Pokemon GO could potentially be making a major change to one of its biggest endgame game modes, with Mega Raids reportedly having a new currency for players to use. The massively popular mobile monster-catching game from Scopely offers players a wide array of challenges to tackle for those looking to pick up the game's strongest Pokemon. Pokemon GO's Raids encompass a plethora of different styles, ranging from Max Battles against Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon, Shadow Raids for powerful Shadow Pokemon, and plenty more. However, Mega Raids boast one of the game's most popular mechanics.
Mega Raids serve as one of the easiest ways for Pokemon GO fans to pick up a variety of Pokemon capable of Mega Evolution. Mega Pokemon have been a staple of Pokemon GO since the mechanic was first introduced to the game in late 2020, featuring many of the Mega Evolutions introduced in the main-series games. The game introduced Mega Raids at the same time as some of the most powerful endgame challenges in Pokemon GO, slowly adding more Mega Pokemon throughout the following years. Now, Pokemon GO may be putting Mega Raids in the spotlight with a rumored new currency attached to the challenges.
Pokemon GO: A Complete Pokedex (January 2026)
The number that denotes a "complete" Pokedex in Pokemon GO can be confusing and complicated.
Pokemon GO May Be Adding a New Currency
A new update from prominent Pokemon GO leaker The Pokemod Group is sharing a currency item reportedly added to the game's files. Referred to as "Link Charges," the new items are said to be an "enhanced currency" coming to the game, said to be used for entering Mega Raids in place of Pokemon GO's Raid Passes. The new variant is also expected to be tied to Remote Raid Passes, with Link Charges reportedly being required to participate remotely in Mega Raids. The post does not give any hard details about when Link Charges will be officially added to Pokemon GO.
While Link Charges are expected to be a premium currency, Pokemon GO fans may have other ways of earning the special passes. Unreleased text discovered within Pokemon GO's files suggests that fans may be able to acquire Link Charges through "Weekly Challenges, Campfire check-ins, and opening Gifts." The post from The Pokemon Group included several images of Link Charges from within the files, revealing a multitude of bundles set to be available through Pokemon GO's in-game shop. Pricing was also not revealed within the in-game files related to Link Charges.
Mega Raids May Be Making a Big Comeback
The potential for a new Pokemon GO currency saw mixed reception from many fans of the game, debating the issue of another in-game currency. Some fans suggested that the currency serves as another example of Pokemon GO pricing out players and locking important mechanics behind a paywall. Others, however, did feel that Pokemon GO's Mega Raids were in need of a shake-up, with the endgame challenge being the oldest Raid tied to a special evolution mechanic. Pokemon GO's new currency will also likely come alongside a big focus on Mega Pokemon in the near future.
With the recent release of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Pokemon GO is expected to add plenty of new Mega Evolutions to the game. Pokemon Legends Z-A and the Mega Dimension DLC debuted more than 40 new Mega Pokemon to the franchise, including Mega forms of all three Kalos Starter Pokemon. Pokemon GO has also already introduced every Mega Evolution added before Legends: Z-A, even confirming the new Mega Malamar and Mega Victreebel will make their first appearance in GO Tour: Kalos next month. Mega Raids could be in for some major changes, with Pokemon GO looking to freshen up one of its oldest endgame challenges.
WHERE TO PLAY
Pokémon GO is an immersive open-world multiplayer RPG that enables you to live your own RPG adventure in augmented reality. Find and evolve all Pokémon and battle with other players in AR online in this multiplayer adventure RPG.
COMPLETE YOUR POKÉDEX AND INCREASE YOUR TRAINER LEVEL!
Catch your favourite Pokémon as you explore the open world in augmented reality, trade them with other Trainers, or get the chance to catch a Pokémon after winning a Raid. You can also collect Pokémon by hatching eggs through walking! Evolve your Pokémon in your Pokédex, gain levels to catch more powerful Pokémon and earn adventure rewards during a Raid in multiplayer or online PvP battle.
EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE IN MULTIPLAYER AND PvP!
Start your own adventure and challenge other Trainers online in PvP during epic Gym battles or in the GO Battle League. You can also enjoy multiplayer by facing off with other players in PvP battles to win rewards, or team up with other Trainers for a chance to catch Pokémon after a Raid Battle.
CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!
Customise your avatar, join one of the three teams and pick your Buddy Pokémon from your Pokédex to journey by your side in this AR adventure RPG.
SWITCH BETWEEN THE REAL WORLD AND THE VIRTUAL WORLD WITH THE AR+ MODE!
Bring the RPG to the real world and search for Pokémon in locations around you. With the AR+ mode, Pokémon appear right in front of you — Catch it with your PokéBall and add it to your Pokédex.
Catch your favourite Pokémon in AR as you explore the world and battle online with other Trainers in PvP and Raid battles.
