- Starts
- at Local Time
- Ends
- at Local Time
The Mega Ascension event runs from Monday, August 31 at 10:00 a.m. until Friday, September 4 at 11:59 p.m. local time, kicking off a full week of Mega Finale celebrations.
A different group of Mega-Evolved Pokémon will appear in Mega Raids each day, including Mega Victreebel, Mega Dragonite, Mega Malamar, Mega Falinks, Mega Skarmory, Mega Starmie, and both forms of Mega Raichu. Mega Latias and Mega Latios will also appear throughout the event.
Other bonuses include an increased Remote Raid Pass limit, featured wild encounters, branching Timed Research, and a chance for Pokémon caught from Mega Raids to have a Mega Evolution-themed Special Background.
Mega Ascension also marks the beginning of GO Pass: Mega Finale. Trainers will choose Chespin, Fennekin, or Froakie before the celebrations continue with Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Mega Finale on September 5 and 6.
Mega Finale Week Timeline
- 📅 August 31 – September 4 → Mega Ascension
- 📅 August 31 – September 6 → GO Pass: Mega Finale
- 📅 September 5 – 6 → Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Mega Finale
Mega Ascension Event Bonuses
During the Mega Ascension event, Trainers can take advantage of the following bonuses:
The Remote Raid Pass limit will be increased to 30 from Monday, August 31 to Friday, September 4, 2026.
Branching Timed Research will be available, allowing Trainers to choose Chespin, Fennekin, or Froakie and receive the corresponding GO Pass: Mega Finale path.
Pokémon caught from Mega Raids during the event may have a Mega Evolution-themed Special Background.
When a Pokémon with a Mega Evolution-themed Special Background is Mega Evolved, its background will feature additional effects for the duration of the Mega Evolution.
Mega Ascension Mega Raid Schedule
Mega Raids will make up the majority of raids during the Mega Ascension event, with different Mega-Evolved Pokémon appearing throughout the week. Seasonal Raid Bosses may also appear during this time. If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny raid boss!
Mega Latias and Mega Latios
Mega Latias and Mega Latios will also appear in Mega Raids throughout the entire Mega Ascension event.
⚔️ Counter guides: Mega Latias Raid Guide, Mega Latios Raid Guide
Monday, August 31
⚔️ Counter guides: Mega Victreebel Raid Guide, Mega Dragonite Raid Guide, Mega Malamar Raid Guide
Tuesday, September 1
⚔️ Counter guide: Mega Falinks Raid Guide
Wednesday, September 2
⚔️ Counter guide: Mega Skarmory Raid Guide
Thursday, September 3
⚔️ Counter guide: Mega Starmie Raid Guide
Friday, September 4
⚔️ Counter guides: Mega Raichu X Raid Guide, Mega Raichu Y Raid Guide
New Special Backgrounds
Pokémon caught from Mega Raids during the Mega Ascension event and Mega Finale weekend may have a Mega Evolution–themed Special Background.
Starting during the Mega Ascension event, when a Pokémon with a Mega Evolution–themed Special Background is Mega Evolved, its background will have additional effects for the duration of the Mega Evolution.
Wild Encounters
The following Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild during the Mega Ascension event.
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny one!
Timed Research
Branching Timed Research will be available during the Mega Ascension event. Trainers will choose Chespin, Fennekin, or Froakie, with their choice determining which GO Pass: Mega Finale path they receive.
The chosen Pokémon will also determine which Kalos first partner Pokémon Trainers will work toward Mega Evolving during the Mega Finale celebrations.
New Avatar Items
Kalos first partner Pokémon-inspired avatar shirts will be available through GO Pass Deluxe: Mega Finale. The shirt each Trainer receives will be based on the Pokémon they choose during the Mega Finale Timed Research.
- Chesnaught T-Shirt
- Delphox T-Shirt
- Greninja T-Shirt
