Pokémon Go Tests New Mega Raid Currency

Pokémon Go is preparing to fundamentally alter how players engage with its Mega Evolution battle system. According to recent datamined information, the mobile game is set to introduce a new battle currency specifically designed for Mega Raids.

This potential overhaul comes as the game prepares to roll out the first of Pokémon Legends Z-A's new wave of Mega Evolutions next month. The introduction of this new resource, tentatively named Link Charges, represents a significant shift from the current system where standard Raid Passes grant access to all raid types.

Details published by data miners reveal that Link Charges are classified within the game's files as an enhanced currency. An in-game description states that these charges "can be used to enter Mega Raid in place of Raid passes" and will now be "required to enter Mega Raids remotely."

The proposed system appears to draw inspiration from existing mechanics. Link Charges sound like something of a cross between traditional raid passes and the Max Energy system recently introduced for Dynamax and Gigantamax battles. This addition would serve to clearly delineate Mega raids from regular raid battles, similar to how Max Energy sets Max battles apart.

Visual assets suggest the resource will be available through multiple channels:

• Earned from Weekly Challenges
• Rewarded for Campfire Check-Ins
• Obtained by opening Gifts

Images showing the Link Charges—described as looking like futuristic USB sticks—appear in various bundles, strongly suggesting the resource will also be available for purchase in the game's shop.

The Pokémon Go community has responded to the leaked details with its characteristic blend of excitement and skepticism. The potential for increased monetization has raised immediate concerns among some players.

"Are we cooked?"

asked one user on a popular Pokémon Go subreddit, with another replying, "This is just another temperature increase, we've been boiling for years."

However, many players acknowledge that the current Mega raid system requires revitalization. Following its most recent rework years ago, Mega raids typically provide enough in-game resources to Mega Evolve a specific Pokémon within a few battles. After that, players can set the Pokémon as a Buddy to generate Mega Energy for free, reducing the incentive to continue raiding.

"I don't actually hate this (depending on how easy they are to get for free). I feel like Mega raids can get dead very easily because you can just walk Pokémon for more energy. If they're free and give normal raid rewards though? Seems like a win for newer players who might need help with those raids."

Another free-to-play player noted, "Yeah as a F2P player who can hardly remote anyways this sounds great. I haven't done a Mega raid outside of new debuts and raid days in almost 2 years, since getting enough energy for everything."

The introduction of Link Charges would provide players with an additional resource to battle Mega raids, allowing them to take on these battles in addition to their regular daily raids. This mirrors how the Max Particle system currently functions for Dynamax and Gigantamax battles.

For newer players, this could be particularly beneficial. Currently, finding others to battle Mega raids can be challenging, as most Megas require multiple people to take down. With a dedicated resource, players might be more inclined to participate in these battles, potentially revitalizing the multiplayer aspect of the content.

The timing is notable, as Pokémon Go has so far introduced all Mega Pokémon species released prior to last year's Pokémon Legends Z-A, with the highly-anticipated Mega Mewtwo X and Y remaining absent. The game has officially confirmed the introduction of both Mega Malamar and Mega Victreebell from Legends Z-A next month.

Beyond the immediate changes, the datamine includes intriguing hints about future content. An all-new Tier 7 difficulty Mega raid egg was discovered in the files, suggesting that players may finally see the arrival of Mega Mewtwo once this Mega raid rework has been introduced.

The Tier 7 designation represents a significant escalation in difficulty, potentially indicating that the most powerful Mega Evolutions will require coordinated team efforts and strategic resource management. This aligns with the game's ongoing efforts to provide challenging endgame content for its most dedicated players.

While details remain unconfirmed and subject to change, the potential introduction of Link Charges and Tier 7 raids signals Niantic's commitment to evolving the Mega Evolution system that has been a staple of the game for years.

The potential introduction of Link Charges represents a pivotal moment for Pokémon Go's battle economy. By creating a dedicated resource for Mega Raids, the game could breathe new life into a system that many veteran players have largely abandoned after completing their initial collections.

As the Go Tour Kalos event approaches, players will be watching closely to see how these changes are implemented. The balance between accessibility and monetization will be crucial—free availability through gameplay activities could make the system a welcome addition, while restrictive pricing might validate the community's concerns.

For now, the Pokémon Go community remains divided but engaged, with the promise of new Mega Evolutions and a reworked battle system keeping trainers invested in what comes next.