Mega Ascension PvE Tier List: Which Mega Evolutions to Raid in Pokémon GO

Welcome, Trainers! Pokémon GO is rolling out another Mega Evolution themed event with Mega Ascension, a perfect lead-in to the upcoming GO Fest Mega Finale. This event brings back every Super Mega Raid boss introduced so far this year, but now in standard Mega Raids, giving Trainers a good opportunity to fill gaps in their Pokédex and stock up on Mega Energy for any Mega Evolutions Trainers may still be short on. Not only that, we now have new Charged Attacks for Mega Evolutions that can reach Super Mega Max Level. 

Keep in mind that reaching Super Max Level for a Mega Evolution requires 5,000 Mega Energy, so efficient farming matters. To help Trainers prioritize, here is a concise PvE reference that shows where each of these Mega Evolutions stand in the current raid meta, so they can focus their time and resources on the ones that truly matter in the meta.

Mega Evolutions in Raids

Mega Raids

The following Pokémon will appear in Mega Raids:

Date	Mega / Primal Raid Boss	Shiny Mega Evolution/Primal Form	Guide
Monday, August 31	Mega Victreebel	Mega Victreebel	Mega Victreebel Raid Guide
Monday, August 31	Mega Malamar	Mega Malamar	Mega Malamar Raid Guide
Monday, August 31	Mega Dragonite	Mega Dragonite	Mega Dragonite Raid Guide
Tuesday, September 1	Mega Falinks	Mega Falinks	Mega Falinks Raid Guide
Wednesday, September 2	Mega Skarmory	Mega Skarmory	Mega Skarmory Raid Guide
Thursday, September 3	Mega Starmie	Mega Starmie	Mega Starmie Raid Guide
Friday, September 4	Mega X Raichu	Mega X Raichu	Mega Raichu X Raid Guide
Friday, September 4	Mega Y Raichu	Mega Y Raichu	Mega Raichu Y Raid Guide
August 31-September 4	Mega Latias	Mega Latias	Mega Latias Raid Guide
August 31-September 4	Mega Latios	Mega Latios	Mega Latios Raid Guide

The Flycatcher Pokémon: Victreebel→Mega Victreebel

	Victreebel	Mega Victreebel
Typing	Grass Poison	Grass Poison
Max CP	2748	3963
ATK	207	265
DEF	135	181
HP	190	190

Mega Victreebel is a worthwhile PvE investment among these new Mega Evolutions. With 265 Attack and a Max CP of 3963, it can operate as both Grass and Poison type raid attacker. Its dual-role utility, accessible nature, decent stats, and Mega Boost make it a practical option for players seeking value from one build.

As a Grass attacker, Mega Victreebel is a strong option and compares favourably with established meta Grass types. It is currently #10 among Top Grass Attackers. Its preferred Fast Attack, Magical Leaf, is a legacy move; Razor Leaf remains a close alternative for players without it. Its Poison performance is even more attractive, thanks to the new Charged Attack Acid Spray+. Using our DPS Comparer Tool to compare its performance with Top Poison Attackers:

As we can see, Acid Spray+ has really lifted Mega Victreebel’s performance as a Poison attacker. The difference in DPS with and without Acid Spray+ is quite evident. Since no legacy move is required for this role, the same Razor Leaf Victreebel can cover both Grass and Poison raid teams.

PvE verdict: S-Tier. Mega Victreebel is a worthwhile, budget-friendly Mega with two useful offensive roles.

The Overturning Pokémon: Malamar→Mega Malamar

	Malamar	Mega Malamar
Typing	Dark Psychic	Dark Psychic
Max CP	2667	3554
ATK	177	208
DEF	165	222
HP	200	200

Mega Malamar does not make a meaningful impact in PvE despite its unusual Dark Psychic typing. Its 208 Attack and average moveset leave it behind major attackers in both of its offensive categories. It also lacks a Dark type Fast Attack, which particularly damages its potential as a Dark raid attacker.

Psywave and Psybeam+ give Mega Malamar a Psychic moveset, but its raid performance remains far behind the leading Psychic options, even with its new Charged Attack.

While the imrpovement in Mega Malamar’s performance is massive with Psybeam+, it is still not enough for it to compete with Top Psychic Attackers. Its Dark type output is also not enough to approach the strongest choices among Dark types. Mega Malamar is therefore best considered a Dex entry, with its unique typing and Dark Psychic Candy XL boost being its only notable utility in niche situations.

