A new update announced for Pokémon GO will overhaul Mega Evolution mechanics, making them more accessible and fun to use. Mega Evolution was first added to the Pokémon game series in Pokémon X and Y and has since featured in multiple main series and spin-off games. The mechanic allows certain Mega-capable Pokémon to temporarily evolve into a boosted version of their final evolutionary stages. However, Pokémon GO's Mega Evolution mechanics have remained frustrating and difficult to use, making the big update a needed change for players.
Mega Evolution was first introduced to Pokémon GO in the summer of 2020 with new Mega Pokémon steadily added over the past two years through Mega Raid battles. Unfortunately, the Raids have been overpowered, requiring at least half a dozen high-level Pokémon GO players to win. Additionally, the use of Mega Evolution in Pokémon GO is expensive, requiring 200 Mega Energy for a first-time evolution, and 40 Mega Energy for subsequent uses of the ability. Because players primarily obtain Mega Energy through the constantly rotating Mega Raid battles, it can be difficult to regularly use the mechanic or access the buffs it provides.
However, in a Mega Evolution update announcement for Pokémon GO, it has been revealed that Niantic will be implementing large changes to the Mega Evolution structure in the game. The positive fixes to Mega Evolution come at a good time for Pokémon GO, as the game has faced widespread backlash for nerfing the Incense item spawn rates and Community Day event durations in recent events. While making Mega Evolution in Pokémon GO less frustrating to use won't fix the accessibility issues some are currently facing, it shows that Niantic is attempting to make primary gameplay more enjoyable to engage in.
Pokémon GO's Mega Update Changes Mega Evolution Energy Costs
While obtaining Mega Energy can be the biggest setback when trying to use Mega Evolution in Pokémon GO, the upcoming update plans to fix the issues with an overhauled Mega Evolution system. Players will still need to use Mega Energy for the first time a Pokémon Mega Evolves, and it hasn't been indicated if the 200 Mega Energy base cost will change, but this will be the only time it is required to use the ability. After Mega Evolution is unlocked, and the 8-hour active duration has elapsed, the Pokémon will enter a cool-down period. Once this period ends, the Pokémon can Mega Evolve again at no Mega Energy cost to the trainer.
Players will also be able to use Pokémon GO's Mega Energy to speed up the cooldown process, incentivizing participation in Mega Energy-themed Timed and Special Research tasks. The change makes Mega Evolving the same Pokémon more accessible, as players won't be limited to the amount of Mega Energy they have to use a favorite species. This is a great change for those who want to use the same Mega frequently, but are limited by its appearance in Mega Raids.
The change to Mega Energy could be further boosted with an update that offers players a shortened cool-down duration for Mega-Capable Pokémon that are hatched from eggs, or obtained through Special Research rewards. Not only would this encourage players to hatch eggs when walking, but it would also offer a way to access better Mega-Capable Pokémon well before they will be able to use the ability. Additionally, walking with a Pokémon and increasing Buddy Levels could also help with cooldown duration, rewarding Pokémon GO players who put time into raising their companions.
Pokémon GO's Mega Levels Let Players Put More Time Into Raising Pokémon
While Mega Evolution does give Pokémon GO players an edge in battle, there have been few ways to engage with the ability outside of Raid, Gym, or Trainer challenges. However, the Mega Evolution update will introduce Mega Levels, allowing players to improve Mega-capable Pokémon every time they Mega Evolve. As the level of the Pokémon increases, players will gain access to bonuses like increased XL Candy of the Mega evolved species during the duration window, as well as increased Catch XP for catching Pokémon of the same species.
Additionally, increasing Mega Levels will shorten the duration of the cool-down players must wait on before using Pokémon GO's Mega Evolution again on the same Pokémon. This will incentivize players to use the same Mega Pokémon consistently, as well as reward them for putting time and effort into raising the Pokémon. Those who enjoy picking a favorite Pokémon to have adventures with in Pokémon GO could greatly benefit from these perks if their personal buddy can Mega Evolve, as it will give their companion a reliable edge in Gym battles, Trainer challenges, and Raid encounters.
However, Mega Levels and better Mega Evolution mechanics in Pokémon GO aren't the only perks included in the update. Mega Raids will see changes in difficulty level, making the Raids less frustrating to participate in, and more accessible to lower level players and those who can't battle in large groups. For rural players, this news likely comes as a relief, as current Pokémon GO Mega Raid difficulty levels are particularly unfair for those who don't live near large, urban areas, or who are unable to travel long distances to access spots with increased player numbers and Pokémon Gyms that spawn Mega Raid Eggs.
Pokémon GO has also announced that players will be able to use Mega Evolution from both Raid and battle lobbies once the event goes live. Currently, Mega Evolution must be used before entering a battle challenge, requiring players to back out of Gyms, Raid lobbies, or Trainer battles if they feel it would be beneficial to their strategy. This change is particularly useful for those who may choose to enter a Raid as the timer for participation is almost finished, ensuring they can bring their best Pokémon when battling alongside other trainers. While there are still many areas where Mega Evolution could be improved on in Pokémon GO, the changes being made show Niantic is listening to the complaints and frustrations of players. It could also indicate future positive changes for other Pokémon GO gameplay and mechanics that have been a setback for fans, improving the overall experience for anyone wanting to play.