost. These bonuses do not stack if there are multiple Mega-Evolved or Primal Pokémon battling simultaneously; only the higher boost will be applied.
- An exception is Mega Rayquaza, which boosts all Flying-, Psychic-, and Dragon-type attacks. It has identical mechanics to Primal Reversion[1]. Its boost applies even if Mega Rayquaza is not the current active Pokémon attacking or if it is fainted, as long as it is in the current battle party.
The boost is not given to the Trainer who brought the Mega-Evolved Pokémon. In order for that Trainer to receive the boost, another Trainer must bring a Mega-Evolved or Primal Pokémon to the Raid as well.
Mega Energy cost reduction[]
Higher Mega Level reduces the Mega Energy cost to skip the rest period. The Mega Energy data shown below refers to the cost required right after the Mega Evolution is over. The cost gradually reduces as time progresses, until it reaches zero with the completion of the rest period.
For example, attempting to Mega Evolve at High Level 1 day into the 5 day rest period (80% rest period remaining, 10% energy cost) will cost 8% of the original Mega Energy, and attempting to Mega Evolve at High Level 2 days into the 5 day rest period (60% rest period remaining, 10% energy cost) will cost 6% of the original Mega Energy.
Candy bonuses[]
While a Pokémon is Mega-Evolved, additional XP and Candy is granted when catching a Pokémon that shares a type with it, or for any raid boss caught. These do not stack with each other. Additionally, High and Max Level Mega-Evolved Pokémon grant an increased chance to obtain Candy XL when catching a Pokémon that shares a type with it.
| Level | Total times Mega-Evolved | Rest period (day) | Mega Energy cost of original | Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | 0 | 14 | 100% | 1 bonus catch Candy |
| Base Level | 1 | 7 | 20% | 1 bonus catch Candy |
| High Level | 7 | 5 | 10% | 1 bonus catch Candy 10% increased Candy XL chance 50 bonus XP |
| Max Level | 30 | 3 | 5% | 2 bonus catch Candies 25% increased Candy XL chance 100 bonus XP |
Pokémon cannot be traded while they are currently in their Mega form. If a Pokémon that has previously been Mega Evolved is traded, their Mega Level is reset, and that Pokémon is considered to have never Mega Evolved at all.
List of Mega-Evolved Pokémon[]
There are currently 43 Mega-Evolved forms released
| 900 |  |
 |
 |
45 |  |
258 |  |
884 |  |
819 |  |
 |
392 |  |
 |
8 |  |
 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALL 900 |
See List of Pokémon and List by release date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MEGA and PRIMAL 45 |
See List of Mega-Evolved Pokémon, List of Primal Reverted Pokémon and List by release date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EVENT 258 |
See List of Event Pokémon or List by release date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LUCKY 884 |
See Lucky Pokémon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SHINY 819 |
See List of Shiny Pokémon and List by release date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SHINY 3 STARS 819 |
See List of Shiny Pokémon and List by release date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 STARS 900 |
See Appraisal | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PERFECT 900 |
See Appraisal | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SHADOW 392 |
See List of Shadow Pokémon and List by release date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PURIFIED 392 |
See List of Shadow Pokémon and List by release date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DYNAMAX 56 | See List of Dynamax Pokémon and List by release date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GIGANTAMAX 8 |
See List of Gigantamax Pokémon and List by release date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following Mega Pokémon have not been released in Pokémon GO.
The following Mega Pokémon have not been released in Pokémon GO.
