Pokémon Go adds Mega Evolutions

Pokémon Go adds Mega Evolutions

Mega Evolutions are coming to Pokémon Go, developer Niantic confirmed Wednesday. The powerful new form of Pokémon will be added to the mobile game on Aug. 27, followed by a series of Mega Evolution-themed events throughout September.

Pokémon Go’s implementation of Mega Evolution will use a new resource called Mega Energy, which players can collect through special Mega Raids. The faster you beat a Mega-Evolved Pokémon in a Mega Raid, the more Mega Energy you’ll get. Currently, players will be able to Mega-Evolve four Pokémon: Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, and Beedrill.

Another twist: Players can only have one Mega-Evolved Pokémon at any given time. When players Mega-Evolve a new Pokémon, their current Mega Evolution Pokémon will revert to its non-Mega form. But re-evolving a Pokémon back to its Mega form will require less energy than it did initially.

Mega-Evolved Pokémon come with some other restrictions and perks. They can battle in gyms, but can’t defend them. They can be used in Trainer battles with friends, but can’t compete in Pokémon Go Battle League (yet). They can be used in raid battles, and will grant other Pokémon attack boosts.

More details on Pokémon Go’s Mega Evolution update will arrive Thursday, Aug. 27, when the feature — and new Mega Evolution-themed research — goes live in the Android and iOS game.