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Pokemon Go has decided to finally bring Primal Pokemon to the game, variations of both Groudon and Kyogre that were first introduced in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Both Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre have been heavily anticipated by the community, not only possessing great style, but more importantly, extraordinary power.

Related: Pokemon Go: Spotlight Hour Guide

These two Legendary Pokemon variants will be available through a brand-new game mechanic called Primal Reversion, functioning similarly to Mega Evolutions, but possessing some key differences. Below you can find all information regarding this new feature, providing you with everything you need to know to obtain both Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre in Pokemon Go.

What Is Primal Reversion?

Image of Primal Groudon on in a cave with its back turned to the camera

Primal Reversion is a new Pokemon Go game mechanic that allows you to transform specific Pokemon into their Primal forms for a limited time. As mentioned previously, this new feature functions much like the previously introduced Mega Evolution mechanic, but possesses some key differences.

For a Pokemon to undergo its Primal Reversion, it will require Primal Energy, a new in-game resource that can be obtained by completing specific Raids and Research Tasks. Once a Pokemon has entered its Primal form, it will remain in this form for eight hours, reverting to the standard Pokemon once said hours are over.

Once the time is up, you will need more Primal Energy if you wish to perform another Primal Reversion on that Pokemon. That being said, the amount of Primal Energy required to do this will decrease each time a specific Pokemon undergoes this transformation.

Which Pokemon Can Benefit From Primal Reversion?

Image of Kyogre underwater with the Pokemon Go logo in the top-right corner

There are only two Pokemon that can benefit from Primal Reversion in Pokemon Go: Groudon and Kyogre. Utilizing this new feature will grant you access to either Primal Groudon or Primal Kyogre, enhanced versions of these already powerful Legendary Pokemon.

Once you have completed either of these Primal Reversions, Pokedex entries will be available for both Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre. These two new entries can be found within the "Mega Pokemon" section of your Pokemon Go Pokedex.

These two Pokemon are currently the only two that can undergo a Primal Reversion, and we wouldn't expect that to change.

Being the only Pokemon that currently have Primal forms in the Pokemon franchise, it's unlikely that others will be added to the game in the near future.

Related: Pokemon Go: How To Obtain Mew

Primal Reversion Bonuses

An image of a Pokemon Go Candy XL in grass with the Pokemon Go logo above it

When Primal Reverting either Groudon or Kyogre, you will benefit from unique bonuses during the eight hours that either of these Pokemon are in their Primal form. The specific bonuses for both Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre can be found in the table below.

Primal Reversion Bonuses

Primal Groudon

Primal Kyogre

  • Fire, Grass, and Ground-type attacks will deal increased damage in Raids when Primal Groudon is in your Raid party.
  • Catching Fire, Grass, or Ground-type Pokemon will provide you with bonus XP and Candy when Primal Groudon is your Buddy Pokemon.
  • Water, Electric, and Bug-type attacks will deal increased damage in Raids when Primal Kyogre is in your Raid Party.
  • Catching Water, Electric, or Bug-type Pokemon will provide you with bonus XP and Candy when Primal Kyogre is your Buddy Pokemon.

These bonuses will improve as either Groudon or Kyogre's Primal Level is increased. This level is increased each time either of these Pokemon undergo Primal Reversion.

How To Get Primal Energy

Primal Kyogre underwater split with an image of Primal Groudon with the Pokemon Go Tour logo in the center

Similar to the methods for acquiring Mega Energy, Primal Energy can only be obtained through the successful completion of Primal Raids or specific Research Tasks.

Primal Raids will task you with battling and defeating either Primal Groudon or Primal Kyogre, functioning just like any other Pokemon Go Raids. These Raids will be extremely difficult compared to others currently in the game, so make sure to group-up with other Trainers when attempting to successfully complete them.

Groudon or Kyogre caught following the successful completion of their Primal Raid will possess their own specific Featured Charged Attack.

Groudon will know the Ground-type attack Precipice Blade and Kyogre will know the Water-type attack Origin Pulse, both possessing 130 Power in either PvP or PvE battles.

When Will Primal Raids Be Available?

Pokemon Go Tour image with several Pokemon including Primal Groudon, Mudkip, Torchic, and Primal Kyogre

The first opportunity to participate in Primal Raids will be during the Pokemon Go Tour: Hoenn - Las Vagas, taking place on February 18 and 19, 2023. During this in-person event, ticket-holders will have access to the first wave of Primal Raids, being the first players with the opportunity to obtain both Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre.

Only event ticket-holders will have access to Primal Energy and the Featured Attacks provided from completing Primal Raids during the Pokemon Go Tour: Hoenn - Las Vegas.

That being said, non-ticket-holders will still be able to complete these Raids and catch Groudon and Kyogre through the use of Remote Raid Passes.

Following this, all Pokemon Go players will have access to Primal Raids through the Pokemon Go Tour: Hoenn - Global event, taking place on February 25 and 26, 2023. You will have to complete the Primal Surge Field Research, increasing your chances of encountering both Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon in Primal Raids.

It is uncertain when Primal Raids will be making their return following these two events, so make sure to keep your eye out for Pokemon Go announcements in the future regarding this.

Next: Pokemon Go: How To Get Kecleon