Can You Keep a Mega Evolved Pokémon in a Gym?
The short answer is no, you cannot leave a Mega Evolved Pokémon to defend a gym. While Mega Evolved Pokémon are powerful assets in battles, their transformation is temporary, and they revert to their regular form outside of specific battle scenarios. This means they can’t be placed in gyms for defense, unlike their regular counterparts. Understanding the mechanics of Mega Evolution and its limitations is crucial for strategic gameplay. This article will delve deeper into the nuances of Mega Evolution, answer related frequently asked questions, and clarify why this powerful transformation is strictly for active battling and not for gym defense.
Understanding Mega Evolution
Mega Evolution is a temporary transformation that significantly boosts a Pokémon’s stats, often changing its type and abilities. It’s not a permanent evolution like going from Charmander to Charmeleon to Charizard. Instead, it’s a special form that your Pokémon takes on for a limited time. This is why you see a special Mega icon next to a trainer’s avatar in a raid lobby when they have an active Mega Evolution.
Time Limit and Mechanics
Once a Pokémon has undergone Mega Evolution, it remains in that form for a specified period, typically eight hours. This duration was increased in October 2020, making it more advantageous to use Mega Evolved Pokémon in various battles and challenges. During this time, you can use your Mega Evolved Pokémon in raids, gym battles (though not for defense), and trainer battles. However, you can only Mega Evolve one Pokémon at a time. If you Mega Evolve another Pokémon, the first one will revert to its normal form. The time remaining for a Mega Evolution is always visible on the Pokémon’s CP screen.
Mega Energy
Mega Evolution is not free. It requires Mega Energy, a special resource obtained through various activities, like defeating Mega Raid Bosses. You can also earn Mega Energy by walking with a buddy Pokémon, provided that you’ve previously mega evolved a Pokemon within the same evolutionary line. This mechanic ensures that trainers actively participate in different aspects of the game to gain the required resources.
Why Mega Evolved Pokémon Can’t Defend Gyms
The core reason why Mega Evolved Pokémon can’t be left at gyms is the temporary nature of their transformation. Gym defenders need to remain in place, guarding their territory until defeated. Since Mega Evolved Pokémon revert to their normal forms after eight hours (or if another Pokémon is Mega Evolved), they are unsuitable for continuous gym defense. The game mechanics are designed to make the mega evolution a combat-focused and active gameplay feature, not a permanent one.
This limitation adds an element of strategic depth to the game. Trainers need to choose the right time to Mega Evolve their Pokémon, whether for raids, battles, or specific challenges. The temporal aspect of the transformation requires planning and active involvement, making the game more engaging and less passive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mega Evolution
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to further clarify Mega Evolution mechanics:
1. Can a trainer have two Mega Evolutions simultaneously?
No, a trainer can only have one Mega Evolved Pokémon active at a time. If you Mega Evolve another Pokémon, the first one will revert back to its normal form.
2. How do you get Mega Energy without doing raids?
You can get Mega Energy by walking with your buddy Pokémon if you have previously Mega Evolved a Pokémon in its evolutionary line. For instance, if Mega Blastoise is in your Mega Pokédex, and Squirtle is your buddy, you’ll earn Mega Energy while walking.
3. What is the strongest Mega Pokémon?
Mega Rayquaza, along with Mega Mewtwo X and Y, boasts some of the highest base stats. Notably, Mega Rayquaza does not require a Mega Stone, freeing up item slots for other strategic advantages.
4. Which Mega Charizard is better?
Mega Charizard Y is generally considered superior due to its slightly higher max CP (4455) and attack stats (319) compared to Mega Charizard X, making it a formidable attacker.
5. What happens if you Mega Evolve another Pokémon while one is already Mega Evolved?
If you Mega Evolve a Pokémon while another one is already in its Mega form, the first Pokémon will revert back to its normal form.
6. Do Mega Evolved Pokémon expire?
Yes, Mega Evolved Pokémon expire after eight hours, reverting to their regular form. You can also force them to revert by Mega Evolving another Pokémon.
7. Should you power up a Pokémon before Mega Evolving?
Yes, it is advisable to power up your Pokémon before Mega Evolving it. You cannot power up a Pokémon while it is in its Mega Evolved form. Its boosted stats are calculated based on its stats in its normal form.
8. Do Mega Pokémon caught in raids stay Mega Evolved?
No, when you defeat a Mega Raid Boss, they revert back to their regular form before you encounter and catch them. You’ll need to collect enough Mega Energy to transform them into their Mega Form.
9. Is Mega Evolving worth it?
Yes, Mega Evolution offers several benefits including a significant boost in strength, as well as bonus candy and an increased chance to get XL Candy for Pokémon of the same type.
10. How much Mega Energy does it take to evolve Rayquaza?
Mega Rayquaza requires 400 Mega Energy to evolve and also needs to learn the powerful move Dragon Ascent.
11. What is the difference between Mega Evolution and Gigantamax?
Unlike Dynamax/Gigantamax, Mega Evolution boosts a Pokémon’s stats permanently for the duration of its transformation, while Dynamax/Gigantamax is time-limited to three turns.
12. Is Ash’s Greninja a Mega Evolution?
No, Ash’s Greninja form is due to its Battle Bond ability and is not a Mega Evolution. Though it is very powerful it is considered a separate mechanic.
13. Are Z-Moves better than Mega Evolutions?
No, Z-Moves are powerful one-time attacks, but they do not improve a Pokémon’s stats like Mega Evolutions. Mega Evolution provides a lasting and substantial boost in overall power and capabilities.
14. Who is stronger, Dragonite or Charizard?
In their base forms, Dragonite may have the edge. However, Charizard with its Mega Evolutions, specifically Mega Charizard X and Y, can outclass Dragonite because of the strategic changes they provide.
15. Is Mega Evolution painful for the Pokémon?
Some Pokédex entries suggest that Mega Evolution can be painful for certain Pokémon. This adds a darker, more complex layer to the mechanic, making it more than a simple power-up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Mega Evolved Pokémon are incredibly powerful for battles and raids, they cannot be used for gym defense due to the temporary nature of their transformation. Understanding this fundamental aspect of Mega Evolution is crucial for optimizing your gameplay. The temporary boost provided by mega evolutions makes it a strategic, active feature that requires planning and timing. By focusing on their use in active battles and raids, trainers can harness the full power of Mega Evolved Pokémon while engaging in the dynamic and ever-evolving gameplay of Pokémon Go.