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Pokemon Go gives you the opportunity to Mega Evolve certain Pokemon; a feature seen in more recent titles of this franchise. Similar to other games, this significantly increases a Pokemon's power; while also providing additional bonuses. With the introduction of a new Mega Evolution and Mega Raid update, there has never been a more exciting time for Mega Evolutions; presenting Trainers with more "Mega Moments."

Related: Pokemon Go Gets Mega Evolutions Update

With the recent update of this feature, there is much to know about Mega Evolutions in Pokemon Go; offering several benefits that may not be obvious to you. Use the following information to learn everything necessary regarding Mega Evolutions in this game, ensuring that you are maximizing the benefits provided by this system.

What Is A Mega Evolution?

Mega Evolutions in Pokemon Go

In Pokemon, Mega Evolutions are temporary Pokemon transformations characterized by increases in power and visual changes. This is no different in Pokemon Go, allowing you to Mega Evolve certain Pokemon for a limited time, increasing their power significantly during this window.

Although there are several other bonuses offered when Mega Evolving a Pokemon, this benefit proves to be the most significant; allowing you to take on powerful Raids that you normally would not be able to. Trainers previously had to utilize this feature with caution due to the resources required, but with the changes provided with the most recent update, this is no longer the case; allowing for a massive increase in the use of this game mechanic.

How To Mega Evolve A Pokemon

Mega Venusaur from Pokemon Go

Mega Energy is needed when Mega Evolving a Pokemon. Mega Energy is specific to Pokemon, meaning that you will need a given Pokemon's distinct Mega Energy to complete a Mega Evolution, as it is not a general resource that can be used by any Pokemon.

The amount of Mega Energy needed varies depending on the Pokemon, but it only has to be spent once with the latest update. Mega Energy can be obtained through the following in-game activities:

  • Winning Mega Raids.
  • Completing specific research tasks.
  • Adventuring with a Buddy Pokemon that can Mega Evolve.

Following the Mega Evolution of a Pokemon, there will be a rest period before you are able to Mega Evolve this Pokemon again. Although this cooldown may be lengthy (seven days at times), this system is preferred to what was in place prior to the most recent update; requiring you to spend Mega Energy each time you Mega Evolved. That being said, you can decrease this rest period and Mega Evolve again using Mega Energy; the amount required decreasing as your remaining rest time does.

Trainers can Mega Evolve a Pokemon from either the Pokemon menu or Raid/Battle prep screens.

You can only Mega Evolve one Pokemon at any given time.

Mega Evolution Benefits

Mega Raids in Pokemon Go

Beyond an increase in the Mega Evolved Pokemon's attack power, there are several other bonuses provided to Trainers upon completing a Mega Evolution. However, the bonuses available upon Mega Evolving vary from Pokemon to Pokemon. They are provided below.

  • While attacking with a Mega-Evolved Pokemon in a Raid or Gym battle, other Trainers' Pokemon will also deal increased damage. This increase is improved further if the attack is the same type as the Pokemon that is Mega-Evolved.
  • Increased Candy when catching Pokemon of the same type as your Mega-Evolved Pokemon.
  • Increased chance of obtaining Candy XL when catching Pokemon of the same type as your Mega-Evolved Pokemon.
  • Increased XP for catching Pokemon of the same type as your Mega-Evolved Pokemon.

Make sure to take advantage of the bonuses provided by your Mega-Evolved Pokemon when possible, as it may take a while before you can Mega Evolve that Pokemon again.

Related: Pokemon Go: The Best Pokemon Of Every Type

What Are Mega Levels?

Mega Mastery from Pokemon Go

The newly introduced Mega Levels system in Pokemon Go provides players with an incentive to Mega Evolve their Pokemon as much as possible. Each time a Pokemon is Mega Evolved, they will gain progress toward their next Mega Level; providing Pokemon with three different Mega Levels: Base Level, High Level, and Max Level.

When your Pokemon reaches a new Mega Level, they will gain more bonuses and improve their existing bonuses that are active when they are Mega-Evolved. Again, this will vary depending on the Pokemon that you are using.

Additionally, each time a Pokemon's Mega Level is increased, the rest period required between Mega Evolutions is decreased; allowing for more frequent uses and bonuses when reaching higher Mega Levels.

Current Pokemon With Mega Evolutions

Mega Aerodactyl from Pokemon Go

It is important to note that only a selection of Pokemon can currently Mega Evolve in Pokemon Go. This is not only due to the majority of Pokemon not possessing Mega Evolutions, but additionally due to not all Mega Evolutions currently being available in this title, even if they do exist. The Mega Evolutions that are currently available in Pokemon Go are provided below.

Mega Evolutions In Pokemon Go

Mega Venusaur

Mega Charizard X

Mega Charizard Y

Mega Blastoise

Mega Beedrill

Mega Pidgeot

Mega Slowbro

Mega Gengar

Mega Kangaskhan

Mega Gyarados

Mega Aerodactyl

Mega Ampharos

Mega Steelix

Mega Houndoom

Mega Manectric

Mega Altaria

Mega Absol

Mega Lopunny

Mega Abomasnow

Mega Latias

Mega Latios

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