The Mega Squads event in Pokémon GO runs from Tuesday, September 8, at 10:00 a.m. to Monday, September 14, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time. This event follows closely on the heels of the Mega Finale. It introduces brand-new Paldean debuts, powerful new Mega mechanics, shiny hunting opportunities, and a rewarding GO Pass framework designed to keep trainers engaged.
Whether you are looking to bolster your roster with new Pokémon, push your favorite Mega Evolutions to their absolute limits, or maximize your stardust gains, here is everything you need to know to prepare for the Mega Squads event.
Mega Squads event Pokémon Debuts: Maschiff and Mabosstiff
Trainers eager to expand their Paldean Pokédex will be thrilled to learn that Maschiff, the Rascal Pokémon, and its evolution, Mabosstiff, the Boss Pokémon, are finally making their official Pokémon GO debuts.
How to Find Maschiff: You can encounter Maschiff by hatching the 5 km Eggs received from the start of the event, completing event-themed Field Research tasks, or progressing through the GO Pass: Mega Squads. Note: a perfect (hundo) Maschiff from Eggs has a 799 CP. The one from Research tasks and GO Pass reward has a 600 CP.
Evolution Cost: You will need 50 Maschiff Candy to evolve your newly caught Maschiff into the intimidating yet loyal Mabosstiff.
READ ALSO: Meet Maschiff and Mabosstiff: The Paldean Pokémon in Pokémon GO
The Mega Squads event introduces Shiny Flamigo
For the first time ever in Pokémon GO, lucky trainers will have the chance to encounter Shiny Flamigo! This vibrant addition can be found in the wild, hatched from 5 km Eggs, or earned by completing GO Pass and Field Research tasks.
Mega Squads Rotating Encounters
The event features rotating wild spawns, egg hatches, and Field Research tasks encounters on the following dates.
September 8 (10:00 a.m.) to September 11 (10:00 a.m.): Keep your eyes peeled for wild encounters featuring Pidgey, Rookidee, and more. Meanwhile, 5 km Eggs will feature Emolga, Fletchling, Rookidee, and Flamigo. Field Research tasks during this window reward Weedle, Pidgey, Fletchling, or Flamigo.
September 11 (10:00 a.m.) to September 14 (8:00 p.m.): The spawning pool shifts to feature Houndour, Carvanha, and more. The 5 km Eggs transition to hatch Sandile, Pancham, Maschiff, and Flamigo, while Field Research awards Houndour, Carvanha, Nickit, Maschiff, or Flamigo.
Additionally, shiny hunting odds are boosted for specific periods: Shiny Pidgey will have increased encounter rates from September 8 to September 11, while Shiny Carvanha takes the spotlight from September 11 to September 14.
Mega Squads event introduces Super Max Mega Level for more Pokémon
Perhaps the most meta-defining feature of the Mega Squads event is the launch of the Super Max Level for more Mega Evolutions. Starting with this event, trainers can push Mega Beedrill and Mega Houndoom past the traditional Max level all the way to Super Max Level.
As originally uncovered, Pokémon that unlock the Super Max tier can learn an additional Charged Attack while actively Mega Evolved. The power of these signature moves scales dynamically with the Pokémon’s Mega Level:
Mega Beedrill gets the Charged Attack Fell Stinger+, which in Trainer Battles (PvP), deals 40 power, while increasing your Attack by one stage. In Raid Battles (PvE), it deals 140 power.
Mega Houndoom gets Dark Pulse+, which in Trainer Battles (PvP), deals 60 power. In Raid Battles (PvE), it deals 150 power.
These power deals increase with increasing Mega level (i.e. base level to super max level)
How to Reach Super Max: Remember that you must first raise a Pokémon’s Mega Level to the third level (Max) before you can advance it to Super Max. Mega Evolving alone won’t be enough; you will need to spend plenty of specific Mega Energy.
To farm this energy, participate in Mega Raids featuring Mega Beedrill (Sept 8–15) and Mega Houndoom (Sept 11–15), or catch Weedle, Pidgey, Houndour, and Carvanha in the wild during this event.
Spotlight Hours and Raid Schedules
If you need extra candy, shiny checks, or mega energy, take note of the upcoming Spotlight Hours running from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time:
September 10: Weedle (with chances at Kakuna and Beedrill encounters)
September 13: Houndour (with chances at Houndoom encounters)
Raids will also heavily feature the featured Mega subjects, making it an ideal week to team up with local community members to farm rewards and secure high IV variants.
GO Pass: Mega Squads and Web Store Bonuses
The free GO Pass: Mega Squads will automatically activate for all trainers on Tuesday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m. local time. By collecting GO Points through event tasks, you can rank up and claim rewards like event-themed encounters, Beedrill and Houndour Mega Energy, Incubators, Rare Candy, Ultra Balls, and more.
For those looking for a boost, the paid GO Pass Deluxe (US$4.99) or the GO Pass Deluxe + 6 Ranks (US$6.99) unlock exclusive goodies like the Maschiff Jersey avatar item, additional event-themed encounters, more mega energy for Beedrill and Houndoom, Super Incubators, Rare Candy XL, and more.
Mega Squads Event Bonuses
Reach Major Milestones on your event GO Pass to unlock the following bonuses.
Tier 1 Bonus (Rank 1+): Extra chances to obtain Mega Energy when catching Weedle, Pidgey, Houndour, Carvanha, or their evolutions.
Tier 2 Bonus (Rank 15+): 2x Hatch Stardust. However, those who get the Deluxe Pass will have an additional 1/2 Egg Hatch Distance bonus for incubators.
If you plan to upgrade, purchasing your pass via the Pokémon GO Web Store grants extra bundle gifts such as Ultra Balls, Max Revives, Premium Battle Passes, and Max Potions.
Get your items stocked up, coordinate with your local community raid groups, and get ready to push your favorite monsters into the Super Max era!
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