Pokemon GO Fest 2023 is happening in New York City this weekend (ending on August 20), and the event will bring Mega Rayquaza into Raid battles throughout the Big Apple. All players will be able to battle against Rayquaza, but only those that have paid for the event ticket will be able to get Mega Energy to evolve it.
However, before Pokemon GO players can Mega Evolve their Rayquaza, they will need to teach the legendary Gen 3 Pokemon a specific move called Dragon Ascent.
How to Teach Rayquaza Dragon Ascent in Pokemon GO
Unfortunately, as of the time of writing, the only way to teach Rayquaza Dragon Ascent is by purchasing a ticket for the New York City event and completing some Special Research tasks that will reward trainers with the Meteorite item. Giving Rayquaza this item will make it learn Dragon Ascent, which is needed before Mega Evolving it.
Players without a ticket to this event will need to wait until Pokemon GO Fest 2023: Global, taking place on August 26 and August 27. The Rayquaza raids will take place on that Sunday.
The Special Research that gives out Meteorites is called GO Fest 2023: New York City Sights . Trainers will get one Meteorite after completing Step 3 of the research and then another after completing Step 5.
Even if players don't purchase a ticket for the Global event, they will still be able to complete tasks from a short Special Research story to earn one Meteorite.
However, those that do pay for a ticket will get even more chances to get the rare item, as well as other exclusive rewards.
The Mythical Pokemon Mega Diancie made its debut earlier this month during the Pokemon GO Fest events in London and Osaka, and once the global fest comes around, ticket holders can get special research focusing on the Pokemon that will eventually lead to an encounter with it.
Pokemon GO is available on mobile devices.