A new Mega Evolution could be announced in Pokémon GO following information included in the April 2022 content update for the game. Mega Evolution is an exciting, temporary form of evolution introduced during Pokémon X and Y. It has since been included in multiple main series Pokémon games, as well as being added to Pokémon GO with slightly modified mechanics. Despite the numerous possible Mega Evolutions currently existing in the Pokémon games, only a just over a dozen have been introduced to Pokémon GO, and the possible addition of new options could be an exciting way for players to start the summer.
Pokémon GO has already given players an exciting start to the 2022 year. A 2022 roadmap for Pokémon GO revealed goals to improve multiple mechanics and refocus gameplay to the game's original mission statement - getting players out into the community for connection and exercise. The roadmap came alongside the Pokémon GO Tour: Johto at the end of February, and the recent announcement and release of the Season of Alola, giving players a wide variety of new gameplay of debuted Pokémon to enjoy while waiting on other changes. While some changes, like shorter participation windows for Community Days, have been less popular, it does seem Niantic is attempting to listen to the community on how many would like to see gameplay develop.
In the recent April 2022 content update for Pokémon GO, numerous events and Raid appearances were given for the upcoming month. The announcements include a special April Fool's Day event on April 1, 2022, and a "Spring Into Spring" event to celebrate the return of warmer weather. However, one of the most exciting details in the content update is hidden below the list of Mega Raids planned for April 2022. Players will be able to catch Mega Charizard Y, Mega Manectric, and Mega Pidgeot in rotating intervals throughout the month. However, From April 29 to May 3, 2022, a Mega Raid with no image was detailed. This easy-to-miss detail may indicate that a new Mega Evolution is going to debut in the game.
Possible Mega Evolutions Pokémon GO Could Introduce In April 2022
While the current list of unreleased Mega Evolutions has numerous options that would be exciting to see in Pokémon GO, there are several that are more likely to be debuted during April 2022. The most likely options are Megas of Pokémon featured in the recently released Nintendo Switch game Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Below are a few Mega Evolution options that could be added based on their importance in the Hisui Region.
- Mega Lucario - Lucario is a Fighting/Steel-type Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl's Sinnoh region. Because Hisui is the historical region Sinnoh develops into, Lucario could be a great Mega option to add to Pokémon GO. Additionally, it is a widely popular Pokémon and is a powerful competitive asset in both the mobile game and in main series installations.
- Mega Garchomp - Also added during Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Mega Garchomp is another popular and powerful Pokémon that is seen in the Hisui region. The Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon is a great option for those wanting to deal steady damage, and it is the mascot Pokémon for Mega Evolution in the Pokémon animated series.
- Mega Gallade - Added to Pokémon Diamond and Pearl as an additional evolutionary option for Ralts, Gallade offers a Psychic/Fighting-type combo that can be devastating in battle. Its debut could also come alongside Mega Gardevoir, giving players the ability to pick between the two popular Mega forms.
Legendary Mega Evolutions Pokémon GO Could Debut In April 2022
It is also possible Pokémon GO may choose to add a new Legendary Pokémon Mega Evolution to the list of available options players can catch in Raids. Legendary Pokémon are often used in Pokémon GO Raid events as a special incentive to get out and participate in local parks and urban areas. The high-level battles require numerous participants to tackle and come with bonuses like experience, Candy, Stardust, and more. Currently, a wide number of Legendary Pokémon are featured in Pokémon GO, but several favorite Mega Evolutions are still missing. Below are some possible options Pokémon GO could debut.
- Mega Rayquaza - The Dragon/Flying-type Legendary that is iconic to Pokémon Emerald, and as a powerful Mega Evolution in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, has remained a popular Legendary companion in the Pokémon series since its original release. It also has one of the most terrifying Mega designs, making it a sight when being faced in battle.
- Mega Mewtwo X & Y - Mewtwo, one of the classic Legendary Pokémon dating back to Generation One of the Pokémon games, has yet to receive Mega forms in Pokémon GO. Mega Mewtwo X has a Psychic/Fighting-type, while Mega Mewtwo Y has a Psychic-type only. Both could offer powerful attacks when Mega Evolved, and each has a unique design that may appeal to different players. Like Mega Charizard X & Y, players could pick and focus on which of the two Mega designs they like best, or snag one of each for any battle scenario.
The introduction of new Legendary Mega Raids could be an opportunity for Pokémon GO to release new Special Research stories based on Mega Evolution. The mechanic, which hasn't had a big narrative focus in the game, could be boosted by an exploration into Megas, as well as offering players much-needed Mega Candy for released species, and bonus candy for a potential Mega Evolution Debut. It could even be possible to earn a new clothing item for player avatars, like a Mega Bracelet accessory, or themed shirt.
Unfortunately, at this time there has been no confirmation on whether or not the mysterious Mega Raid will be a new debut or an option already in the game. If the Mega is already available, the choice to keep the Raid secret could be based on a larger event not yet announced, or another interesting and exciting option that could boost gameplay. Hopefully, more news detailing upcoming Pokémon GO April events and announced raids will be released soon, giving Pokémon GO fans plenty of time to plan out weekends and store up Raid Passes for exciting battles.