Mega Rayquaza to make its Pokémon GO debut at the upcoming Pokémon GO Fest 2023 live events in London, Osaka, and New York City

With Pokémon GO Fest 2023 getting ever closer, Niantic has announced that Mega Rayquaza will make its Pokémon GO debut at the event. Mega Rayquaza will first debut in raids during the in-person Pokémon GO Fest in Osaka and London between August 4th to 6th, and in New York City from August 18th to 20th.

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Unlike other Mega-Evolving Pokémon, Rayquaza cannot be mega evolved with Mega Energy alone. In addition to Mega Energy, Rayquaza needs to be taught the Charged Attack Dragon Ascent, which can only be learned by using the new item, Meteorite. Meteorites can be collected by completing certain research tasks during Pokémon GO Fest.

Anyone attending these live events will be able to challenge Mega Rayquaza in raids, however only ticket holders will earn Mega Energy. Ticket holders will also be able to complete an exclusive Special Research to obtain Meteorites.

During its global debut in raids on August 27th, all trainers will be able to earn Mega Energy by completing raids. All trainers who log in during event hours (10am to 6pm local time) will receive a Special Research that grants a Meteorite when completed. Ticket holders for Global GO Fest will receive an extended Special Research that rewards and additional Meteorite and other rewards.

Mega Rayquaza has the following special mechanics:

• When Mega Rayquaza is in a Trainer's party, attacks of all other Trainers get a damage bonus. Flying-, Psychic-, or Dragon-type moves get even more damage bonus.
• When Rayquaza is Mega Evolved, catching Flying-, Psychic-, or Dragon-type Pokémon will grant additional XP, additional Candy, and an increased chance of earning Candy XL.
• Rayquaza's Mega Level will increase the more times it mega evolves, improving these bonuses.