Pokémon GO trainers will soon encounter a latest tier of Mega Raid, dubbed “Super Mega Raids,” alongside the debut of Mega Victreebel and Mega Malamar during the Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos event, beginning February 20, 2026, in Los Angeles and Tainan, and globally from February 28 to March 1, 2026.
The new Super Mega Raids will require a minimum of eight trainers to participate, according to a recent announcement from Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO. These raids will feature exceptionally powerful Mega-Evolved Pokémon, presenting a significant challenge for even seasoned players.
To access these raids, trainers will utilize a new resource called “Union Circles.” Union Circles can be earned through weekly challenges, opening gifts, and attending community events organized through the Campfire app, and can too be purchased in the in-game shop or the Pokémon GO Web Store. Remote participation in Super Mega Raids will require both a Remote Raid Pass and Union Circles, while local participation allows trainers to choose between using Union Circles or a Premium Battle Pass.
Alongside Super Mega Raids, a new “Super Max” level for Mega-Evolved Pokémon is being introduced. Trainers can increase their Pokémon’s Mega Level beyond the existing maximum by expending Mega Energy. Reaching Super Max level will provide increased bonuses, including significantly improved Candy, XP, and Candy XL yields when catching Pokémon sharing a type with the Mega-Evolved Pokémon, and a reduced cooldown period of 24 hours before the Pokémon can be Mega-Evolved without using Mega Energy.
During Super Mega Raids, Mega-Evolved Pokémon may activate shields, reducing the damage from standard attacks. Trainers will need to coordinate to break these shields, with each trainer able to remove only one shield at a time. When shields are activated, a trainer’s Mega-Evolved Pokémon will automatically enter the battle, unleashing a powerful attack to break a shield. Kyogre Primal, Groudon Primal, and Ditto transformed into a Mega-Evolved Pokémon will not be able to break shields during Super Mega Raids.
Niantic is also introducing a new web map to help trainers locate Gyms hosting raids and community gatherings. The map will allow filtering by event type and display scheduled event dates. Trainers can share unique links to raids and gatherings with others.
To celebrate the launch of Super Mega Raids during the Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos, trainers will have increased opportunities to earn Union Circles. Ticket holders at the Tainan and Los Angeles events will receive Union Circles through the free GO Pass. Globally, trainers can earn Union Circles by checking in at a Campfire community event once per day between February 28 and March 1, 2026, and through the free and premium GO Passes for the “Path to Kalos” event. The weekly challenge during the Tour of GO will also award increased Union Circle rewards.
Trainers will have the opportunity to encounter and Mega Evolve Victreebel and Malamar during the Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos, allowing them to quickly raise these Pokémon to the Super Max level.