Regular and Mega-Evolved Pokémon comparison[]
| Pokémon | Stats | Mega Energy |
Max Evolution cost | Mega Evolution | Stats | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Base | High | Max | |||||
 |
3,075 CP Attack: 198 Defense: 189 Stamina: 190 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,181 CP Attack: 241 Defense: 246 Stamina: 190 |
 |
3,266 CP Attack: 223 Defense: 173 Stamina: 186 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,353 CP Attack: 273 Defense: 213 Stamina: 186 |
|
3,266 CP Attack: 223 Defense: 173 Stamina: 186 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
5,037 CP Attack: 319 Defense: 212 Stamina: 186 |
 |
2,788 CP Attack: 171 Defense: 207 Stamina: 188 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,455 CP Attack: 264 Defense: 237 Stamina: 188 |
 |
2,087 CP Attack: 169 Defense: 130 Stamina: 163 |
|
100 | 20 | 10 | 5 | |
3,824 CP Attack: 303 Defense: 148 Stamina: 163 |
 |
2,407 CP Attack: 166 Defense: 154 Stamina: 195 |
|
100 | 20 | 10 | 5 | |
4,160 CP Attack: 280 Defense: 175 Stamina: 195 |
 |
3,456 CP Attack: 271 Defense: 167 Stamina: 146 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
5,099 CP Attack: 367 Defense: 207 Stamina: 146 |
 |
2,877 CP Attack: 177 Defense: 180 Stamina: 216 |
|
100 | 20 | 10 | 5 | |
4,245 CP Attack: 224 Defense: 259 Stamina: 216 |
 |
3,254 CP Attack: 261 Defense: 149 Stamina: 155 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,902 CP Attack: 349 Defense: 199 Stamina: 155 |
 |
2,924 CP Attack: 181 Defense: 165 Stamina: 233 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,353 CP Attack: 246 Defense: 210 Stamina: 233 |
 |
3,345 CP Attack: 238 Defense: 182 Stamina: 163 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,728 CP Attack: 305 Defense: 231 Stamina: 163 |
 |
3,834 CP Attack: 237 Defense: 186 Stamina: 216 |
|
300 | 60 | 30 | 15 | |
5,332 CP Attack: 292 Defense: 247 Stamina: 216 |
 |
3,147 CP Attack: 221 Defense: 159 Stamina: 190 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,655 CP Attack: 292 Defense: 210 Stamina: 190 |
 |
3,225 CP Attack: 211 Defense: 169 Stamina: 207 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,799 CP Attack: 294 Defense: 203 Stamina: 207 |
 |
2,729 CP Attack: 148 Defense: 272 Stamina: 181 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,149 CP Attack: 212 Defense: 327 Stamina: 181 |
 |
3,393 CP Attack: 236 Defense: 181 Stamina: 172 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,621 CP Attack: 279 Defense: 250 Stamina: 172 |
 |
3,506 CP Attack: 234 Defense: 179 Stamina: 190 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
5,443 CP Attack: 334 Defense: 223 Stamina: 190 |
 |
2,979 CP Attack: 224 Defense: 144 Stamina: 181 |
|
100 | 20 | 10 | 5 | |
4,344 CP Attack: 289 Defense: 194 Stamina: 181 |
 |
4,335 CP Attack: 251 Defense: 207 Stamina: 225 |
|
300 | 60 | 30 | 15 | |
6,045 CP Attack: 309 Defense: 276 Stamina: 225 |
 |
3,117 CP Attack: 223 Defense: 169 Stamina: 172 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,585 CP Attack: 320 Defense: 186 Stamina: 172 |
 |
3,219 CP Attack: 240 Defense: 141 Stamina: 190 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,704 CP Attack: 329 Defense: 168 Stamina: 190 |
 |
3,362 CP Attack: 208 Defense: 175 Stamina: 225 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,975 CP Attack: 283 Defense: 218 Stamina: 225 |
 |
3,497 CP Attack: 237 Defense: 195 Stamina: 169 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
5,101 CP Attack: 326 Defense: 229 Stamina: 169 |
 |
1,668 CP Attack: 141 Defense: 136 Stamina: 137 |
|
100 | 20 | 10 | 5 | |
2,196 CP Attack: 151 Defense: 216 Stamina: 137 |
 |
1,848 CP Attack: 155 Defense: 141 Stamina: 137 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
2,691 CP Attack: 188 Defense: 217 Stamina: 137 |
 |
3,391 CP Attack: 198 Defense: 257 Stamina: 172 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,705 CP Attack: 247 Defense: 331 Stamina: 172 |
