Pokémon Go is adding Super Mega Raids and a new Mega Level 4 system

Niantic is changing how Mega Evolutions work in Pokémon Go right ahead of this weekend’s Pokémon Go Tour: Kalos events. The headline addition is a new raid tier called Super Mega Raids, plus a new Mega progression step, Mega Level 4.

According to the official post, Super Mega Raids are designed around larger groups than most current raids. Niantic’s messaging says you’ll want at least eight Trainers, while an IGN interview with senior producer John Funtanilla frames it as seven to eight players.

Mechanically, Super Mega Raids borrow the “shield/enrage” idea already used in Shadow Raids, but with a Mega twist. Instead of Purified Gems, players can use Mega Pokémon to break shields, with each player only able to break one shield. Niantic also says you won’t be required to bring a Mega, though that obviously affects how smoothly a group can handle the shield phase.

There are also some restrictions. The IGN interview notes Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre won’t be able to break shields, since Niantic is treating Primals as separate from Megas for this system.

On the cost and access side, Niantic is introducing a new currency called Link Charges for these raids. They can be used instead of Daily or Premium Raid Passes, but if you’re holding a Daily pass, it’ll be consumed. Remote raiders will also need to spend a Remote Raid Pass and Link Charges to join Super Mega Raids.

The reward for engaging with the revamp is Mega Level 4, which Niantic says will boost CP, improve bonus candy and XP tied to the Mega’s types, and reduce the free-use cooldown to 24 hours.