Since Pokemon GO captured the hearts of legions of Pokemon fans, old and new, following its highly-anticipated release in 2016, the game has seen plenty of major updates to its core gameplay mechanics. The popular mobile game has consistently added new Pokemon since its launch, with the game recently introducing its first wave of Pokemon from the Alola region as well as introducing new ideas to the core gameplay like Powered Up PokeStops and Mega Evolution. Now, Niantic's newest update to the game will overhaul one of the game's most popular mechanics.
Since Mega Evolution was first introduced in Pokemon X and Y back in 2013, the upgraded evolutionary forms have become a favorite among both old and new fans of the long-running monster-catching franchise. When Pokemon GO officially revealed Mega Evolution would be coming to the mobile game in 2020, fans were excited to see their favorite Mega Evolutions of classic Pokemon like Charizard and Lucario come to the game. Now, with Mega Evolution in Pokemon GO nearing its second anniversary, Niantic has revealed a suite of changes coming to Mega Evolution in the near future.
Pokemon GO's newest entry in its "Dev Diaries" series of update blogs revealed several changes coming to Mega Evolutions within the game from Mega Raids to the new Mega Levels system. Players looking to tackle Mega Raids will see easier raids able to be completed with fewer players following the update, as well as the ability for players to choose to Mega Evolve their Pokemon when first starting a Raid from the raid and battle prep screens. Alongside these smaller changes, Pokemon GO has also revamped the Mega Evolution system with the addition of Mega Levels.
Mega Levels will act as a form of progression for a player's Pokemon, with their Pokemon growing stronger each time it Mega Evolves. Mega Levels will provide already existing Mega Evolution bonuses like increased Stardust when battling same-typed Pokemon and buffing teammates' Pokemon, but it also introduces new bonuses such as increased XP and chances to earn XL Candy as well as reduced rest periods. Pokemon that have previously been Mega Evolved will also now be able to Mega Evolve again without expending Mega Energy after their rest period is finished.
Pokemon GO's suite of updates to Mega Evolution comes as the most recent event in a year gives Pokemon GO fans plenty of reasons to be excited about the game's future. Alongside the previously mentioned addition of Alolan Pokemon to Pokemon GO, the game's annual Pokemon GO Fest celebration is set to feature live in-person events for the first time in two years. With fans speculating about the potential arrival of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Pokemon joining the game alongside its release later this year, Pokemon GO looks to have the potential for a strong showing throughout the remainder of 2022.
Pokemon GO is available now for Android and iOS.
Source: Pokemon GO