PvE verdict: B-Tier. Primarily a Pokédex and collection Mega. Its unique typing and Candy XL bonus are nice extras.

The Dragon Pokémon: Dragonite→Mega Dragonite

	Dragonite	Mega Dragonite
Typing	Dragon Flying	Dragon Flying
Max CP	4287	5452
ATK	263	299
DEF	198	255
HP	209	209

Mega Dragonite has a strong Dragon moveset, 299 Attack and excellent bulk, making it capable of contributing effectively in high-tier raids. Dragon Tail with Outrage+ offers its strongest Dragon damage.

With Outrage+, Mega Dragonite swooshes in among the Best Dragon Attackers, though it still trails Mega Rayquaza. However, it now performs better than Mega Salamence, atleast until Mega Salamence gets its own new Mega Charged Attack. As a Flying Attacker, Mega Dragonite is even behind the likes of Shadow Honchkrow and Galarian Moltres. Unfortunately for Mega Dragonite though, it has to compete with Mega Rayquaza and Mega Salamence, both of which outperform it in the Flying department.

PvE verdict: A-Tier. Very close to being a S-Tier. Usable and powerful, but outclassed. Build it for preference or as a backup Mega rather than as a top priority.

The Formation Pokémon: Falinks→Mega Falinks

	Falinks	Mega Falinks
Typing	Fighting	Fighting
Max CP	2665	4149
ATK	193	267
DEF	170	229
HP	163	163

Mega Falinks has an appealing stat profile, with 267 Attack and a max CP of 4149, but its moveset of Counter and Superpower prevents it from becoming a leading Fighting raid attacker. Well, not anymore because now it has got access to Brick Break+.

There is more than a 5-point difference in DPS for Mega Falinks with and without Brick Break+. Its overall output is now comparable to Keldeo (Resolute Forme), which makes it respectable and clearly within the top end of the Fighting meta. The problem however is the Mega slot. Mega Falinks must compete against Mega Blaziken, Mega Lucario and Mega Mewtwo X, all of which are significantly stronger Fighting options. It is usable, but there is little practical reason to prioritize it over those alternatives.

PvE verdict: B-Tier. Very close to being an A-Tier. Not a priority build. Raid a few for the collection.

The Armor Bird Pokémon: Skarmory→Mega Skarmory

	Skarmory	Mega Skarmory
Typing	Steel Flying	Steel Flying
Max CP	2383	4229
ATK	148	273
DEF	226	228
HP	163	163

Mega Skarmory has 273 Attack, 228 Defense, and ten resistances including double resistance to Bug, Grass and Poison giving it a viable overall profile. However, as a Steel attacker, it performs decently but not strong enough to be among the Best Steel Attackers. Its damage is below Shadow Dialga and behind regular options such as Metagross. Unlike other top Steel attackers, Mega Skarmory uses Flash Cannon, which is a modest Charged Attack at best.

Mega Skarmory’s Flying role is way more useful. Mega Skarmory has double resistance to Bug, Grass and Poison type damage, alongside high Defense and the Mega Boost for allies. It also has a strong Charged Attack in Drill Peck+.

Mega Skarmory has established itself among the Top-5 Flying attackers currently in the game. It is now a solid budget Flying option, especially against Bug and Grass raid bosses, although Mega Rayquaza remains a stronger Flying choice.

PvE verdict: B-Tier. Very close to being an A-Tier but unfortunately outclassed by other Mega Evolutions.

The Mysterious Pokémon: Starmie→Mega Starmie

	Starmie	Mega Starmie
Typing	Water Psychic	Water Psychic
Max CP	2922	4184
ATK	210	276
DEF	184	229
HP	155	155

Mega Starmie enters the competition with a 276 Attack and a max CP of 4184. These stats are good for a Water type and decent for a Psychic type, but Mega Starmie enters two extremely competitive raid categories. As a Water attacker, it is grouped among ultra-powered Water Attackers like Primal Kyogre and Hydro Cannon Mega Evolutions. With access to Liquidation+, Mega Starmie truly shines like a star, making waves in the Water raid meta.

Mega Starmie, perhaps got the best improvement in its performance with these new Mega Charged Attacks. But its timing could not have been worse as Mega Greninja has already surpassed it. However, as Mega Greninja’s accessibility currently is limited, for now, Mega Starmie has a strong spot in the Water meta. Sadly for Mega Starmie, it is also heavily outclassed as a Psychic attacker where it has to straight up compete with Mewtwo and its Mega Evolutions. Yeah! No one is winning that match-up! 

