As mentioned in my coverage of Pokémon Go Tour this year, the Mega Raids that became a part of the festivities were not of the regular sort. They're somewhat different than those regular raids, and for good reasons to be detailed shortly. They're also a part of a "wave" of new elements related to Mega Evolution that have been introduced in the game, and for that reason, I thought I'd round them all up for a single discussion to elucidate how they are all interrelated for the implementation of the concept.
The first of these elements is an item called Link Charge. The item can be used to enter Mega Raids of all kinds in lieu of the Premium Battle Pass (since if there are free passes, they take precedence), although if entering them remotely, they are required along with the requisite Remote Raid Pass; in that respect, they are a lot like Max Particles for Max Battles. They can be earned through opening Gifts and from Weekly Challenges, and in the case of special events like Pokémon Go Tour in bunch amounts as well, further showing their similarity. They do not take up item space in the bag and are held collectively with a Link Holder. Of course, they may also be purchased... which in a way would reflect further monetization of the game.
Now for the raids: the Mega Raids for Victreebel, Malamar, and Dragonite in said event are called Super Mega Raids. The mechanisms are a little like a Shadow Raid, in which at the midpoint, the raid boss becomes enraged and puts up a shield. This shield requires a number (seen in the shield icon prior to the lobby) of unique Trainers bringing Mega-Evolved Pokémon to break with their Charged moves, after which it is subdued and the raid proceeds as normal. If this cannot happen, the raid is essentially "dead". The requirement of Mega Evolution becomes a spur for Trainers to possess viable Pokémon for this purpose, especially since this kind of raid is here to stay and might be the precursor for even more formidable raid bosses.
Meanwhile, a new Mega Level (Level 4) has been introduced, but this is not attained by repeatedly Mega Evolving a Pokémon; it is instead attained by first getting to Level 3 (which requires carrying out Mega Evolution 30 times) and then paying Mega Energy as the cost - which is not little either, 5000 for a species. Further, it's currently only available for the species above as the subjects of Go Tour, though it's not hard to expect that it'll be available soon for other species. It also means that prospective Trainers will have to walk long and hard with their Mega Evolved Buddy Pokémon, if they don't already have the requisite Mega Energy by earning them from raids - and the implications for this in spending are evident.
If these elements have anything in common besides their current interrelation, it is that the landscape of Mega Evolution in Pokémon Go is slowly transforming, especially with the first entries of the "second batch" of species that were first introduced in Legends: Z-A before their appearances here. Whether that means more money to be spent and/or more adventures to be had, that may be up to Trainers to determine; at least the concept is staying put, and they'll have to deal with even more new intricacies for them.
One year ago: "Back to Basics" for Pokémon Unite
Two years ago: Continuity: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2024
Three years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2023
Four years ago: Made (Deep) in Obsidian
Five years ago: Pokémon First-Generation Drink Bottle
Six years ago: Hope For Problematic Pokémon Fans
Seven years ago: A Gold and Silver Postcard
Eight years ago: Being a Pokétaku
Nine years ago: I'm Swept Away
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