Super Mega Raids Pokémon GO are harder Mega Raid Battles with an extra obstacle: the boss can become enraged and put up shields. Each Trainer must bring an eligible Mega-Evolved Pokémon to help break a shield. A team full of strong regular attackers can still struggle if it doesn’t have enough Megas.
The mode has been live since 2026, so there’s no need to wait for another debut to learn its rules. You’ll need to plan the raid group, choose a suitable Mega for the boss and make sure you have the right passes or Link Charges before joining.
Super Mega Raids Pokémon GO: How shields work
Once the opposing Mega becomes enraged, its shields reduce damage from normal attacks. If your Mega isn’t already in battle, the game automatically swaps it in. Its next powered-up attack can break one shield, and the boss becomes vulnerable again when the group removes enough shields.
In Super Mega Raids Pokémon GO, each Trainer can break only one shield. That is why the shield phase is a team job, not something one player can repeat until every shield disappears. You’ll still need useful attackers to finish the raid once the shield phase ends.
How many players do you need?
Pokémon GO recommends at least eight Trainers, all bringing a Mega-Evolved Pokémon. That’s a preparation recommendation, not a published hard minimum for every raid. Especially tough bosses may need a bigger team. If you’re organising a group, check the actual raid difficulty rather than promising a guaranteed win with eight.
Which Pokémon can break shields?
Most conventional Mega Evolutions can help with the shield phase. The Mega you bring should also have attacks matching the boss’s weaknesses. For Chandelure, for example, Mega Tyranitar, Mega Gengar and Mega Garchomp are useful candidates with suitable moves.
Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon and Ditto transformed into a Mega Pokémon cannot break shields. They may have other uses, but they do not meet the special shield-breaking requirement. If shields are staying up, check that enough separate players brought eligible Megas.
Super Mega Raids Pokémon GO: How to join locally
For an in-person Mega or Super Mega Raid, a free daily Raid Pass is used automatically if you already hold one. Otherwise you can choose to spend Link Charges or a Premium Battle Pass. That choice is made before entering the lobby.
If you’re joining Super Mega Raids Pokémon GO at a nearby Gym, check your Item Bag first. Link Charges are stored in a Link Holder and earned through eligible social activities, such as Weekly Challenges or Community Ambassador meetups. Our Link Charges guide explains collection and spending.
Can you join a Super Mega Raid remotely?
Yes, but you need two resources. Remote Super Mega Raids use a Remote Raid Pass plus Link Charges. Standard Mega Raids normally use a Remote Raid Pass without the extra charges. A higher temporary remote cap during an event does not remove either entry requirement.
Where can you find Super Mega Raids?
These raids appear at selected Gyms during events, not at every location showing on your map. Pokémon GO provides a web-based map at pokemongo.com/map for event locations and community meetups. You may need to sign in to see the full map. The fact that the map includes Power Spots doesn’t mean every Power Spot hosts Super Mega Raids.
For a specific event, first check its local hours and the eligible Gyms. You can also organise through your local community or Campfire rather than walking between Gyms without knowing whether the boss will appear.
Super Mega Raids Pokémon GO: Mega Energy and rewards
A successful Super Mega Raid offers more rewards than a standard Mega Raid, including more species-specific Mega Energy. Event announcements may also add enhanced Shiny chances or special research. The amount of Mega Energy per win varies; there is no one reward number that applies to every boss.
For Super Mega Raids Pokémon GO, the energy matters beyond the initial Mega Evolution. Eligible Pokémon can reach a fourth Mega Level, Super Max, after reaching Max and spending additional energy. Our Super Max guide explains why repeated Mega Evolution alone isn’t enough.
What to prepare before the raid
Pick an eligible Mega whose attacks suit the boss, then fill the rest of your party with your strongest counters. Confirm that your teammates also have an eligible Mega. Check your local or remote entry resources, the event window and whether the group has enough Trainers for a shield-heavy fight.
During Mega Chandelure’s 31 October 2026 Raid Day, for example, players could earn Mega Energy and encounter Chandelure with Mega Level 1 unlocked. Our Chandelure counters guide helps build a suitable team. Super Mega Raids Pokémon GO reward preparation and boss-specific team preparation go together.
Related Guides
Official source: Pokémon GO: Updated Mega Evolution and Super Mega Raid rules.
