Pokémon GO is poised to significantly overhaul its Mega Evolution system. Starting with the Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos event, running from February 28 to March 1 globally, players will encounter Super Mega Raids and a new power tier called Super Max Level.
Super Max Level Redefines Mega Evolution
Scopely confirms that “the upcoming changes will allow Trainers to raise their Mega-Evolved Pokémon to a strengthened state called Super Max Level, which goes beyond the current three-level Mega Evolution system in Pokémon GO.” Only Pokémon that have already reached the third level of Mega Evolution will be eligible for this new stage. Players will need to spend the specific Mega Energy of the Pokémon in question to unlock this potential.
According to the developer, “the Super Max state will grant Pokémon bonuses including a considerable increase to CP, as well as increased Catch Candy rates, Catch XP, and XL Candy during the capture of Pokémon that share their type, and the time to Mega Evolve again will be reduced to 24 hours.” This power boost could reshape event strategies and capture optimization, particularly for players aiming to maximize resource gains.
Super Mega Raids Introduce More Demanding Battles
Super Mega Raids will debut with creatures like Mega Victreebel and Mega Malamar. Scopely recommends teams of at least eight players, each contributing at least one Mega-Evolved Pokémon.
These opponents can enter a Frenzied state and deploy damage-reduction shields. Each player can only break one shield per raid. If no Mega-Evolved Pokémon are active when a shield appears, one will be automatically sent into battle with a significantly boosted initial attack.
Raids will be accessible via Gyms and Power Spots. An official web map with filters will be launched to aid locate them and facilitate player meetups.
Link Charges, a New Currency at the Center of Debate
A key addition is the introduction of Link Charges. This currency will be exclusively used to participate in Super Mega Raids. Players can obtain them through Gifts, weekly challenges, select official gatherings on Campfire, or via the in-game shop and the Pokémon GO web store. The official announcement states that “Players attending Super Mega Raids in person will be able to choose between spending a Premium Battle Pass or an unspecified amount of Link Charges as an entry fee, while Remote players will need to spend both a Remote Raid Pass and Link Charges.” While the exact amount of Link Charges required hasn’t been confirmed, leaks suggest 200 units. Storage will be limited, though temporarily expanded during the Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos.
Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos, a Large-Scale Test
The global event from February 28 to March 1 will serve as the official launch for these updates. All players will encounter a Beedrill capable of Mega Evolution and will receive enough Mega Energy to evolve it. The Super Mega Raids, Super Max Level, and Link Charges could fundamentally alter gameplay habits, especially for remote players now facing stricter access conditions.
Niantic is significantly evolving the Pokémon GO experience with a major update to its Mega Evolution system, launching alongside the Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos event. The changes introduce a new level of power and a new type of raid, alongside a controversial new in-game currency.
New Power Tier: Super Max Level
Trainers will soon be able to push their Mega-Evolved Pokémon beyond the current limits with the introduction of the Super Max Level. According to Scopely, “the upcoming changes will allow Trainers to raise their Mega-Evolved Pokémon to a strengthened state called Super Max Level, which goes beyond the current three-level Mega Evolution system in Pokémon GO.” This new tier requires Pokémon to already be at Mega Evolution Level 3 and utilizes Mega Energy to unlock.
The Super Max state provides substantial benefits, including a significant increase to CP, boosted rewards during Pokémon captures of the same type – including more Candy, XP, and XL Candy – and a reduced cooldown period for re-Mega Evolving to just 24 hours.
Super Mega Raids Demand Teamwork
The Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos will also introduce Super Mega Raids, featuring powerful opponents like Mega Victreebel and Mega Malamar. These raids are designed to be challenging, requiring a minimum of eight players, each with at least one Mega-Evolved Pokémon.
Raids will feature opponents entering a “Frenzied” state, deploying shields that players must break. A key mechanic dictates that only one shield can be broken per player, per raid. If no Mega-Evolved Pokémon are in play when a shield appears, one will be automatically sent into battle with a powerful attack.
Niantic will provide a web map with filters to help players locate raids and coordinate meetups at Gyms and Power Spots.
Link Charges: A New Currency Sparks Debate
Perhaps the most contentious update is the introduction of Link Charges, a new currency required for participating in Super Mega Raids. Players can acquire Link Charges through Gifts, weekly challenges, Campfire events, and the in-game and web Pokémon GO shops.
The entry fee for Super Mega Raids will differ based on participation method. In-person players can choose between a Premium Battle Pass or an unspecified amount of Link Charges, while remote players must use both a Remote Raid Pass and Link Charges. While the exact cost in Link Charges remains unconfirmed, reports suggest it will be around 200 units, with storage initially limited.
The Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos event, running February 28 to March 1, will serve as a testing ground for these new features, offering players the opportunity to encounter and Mega Evolve a Beedrill.