PvE verdict: A-Tier. A budget but strong Mega Evolution, until Mega Greninja is more readily available. 

The Mouse Pokémon: Raichu→Mega Raichu X & Y

	Raichu	Mega X Raichu	Mega Y Raichu
Typing	Electric	Electric	Electric
Max CP	2467	3969	4274
ATK	193	277	339
DEF	151	203	157
HP	155	155	155

Mega Raichu Y is the clear standout of the two, with an extraordinary 339 Attack that places it among the strongest Mega Evolutions and Legendaries in the game. Its offensive power makes it a top-tier Electric attacker. Its counterpart, Mega Raichu X is bulkier and can sustain the Mega Boost for longer, but the gap in their Attack stat translates directly into a DPS difference. Mega Raichu Y is currently #1 Electric attacker in Pokémon GO. Mega Raichu X performs respectably, trailing just behind its counterpart in terms of DPS. 

Both Mega Raichu X & Y can be used in raids, especially now that they respectively have access to Volt Tackle+ and Zap Cannon+, and are easier to power up than many high-end Electric options. But when both Mega Evolutions share the same typing (unlike Mega Mewtwo and Mega Charizard), Mega Raichu Y is the definitive choice for serious PvE play.

PvE verdict: S-Tier for Mega Raichu Y, A-Tier for Mega Raichu X. Both Mega Evolutions are strong and comparatively easier to power-up but Mega Raichu Y is the clear winner.

The Eon Pokémon: Mega Latias & Mega Latios

	Mega Latias	Mega Latios
Typing	Dragon Psychic	Dragon Psychic
Max CP	5428	5661
ATK	289	335
DEF	297	241
HP	190	190

Mega Latias and Mega Latios are both strong Mega Evolutions in their own right. Mega Latias is more defense oriented while Mega Latios is more towards the offensive side. It is because of this orientation that Mega Latios is more relevant in raids than Mega Latias.

Mega Latios is a mid-tier Dragon Attacker, simply because of its modest moveset of Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw. As a Psychic attacker, Mega Latios performs solidly, currently slotted at #5 position among Top Psychic Attackers. But just like it was the case with Mega Starmie, when you are competing with Mega Mewtwo X & Y, you are bound to come up second best. For Mega Latias it is a similar story but with worse positioning in the meta.As both Mega Latios and Mega Latias share the same typing, Mega Latios becomes the better choice for PvE.  

PvE verdict: A-Tier for Mega Latios, B-Tier for Mega Latias. Both are Legendary Mega Evolutions and hence, “nice to have” but there are better options available.

PvE Tier List and Parting Words

We have now reached the end of our PvE analysis and here is the final tier list:

• S-Tier: Mega Victreebel and Mega Raichu Y
• A-Tier: Mega Dragonite, Mega Starmie, Mega Raichu X and Mega Latios
• B-Tier: Mega Malamar, Mega Falinks, Mega Skarmory and Mega Latias. 

Mega Victreebel is the most practical and well-rounded investment here, offering strong dual-role performance as a Grass and Poison raid attacker. Mega Raichu Y is the biggest raid star, becoming the best Electric type option available. Mega Skarmory finds a useful niche as a budget Flying attacker while Mega Dragonite is usable but outclassed by Mega Rayquaza. 

Mega Malamar, Mega Falinks and Mega Latias are largely Dex-focused choices. Mega Malamar struggles in both Dark and Psychic roles, Mega Falinks is held back by its competition despite solid stats and Mega Starmie is usable in raids but is living on borrowed time as a Water attacker, while being heavily outclassed by top Psychic attackers. Mega Raichu X and Mega Latias are serviceable, but with both Raichu forms being pure Electric type and Mega Latios sharing the same type as Mega Latias, Mega Raichu Y and Mega Latios are the one worth prioritizing for PvE.

That wraps up our Mega Ascension PvE breakdown! With Mega Finale just around the corner, smart energy farming now means stronger raids later. Focus on Mega Victreebel for dual-type value and Mega Raichu Y for top-tier Electric power, then fill in the rest based on your roster gaps. 

And as always, stay safe! Happy Raiding Trainers! May everyone get a background shundo!