Although Pokemon GO had a rough start in 2020 because of current events, Niantic quickly responded by allowing players to catch Pokemon remotely. Since then, the company has continued rolling out much requested features to make the trainer experience more enjoyable than ever. As a result, the latest update finally brings the inclusion of Mega Evolution, but it’s harnessed in-game through a slightly different approach.
Mega Evolution was first introduced in Generation 6 as an additional transformation drawn out through the strong bonds between a trainer and their Pokemon. Originally, trainers needed a special mega stone to morph their Pokemon during battle, but the difficulty of implementing this in Pokemon GO means the method was discarded. Instead, various Pokemon capable of Mega Evolution will need unique Mega Energy to access their final forms.
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Trainers can obtain Mega Energy through 2 different ways: Mega Raids or Special Research tasks. Mega Raids are just like the raid encounters of various legendaries that the community has fought over the past 3 years but now against Mega Evolved forms of Pokemon. This is the main method Pokemon GO trainers will use, and defeating the raid faster results in even more Mega Energy. Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise Mega Energy can currently be obtained through Mega Raids.
Alternatively, Special Research is the other known way to acquire Mega Energy. Since there is a set amount which can be acquired per task, completion of the research is more of a bonus and shouldn’t take be prioritized over Mega Raids. Trainers must note that right now, only Beedrill Mega Energy can be obtained this way.
Once trainers acquire 200 of a specific Mega Energy, they can Mega Evolve the associated Pokemon for a limited amount of time. After the transformation ends, the Mega Energy cost of future Mega Evolutions permanently goes down to 50. Be aware that the discount is only applied to that single Pokemon rather than its entire species. Furthermore, Mega Evolved Pokemon won’t be able to defend a gym or participate in the Battle League until they go back to normal.
With the arrival of Mega Evolution, trainers may be understandably discouraged due to complex restrictions and the grind-like nature of Mega Energy. However, trainers will gradually build up this resource by playing the game and should consider it a long term goal rather than something that needs to be completed now. Finally, some Mega Evolution themed events are going to be implemented soon in September along with Victini, so that looks to be the optimal time to gather as much Mega Energy as possible.
Pokemon GO is available now in select regions on Android and iOS.
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Source: Eurogamer