 |
1,618 CP Attack: 121 Defense: 152 Stamina: 155 |
|
100 | 20 | 10 | 5 | |
2,821 CP Attack: 205 Defense: 179 Stamina: 155 |
 |
2,646 CP Attack: 215 Defense: 127 Stamina: 172 |
|
100 | 20 | 10 | 5 | |
4,048 CP Attack: 286 Defense: 179 Stamina: 172 |
 |
2,266 CP Attack: 141 Defense: 201 Stamina: 181 |
|
300 | 60 | 30 | 15 | |
3,576 CP Attack: 222 Defense: 218 Stamina: 181 |
 |
2,599 CP Attack: 218 Defense: 126 Stamina: 162 |
|
100 | 20 | 10 | 5 | |
4,063 CP Attack: 312 Defense: 160 Stamina: 162 |
 |
2,856 CP Attack: 246 Defense: 120 Stamina: 163 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
3,732 CP Attack: 314 Defense: 130 Stamina: 163 |
 |
2,380 CP Attack: 162 Defense: 162 Stamina: 190 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
3,651 CP Attack: 252 Defense: 168 Stamina: 190 |
 |
4,239 CP Attack: 277 Defense: 168 Stamina: 216 |
|
300 | 60 | 30 | 15 | |
5,688 CP Attack: 310 Defense: 251 Stamina: 216 |
 |
3,968 CP Attack: 228 Defense: 246 Stamina: 190 |
|
300 | 60 | 30 | 15 | |
5,428 CP Attack: 289 Defense: 297 Stamina: 190 |
 |
4,188 CP Attack: 260 Defense: 212 Stamina: 190 |
|
300 | 60 | 30 | 15 | |
5,661 CP Attack: 335 Defense: 241 Stamina: 190 |
 |
4,336 CP Attack: 284 Defense: 170 Stamina: 213 |
|
400 | 80 | 40 | 20 | |
6,458 CP Attack: 377 Defense: 210 Stamina: 227 |
 |
2,328 CP Attack: 156 Defense: 194 Stamina: 163 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,234 CP Attack: 282 Defense: 214 Stamina: 163 |
 |
4,479 CP Attack: 261 Defense: 193 Stamina: 239 |
|
300 | 60 | 30 | 15 | |
6,132 CP Attack: 339 Defense: 222 Stamina: 239 |
 |
3,056 CP Attack: 236 Defense: 144 Stamina: 172 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
4,325 CP Attack: 310 Defense: 175 Stamina: 172 |
 |
2,670 CP Attack: 178 Defense: 158 Stamina: 207 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
3,850 CP Attack: 240 Defense: 191 Stamina: 207 |
 |
3,497 CP Attack: 237 Defense: 195 Stamina: 169 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
5,112 CP Attack: 326 Defense: 230 Stamina: 169 |
 |
1,902 CP Attack: 114 Defense: 163 Stamina: 230 |
|
200 | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
2,853 CP Attack: 147 Defense: 239 Stamina: 230 |
 |
3,091 CP Attack: 190 Defense: 285 Stamina: 137 |
|
300 | 60 | 30 | 15 | |
4,913 CP Attack: 342 Defense: 235 Stamina: 137 |
The required amount of Mega Energy varies according to the rest period in hours.
Reception and adjustments[]
Despite being highly-anticipated by the community, Mega Evolution caused a public backlash regarding its implementation. A Reddit post criticizing Mega Evolution received over 8000 upvotes and 100 rewards within the launch day. Many have pointed out the duration of Mega Evolution is not worth the Raid Passes spent on collecting Mega Energy. The difficulty of Mega Evolving one's desired species is also in concern due to specific Mega Energy and the rarity of Mega Raid Battles.
Since there is specific Mega Raid Bosses pool, there would be no way to Mega Evolve any Pokémon that has its Mega Evolved form released but is no longer available in Mega Raids. Initially, once all Beedrill Mega Energy from A Mega Discovery was used, there was no possibility to continue on Mega Evolving Beedrill for a longer time period.
Regarding to this, Niantic has made a statement "We are actively listening to your feedback and look forward to sharing more about how this feature will grow in the future." in the Pokémon GO official Twitter page.
On September 3rd, 2020, several updates were made after listening to feedback. The Mega Evolution cost of subsequent Mega Evolution was reduced from 25% of the original cost to only 20%. Amount of Mega Energy given from Mega Raids was increased.[2] Niantic also announced that they are working on implementing features which would allow Trainers to obtain Mega Energy in more ways.
