Pokémon GO is expanding its Mega Evolution system in a major way during Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos, introducing a new raid format, a fresh Mega Level tier, and additional ways for Trainers to power up their favorite Pokémon.
The update begins with in-person GO Tour events in Tainan and Los Angeles, followed by a global rollout during Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos – Global on February 28 and March 1, 2026.
Super Mega Raids Debut
The headline feature is the arrival of Super Mega Raids, a new type of Mega Raid built around large-group coordination. These encounters are designed for at least eight Trainers and feature exceptionally powerful Mega-Evolved Pokémon. Some Legendary Pokémon may require even more participants.
Super Mega Raids introduce new battle mechanics. Opposing Mega-Evolved Pokémon can become enraged and deploy shields that reduce incoming damage. Each Trainer can break one shield, encouraging teamwork rather than solo carry strategies. When shields activate, a Mega-Evolved Pokémon from a Trainer’s party will automatically enter battle if one is not already active, and its next attack receives a substantial boost to help crack those defenses.
There are limitations. Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, and Ditto transformed into a Mega-Evolved Pokémon cannot break shields in these raids.
Successful completion yields more rewards than standard Mega Raids, including increased Mega Energy. During GO Tour: Kalos, players will see added bonuses such as an increased chance of encountering Shiny Pokémon from Super Mega Raids and higher likelihoods of strong Attack, Defense, and HP stats on caught Pokémon.
Mega Victreebel and Mega Malamar will headline these raids during the event, and both can be raised to the new Super Max Mega Level at launch.
Introducing Link Charges
Access to Mega Raids, including Super Mega Raids, will now require a new resource called Link Charges. Trainers collect and store them in a new key item known as the Link Holder, which is automatically added to the Item Bag upon collecting the first Link Charges.
Link Charges can be earned through weekly challenges, opening Gifts from friends, and checking in to select community meetups via Campfire. They will be available for purchase in the in-game shop and the Pokémon GO Web Store.
For in-person Mega Raids, Trainers may use either Link Charges or a Premium Battle Pass. Remote participation in Super Mega Raids requires both a Remote Raid Pass and Link Charges. Standard remote Mega Raids will continue to require only a Remote Raid Pass.
During GO Tour: Kalos, Trainers can earn additional Link Charges through GO Pass rewards, weekly raid-focused challenges, and daily Campfire check-ins during the global event window. For a limited time, certain rewards will allow Trainers to exceed the usual Link Charge storage cap.
A New Mega Level: Super Max
Mega Evolution is gaining a fourth tier. Previously capped at three levels, Mega Levels can now reach Super Max.
Reaching Super Max requires more than repeated Mega Evolutions. Trainers must use Mega Energy to power up a Pokémon beyond the existing Max level. Once achieved, Super Max provides expanded benefits, including:
- Greatly enhanced CP
- Increased Catch Candy, Catch XP, and Candy XL chance for Pokémon sharing a type with the Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- A reduced rest period before Mega Evolution without Mega Energy, dropping to 24 hours
Only Pokémon that have already reached the third Mega Level can progress to Super Max. Niantic notes that eligibility for Super Max will expand over time.
Looking ahead, a future update will allow Trainers to use Mega Energy to increase Mega Levels more quickly. The required Mega Energy will decrease the more frequently a Pokémon has Mega Evolved, rewarding long-term use.
A Broader Push Toward Community Play
Super Mega Raids lean heavily into coordinated, in-person gameplay. A new web-based map will help Trainers locate Gyms, Power Spots, and meetups, filter event types, and plan ahead. Individual raid links can be shared directly, making it easier to assemble a team.
The message is clear: Mega Evolution is shifting from a solo power-up mechanic to a community-driven challenge.
Trainers can expect more details as Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos approaches. Additional information is available on the official Pokémon GO blog.
