Fans ofPokemonknow how much of a game-changer the Mega Evolution mechanic has become, which allows their favorite Pokemon to evolve temporarily further into powerful variants to turn the tide of combat. Such is the meta-changing aspect of the Mega Evolution mechanic that not only has it been integrated into a competitive format, but also in games such asPokemon GO. Similar to the base game, Mega Evolutions inPokemon GOhave rather strict requirements but can give players a lot of openings to make stunning upsets in losing situations.
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However, players who want to capitalize on the Mega Evolution aspect ofPokemon GOmay want to look into the specifics of this mechanic. This becomes all the more apparent for players who want to integrate Mega Evolutions into their usual PVP and Raiding rotations.
What Is Mega Evolution?
Series savants and newcomers to thePokemonfranchise would be surprised that there’s an entirely new way for Pokemon to “transform” outside ofPokemon Evolutionafter leveling up with EXP or using special items. Dubbed asMega Evolution, some Pokemon beginning in Generation 6 can temporarily transform into their “Mega-” counterparts and gain access to more powerful stats and movesets. Most games featuring Mega Evolution can occur when players hold a Key Stone while their chosen Pokemon holds a Mega Stone.
Although not featured in any mainline game sincePokemon Sword and Shield, Mega Evolution has been added in quite a few spinoff titles. In the case ofPokemon GO, Mega Evolution introduces a unique mechanic that gives players another layer in intense Pokemon combat.
What About In Pokemon GO?
One thing to note about Mega Evolutions is that they don’t necessarily work the same way inPokemon GO. Similar to the original series, Mega Evolution still transforms the appropriate Pokemon into their Mega-based counterparts. However, whereas Mega Evolution only lasts a turn in the games,Pokemon GOwill have Mega Evolution last for a whopping eight hours.
Not only that, but the game offers various changes and bonuses to the said Pokemon, similar to the base series. Understanding what Mega Evolution can offer both a Pokemon and their Trainer’s lineup can make a vast difference in combat, especially since the Mega Evolution aspect inPokemon GOexpands to other game mechanics.
How To Mega Evolve A Pokemon
Unlike in the base game,Pokemon GOdoesn’t require players to possess both a Key Stone and a Mega Stone to work. Instead, players need what is called Mega Energy to Mega Evolve a Pokemon. Mega Energy plays a lot into the mechanics of Mega Evolution in the game, and players may want to understand this resource deeper to “evolve” their Mega Evolution experience. Here are things players need to know about the overall Mega Evolution process:
Who Can Mega Evolve
Given howPokemon GOworks in an ever-changing environment, it’s safe to assume that the current meta of Mega Evolutions may change in the future. As such, some Pokemon capable of Mega Evolving now may not have the same privilege later on, or more Pokemon may be capable of Mega Evolving than players anticipate. However, here are some interesting notes regarding the overall nature of Mega Evolution privilege:
How To Get Mega Energy
SinceMega Energyis essentially a “currency” that players trade for Mega Evolutions, it’s important to understand where Trainers can acquire them. Interestingly enough, each Pokemon eligible for Mega Evolution has its Mega Energy currency. As such, players can only Mega Evolve particular Pokemon by first possessing said un-evolved Pokemon and the right amount of Mega Energy. Thankfully, players may acquire Mega Energy in a rather straightforward manner, courtesy of these methods:
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How Much Does Mega Evolving Cost
Players have the choice of Mega Evolving a Pokemon from either thePokemon Profileor thePreparation Screenfor Raids and other battles in the game. The main thing to note here is that Mega Evolving has separate costs, and onlyselect Pokemon in the Pokedexcan do so, especially when it comes to doing this process for the first time or if the Pokemon has been Mega Evolved previously.
What Is The Rest Period
Due to the lack of Key Stones and Mega Stones inPokemon GO, the “frequency” of Mega Evolutions is instead capped via Mega Energy costs and cooldown rates. At its core, each Pokemon has a setrest periodthat prohibits them from Mega Evolving for free, containing both a timer and a Mega Energy cost.
Players who fully wait for the rest period of a Mega Evolved Pokemon can then Mega Evolve it at zero cost, albeit this does take a long time, depending on Mega Level. Those who cannot wait for the rest period to count down to zero may still Mega Evolve their Pokemon much earlier, but at a Mega Energy cost proportionate to the time remaining. Playersnew toPokemon GOneed to anticipate a Mega Energy cost and waiting period when Mega Evolving Pokemon for the first time. Here are some insights regarding the Rest Period:
What Happens During Mega Evolution
When players ofPokemon GO’s various TeamsMega Evolve a Pokemon, this buff lasts foreight (8) whopping hours. Unlike in the base game, this buff extends this long because a lot of its effects don’t just affect said Pokemon in combat but rather outside combat as well. A huge part of buffs in Mega Evolution have to do with Catch XP and Candy acquisition, but battles also get a boost as well. Here are things to consider:
Mega Evolution Bonuses
Since players may also use a Mega Evolved Pokemon inRaid Battles(not just Mega Raids), these Pokemon may also grant specific bonuses to both themselves and their peers. This allows players to dish out more powerful attacks with a Mega Evolved Pokemon and boost their overall advantage in combat. Here is some bonuses a Mega Evolved Pokemon can offer in combat:
The Limitations
While it’s awesome to see a Mega Evolved Pokemon dish out powered-up moves in more intense combat inPokemon GO, it helps to remember that Mega Evolved Pokemon do have certain limitations. For instance, here are certain things that players may not be able to do that involve a Pokemon that is currently Mega Evolved:
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What Is Mega Level
Similar to the Buddy System inPokemon GO, the Mega Evolution concept in the game also works with a level-up system. This rewards players' efforts when it comes to earning Mega Energy and the frequency of using Mega Evolution throughout the game. At its core, players may earnMega Levelsby frequently using Mega Evolutions, eventually unlocking higher tiers with significantly higher bonuses, especially when used inevents like Mega Raids. Here are the respective Mega Levels and relevant stats attached to each of them:
Base Level
Considered as the lowest tier of Mega Evolutions, theBase Levelmay count as players simply “testing” the Mega Evolution process for a particular Pokemon. Players may have a Pokemon stay in this level for longer if they want to rush leveling up the Mega Level of that creature. However, players are advised to Mega Level more frequently to get out of this tier if they want to maximize the Mega Evolution benefits. Here’s what the Base Level offers:
High Level
A much higher tier than Base Level, theHigh Levelreflects the frequency of players using their Pokemon’s Mega Evolved state in fights. Habits-wise, this may represent players starting to rely on a particular Pokemon’s Mega Evolution for larger, tougher fights. They receive more bonuses with regards to Catch XP and theacquisition of Candy XL. Here are other bonuses:
Max Level
The highest tier offered for Mega Levels, theMax Level,is where maximum benefits for Mega Evolution are attained. Players attain this level with their Pokemon through dedication, considering this takes almost triple or quadruple the time to upgrade from High Level. Here are the bonuses players may receive when attaining Max Level:
Pokemon GOis available to play on iOS and Android.