On October 15th, 2020, the duration of Mega-Evolved form has doubled from four hours to eight hours. The cap of each individual type of Mega Energy has increased from 999 to 2000.[3]
Since November 12th, 2020, more updates were added, including:[4]
- Earning corresponding Mega Energy from Buddy Pokémon if it is part of previously Mega-Evolved Pokémon's Evolutionary line. Detail is described above.
- Earning additional Candies when Trainers catch a Pokémon that shares a type with the active Mega-Evolved Pokémon. Additional Candies are given from catching Raid Bosses regardless of their types.
On April 25th, 2022, the cap of each individual type of Mega Energy has increased from 2000 to 9999.[5]
On April 29th, 2022, along with A Mega Moment, a multitude of changes for Mega Evolution were implemented.[6][7]
- Mega Raids are easier.
- Pokémon can be Mega Evolved from raid and battle-prep screens.
- Pokémon that has been Mega Evolved before now have an additional visual effect added to their information page.
- Mega Levels, rest period and bonuses of XP and Candy XL are introduced.
Gallery[]
Promotional images[]
Promotional video[]
Game assets[]
Trivia[]
Trainer in Raid Lobby with active Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- In original game series, Mega Evolution was an additional evolution that allowed Pokémon to transform into stronger form of their final evolution stage during battle.
- Mega Evolution was first mentioned in the Pokémon Presents on June 17th, 2020. It would be released in Fall 2020.[8]
- It was released on August 27th, 2020.[9]
- Similarly, to Team GO Rocket features, Mega Evolution was introduced with a Special Research – A Mega Discovery.
- 5 days after release, with the beginning of September 2020, three-week long Mega September event series started and it revolved around Mega Evolution.
- In the original game series, all Mega-Evolved Pokémon share the same stamina stat as their normal form. This is also true in Pokémon GO, with Mega Rayquaza being the only exception.
- This is because when converting base stat from main series to Pokémon GO, Pokémon exceeding a certain CP threshold will receive a 9% nerf to their attack, defense and stamina stat. However, Mega Rayquaza only received a 3% nerf, resulting in increasing stamina once Mega-Evolved.
- In a Raid Lobby, Trainers with an active Mega-Evolved Pokémon have a respective icon next to their avatar and an aura surrounding them.
- Mega Lucario and Mega Mewtwo Y along with balloon of Mega Charizard X were featured in the key artwork for 4th Anniversary.
- Mega Evolution does not count as evolution for the purpose of Research tasks.
- Previously, trading a Pokémon that has been Mega Evolved before would retain the Mega Energy discount when Mega Evolving it again. This is no longer the case since the update from A Mega Moment.
- Upon the release of the feature that allows Pokémon to be Mega Evolved in a raid lobby, this could not be done if another Pokémon is Mega Evolved. This was later fixed.
References[]
- ↑ Primal Reversion/Mega Rayquaza Boost other types' moves power by 10%. r/TheSilphRoad. Retrieved on 2024-04-03.
- ↑ Community Note: Updates to Mega Evolution. Pokémon GO Live. Retrieved on 2020-09-04.
- ↑ Updates to Mega Evolution!. Pokémon GO Live. Retrieved on 2020-10-16.
- ↑ Mega Venusaur leaves Mega Raids on October 23. Plus, take a sneak peek at some Mega Evolution updates.. Pokémon GO Live. Retrieved on 2020-10-24.
- ↑ poke_miners. Max Mega Candy has just increased from 2000 to 9999.. Twitter. Retrieved on 2023-02-19.
- ↑ Dev Diaries: a mega update to Mega Evolution in Pokémon GO is coming soon!. Pokémon GO Live. Retrieved on 2022-04-29.
- ↑ Celebrate the Global launch of the Mega Evolution update with Mega Kangaskhan and a Mega Moment event!. Pokémon GO Live. Retrieved on 2022-04-29.
- ↑ PokemonGoApp. In 2020, Mega Evolution will be coming to Pokémon GO! You can look forward to meeting Mega-Evolved Pokémon in the real world!. Twitter. Retrieved on 2020-06-17.
- ↑ Mega Evolution is here! Battle in raids against Mega Venusaur, Mega Charizard, Mega Blastoise, and more!. Pokémon GO Live. Retrieved on 2020-08-29.