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Before you start

What you need

A Mega Evolved Pokémon

Everyone needs at least one Mega in their party. Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon and Ditto can't break shields, so they don't count.

Link Charges

The new way into all Mega Raids. 200 gets you into a Super Mega Raid in person (150 for a normal Mega Raid), and you only spend them if you win. A Premium Battle Pass works too.

A big group

Eight or more players, each with a Mega. Legendary bosses can need even more.

Step by step

How to do a Super Mega Raid

  1. Find one

    Super Mega Raids show up during events like GO Tour and Super Mega Raid Days. The web map from Scopely also shows gyms, Power Spots and meetups, so you can plan ahead.

  2. Get a Mega in your party

    Mega Evolve a Pokémon, or have one with Mega Energy ready. If none is out when the shields go up, the game sends your Mega in for you.

  3. Join with Link Charges

    Pick Link Charges or a Premium Battle Pass before you enter the lobby. Joining remotely needs a Remote Raid Pass and Link Charges.

  4. Break a shield when the boss enrages

    When the boss enrages, it raises shields that soak up normal damage. Your Mega's next attack is powered up and breaks one shield. Everyone breaks one, then the boss goes back to normal.

  5. Finish it and catch it

    Beat the boss for big rewards, including more Mega Energy than a normal Mega Raid, then catch it.

Screenshots from a real Super Mega Raid are coming soon.

The one new thing to learn

Shields, explained

Every player can break exactly one shield, which is why group size matters so much. Tap each player to send in their Mega. Watch out for the Primal.

Mega Dragonite as an example Super Mega Raid boss Enraged, 6 shields up

Mega Dragonite

Example boss with 6 shields

Your normal attacks barely land while the shields are up. Tap a player to send in their Mega.

  • The boss enrages and raises shields. Shields soak up damage from normal attacks.
  • Each player breaks one shield. Your Mega's next attack gets a big power up that breaks it.
  • No Mega out? The game sends one in from your party automatically.
  • Primals and Ditto can't break shields. Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon and a transformed Ditto don't count.
  • Break enough and it's back to normal, and your attacks do full damage again.
The payoff

What you get from a Super Mega Raid

Super Mega Raids are hard, but the rewards are much bigger than a normal Mega Raid.

Mega Energy

About 300 to 500 per raid, roughly double the 150 to 250 from a normal Mega Raid.

Premier Balls

For catching the boss, with extras for damage, speed and Best Friends in the lobby.

Rare Candy

A regular raid reward that works on any Pokémon.

Rare Candy XL

A chance at Rare Candy XL when you raid in person.

Why it's worth it

Mega levels and the new Super Max level

The more you Mega Evolve a Pokémon, the higher its Mega level gets and the better its bonuses. Super Max is a new fourth level added in 2026.

Level 1Base

Unlocked the first time you Mega Evolve it.

Level 2High

Better bonuses and a shorter wait before you can Mega Evolve it again for free.

Level 3Max

The old top level, with the best bonuses before 2026.

Level 4Super Max

Needs Max first, plus spending that Pokémon's Mega Energy. Much higher CP, much better Candy, XP and Candy XL for same-type catches, and a free Mega Evolve every 24 hours. Not every Mega has it yet.

Remember Shadow Pokémon can't Mega Evolve. If you want to Mega a Pokémon you caught as a Shadow, purify one copy first. See my shadow raids guide.

Big days

What is a Super Mega Raid Day?

Every so often one Mega gets its own Super Mega Raid Day, like Mega Raichu X and Y in July 2026. For a few hours you usually get:

  • Extra free Raid Passes from spinning gyms
  • A better shiny chance for the featured Pokémon
  • A higher remote raid limit (20 on recent raid days)
  • An optional ticket for even more passes and bonuses, usually US$4.99 (A$7.99)
Is there a Super Mega Raid Day coming up?See my weekly guide
Common questions

Super Mega Raid FAQ

How many people do you need for a Super Mega Raid?

Eight or more, each with a Mega Evolved Pokémon. Legendary bosses can need more, because every player can only break one shield.

What are Link Charges?

The new item for entering Mega Raids. 200 gets you into a Super Mega Raid in person, 150 for a normal Mega Raid, you can hold up to 600, and they're only spent if you win.

Can you do Super Mega Raids remotely?

Yes, with a Remote Raid Pass plus Link Charges.

Can Primal Kyogre or Primal Groudon break shields?

No. Only Mega Evolved Pokémon can. Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon and a transformed Ditto can't.

Can you still use a Premium Battle Pass?

Yes, in person you can choose a Premium Battle Pass instead of Link Charges.

What is the Super Max level?

A new fourth Mega level above Max. It needs Mega Energy to unlock and gives much higher CP, better same-type catch bonuses and a free Mega Evolve every 24 hours.

Keep going

More new and returning player guides

Every guide lives in the new and returning player guide.

What's changed since you leftPick when you last played and see everything newYour first week backWhat to do first when you return to the gameShadow raidsEnrage, Purified Gems and Shadow legendariesMax BattlesPower Spots, Max Particles and GigantamaxTeam GO Rocket and purifyingGrunts, Leaders, Giovanni and when to purifyMega Evolution basicsMega Energy, Mega levels and the bonusesFusionsNecrozma and Kyurem fusions, explainedLevelling up and Candy XLThe level 80 cap, Candy XL and what to power upTrading, Lucky Trades and friendsTrade costs, friendship levels and Lucky FriendsStorage and bag managementStorage limits, clear-outs and search termsEvents explainedCommunity Day, Spotlight Hour, Raid Hour and more

Need eight people for a Super Mega Raid?

Join my Patreon to support the content and I'll add you to my friends list, plus five of my mods add you too, so lots of raid invites come your way.

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