Mega Evolution in Pokémon GO

First introduced in Pokémon X & Y, Mega Evolution has come to Pokémon GO. Mega Evolutions are a different kind of evolution; you can temporarily Mega Evolve a Pokémon to gain some further strengths in battle and sometimes a type change.

In Pokémon GO, Mega Evolution requires Mega Energy and lasts just just 8 hours, though some events can have it boosted to last longer. During this time, you can do almost anything you want with the Mega Evolved Pokémon including taking pictures and battling in Gyms and Raids. You will also gain increased candy when catching the type of Pokémon that you presently have Mega Evolved. However, Mega Evolved Pokémon can't be placed in Gyms or used in GO Battle League at time of writing.

Shadow Pokémon, GO Exclusive variants (such as Clone Pokémon) cannot Mega Evolve

When a Pokémon Mega Evolves in battle, it will provide a boost to itself and any other Pokémon in Raids that match its type and a 10% boost to all other Pokémon in the raid.

To Mega Evolve a Pokémon, you have to use Mega Energy. This is a personalised thing just like Candy that can be used to Mega Evolve Pokémon. While the initial cost is high, once you have Mega Evolved that specific Pokémon, the cost will be reduced

The cost also varies by species making the scenario different for each Pokémon, but after they have first Mega Evolved, then the Mega Evolution will be free, but can be sped up with more Mega Energy. The costs to skip the cooldown are as follows

Mega Levels were introduced into Pokémon GO in April 2022 and are special levels known as Mega Levels. These increase on each of your Pokémon as you Mega Evolve them. The more you Mega Evolve them, the higher the level. When you reach each level, you have a new set of bonuses implemented and reduced cooldown.

The Level is specific to each Pokémon, not each species, so when one Charizard reaches Max Level, the others will still be different

Mega Raids are the main source of getting Mega Energy. Special Raid Battles featuring Mega Evolved Pokémon will randomly appear, with some events hosting some stronger Raid Battles. When you defeat these, you'll gain Energy for that Pokémon

The Mega Energy you obtain is dependant on how quickly you defeat the raid; the quicker you defeat it, the more Mega Energy you receive. You will receive between 50 and 90 Mega Energy so you will need between 4 and 7 Raids to do the first Mega Evolution of a Pokémon and between 1 and 2 for any subsequent Mega Evolution.

You can also obtain Mega Energy by walking with your buddy as long as you have Mega Evolved that species before.