Pokémon GO is preparing to fundamentally transform its Mega-Evolution system. From the start of the Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos event, scheduled from February 28 to March 1 worldwide, players will be able to discover Super Mega Raids as well as a new power level called Super Max Level. This evolution goes beyond the current three-level Mega Evolution system and introduces new mechanics, but also a new currency which is already causing debate within the community.
Super Max Level Redefines Mega-Evolution
Scopely confirms that “The upcoming changes will allow players to upgrade their Mega Evolved Pokémon to a boosted state called Super Max Level, which goes beyond the current three-level Mega Evolution system in Pokémon GO.” Concretely, only Pokémon that have already reached the third level of Mega Evolution will be able to access this new stage. Players will need to spend the specific Mega Energy of the Pokémon in question to unlock this potential.
According to the developer, “The Super Max state will grant Pokémon bonuses including a considerable increase in CP, as well as increased rates of Catch Candy, Catch XP, and XL Candy when capturing Pokémon that share their type, and the time limit for Mega Evolving them again will be reduced to 24 hours.” This increase in power could change event and capture optimization strategies, especially for players looking to maximize their resource gains.
Super Mega Raids introduce more demanding combat
Super Mega Raids will debut with creatures like Mega Victreebel and Mega Malamar. Scopely recommends teams of at least eight players, each bringing at least one Mega-Evolved Pokémon.
These opponents will be able to enter enraged mode and deploy damage reduction shields. Each player will only be able to break one shield per raid. If no Mega Evolved Pokémon are active when the shield appears, one of them will automatically be sent into battle with a heavily boosted initial attack.
Raids will be accessible via Arenas and Power Spots. An official web map with filters will be put online to facilitate their location and the organization of meetings between players.
Link Charges, a new currency at the heart of criticism
The big news lies in the introduction of Link Charges. This currency will be used exclusively to participate in Super Mega Raids. Players will be able to obtain them through Gifts, weekly challenges, certain official gatherings on Campfire, or through the in-game store and the Pokémon GO web store. The official announcement states that “Players attending Super Mega Raids in person will be able to choose between spending a Premium Battle Pass or an unspecified amount of Link Charges as an entry fee, while remote players will need to spend both a Remote Raid Pass and Link Charges.” While the exact quantity of Link Charges needed has not been confirmed, leaks suggest 200 units. Storage will be limited, although it will be temporarily expanded during Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos.
Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos, a life-size test
The global event from February 28 to March 1 will serve as official launch for these new features. All players will be able to encounter a Beedrill capable of Mega Evolving and will receive enough Mega Energy to evolve it. Super Mega Raids, Super Max Level and Link Charges could profoundly change gaming habits, particularly for remote players now subject to stricter access conditions.