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How to Get Mega Energy Without Raids in Pokémon GO

The question on every Trainer’s mind: How do you get Mega Energy without raids? While raids were the original, and often perceived as the primary, source of Mega Energy, Pokémon GO has introduced several alternative methods. These include Special Research tasks, Field Research tasks, walking your Pokémon buddy, and timed research. This article will delve into each of these methods in detail, providing you with a comprehensive guide to powering up your Pokémon without relying on raids.

Understanding Mega Energy and Its Importance

Before exploring the alternatives, it’s crucial to understand what Mega Energy is and why it’s important. Mega Energy is a specific resource required to Mega Evolve certain Pokémon. Once a Pokémon has been Mega Evolved for the first time, subsequent Mega Evolutions for that species become cheaper and eventually free, thanks to the concept of Mega Levels. This makes obtaining initial Mega Energy all the more important.

Mega Evolution provides significant boosts to a Pokémon’s stats, making them more powerful in battles, raids, and even Team GO Rocket encounters. Furthermore, Mega-Evolved Pokémon offer bonuses like increased Candy XL drop rates when catching Pokémon of the same type, making them invaluable for maximizing resources.

Methods to Obtain Mega Energy Without Raids

Special Research Tasks

Special Research is a series of tasks that players receive upon reaching certain milestones or during specific in-game events. Niantic often includes Mega Energy as a reward within these research lines. These quests typically involve catching certain Pokémon, spinning PokéStops, or completing other relatively straightforward objectives.

Benefits: Special Research provides a guaranteed amount of Mega Energy. The tasks are usually easy to complete, making it accessible for most players.
Drawbacks: Special Research is not always available, and the Mega Energy offered is often limited to specific Pokémon species.

To find active Special Research, check your “Today” view in the app. Keep an eye on official Pokémon GO announcements for details on upcoming Special Research events.

Field Research Tasks

Field Research tasks are obtained by spinning Photo Discs at PokéStops. Occasionally, specific Field Research tasks will offer Mega Energy as a reward upon completion. These tasks vary and can range from battling in gyms to catching specific types of Pokémon.

Benefits: Field Research is a readily available and repeatable source of Mega Energy.
Drawbacks: The availability of Mega Energy-yielding Field Research tasks is not guaranteed and changes regularly. It requires actively spinning PokéStops.

To find Field Research tasks that offer Mega Energy, check your “Today” view and look for the little binoculars icon after spinning a Pokéstop. Scan your local community boards and online resources; dedicated players often share information on available tasks.

Walking Your Pokémon Buddy

One of the most reliable methods for obtaining Mega Energy without raids is walking your Pokémon buddy. If you have a Pokémon that can Mega Evolve and you’ve previously Mega Evolved it at least once, you can assign it as your buddy and earn Mega Energy by walking with it. The amount of Mega Energy received per kilometer varies depending on the Pokémon species.

Benefits: Consistent and reliable source of Mega Energy, especially for Pokémon you plan to use frequently. It also encourages active gameplay.
Drawbacks: Requires walking a significant distance and having previously Mega Evolved the Pokémon at least once. Mega Energy gain is slow compared to raids.

Select the Pokémon you want to walk in your Pokémon storage and then go to your profile by pressing your trainer’s face in the bottom left. Select “Buddy Adventure” and set the Pokémon as your buddy. You must have Mega Evolved the Pokémon once already.

Timed Research

Timed Research tasks are available for a limited time, often coinciding with special in-game events. These research lines frequently include Mega Energy as a reward for completing specific challenges, similar to Special Research.

Benefits: Offers a structured way to earn Mega Energy within a specific timeframe. Tasks are usually designed to be engaging and achievable.
Drawbacks: Timed Research is only available for a limited time, so players must act quickly to complete the tasks and claim the rewards.

Check the “Today” view in the Pokémon GO app to find active Timed Research. Stay updated on Pokémon GO news and events to avoid missing opportunities to earn Mega Energy.

Maximizing Your Mega Energy Gains

To effectively accumulate Mega Energy without raids, consider the following tips:

Prioritize walking your Pokémon buddy: If you have a Pokémon that can Mega Evolve and you intend to use it frequently, make it your buddy and walk with it as much as possible.
Actively spin PokéStops: Regularly spin PokéStops to find Field Research tasks that reward Mega Energy.
Stay informed about events: Keep an eye on Pokémon GO news and announcements to stay informed about upcoming Special Research and Timed Research events that offer Mega Energy.
Utilize community resources: Join local Pokémon GO groups or online communities to share information on available Field Research tasks and other opportunities to earn Mega Energy.
Mega Evolve strategically: Once you’ve acquired enough Mega Energy to Mega Evolve a Pokémon, prioritize Mega Evolving Pokémon you plan to use frequently in battles, raids, or for catching Pokémon with bonus Candy XL.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get Mega Energy for any Pokémon without raids?

No. You can only earn Mega Energy without raids for Pokémon that have already had a Mega Evolution available. You cannot earn it if it has never had a Mega Evolution released. The methods discussed – Special Research, Field Research, walking your buddy, and Timed Research – will only reward Mega Energy for Pokémon whose Mega Evolutions are accessible through these methods.

2. How much Mega Energy do I get from walking my buddy?

The amount of Mega Energy you receive from walking your buddy varies depending on the Pokémon. Some Pokémon give 5 Mega Energy per walk (a set distance), while others might give 15. This information can usually be found online or through community resources. Remember, the Pokémon must have been Mega Evolved at least once for this method to work.

3. Are Field Research tasks that reward Mega Energy always available?

No. The availability of Field Research tasks that reward Mega Energy varies. Niantic frequently updates the available Field Research tasks, so it’s essential to check your PokéStops regularly to see if any offer Mega Energy. Community resources can be helpful for identifying which tasks are currently rewarding Mega Energy.

4. How often do Special Research tasks that reward Mega Energy appear?

Special Research tasks that reward Mega Energy are not regularly released. They typically coincide with specific in-game events or promotions. Keep an eye on Pokémon GO news and announcements to stay informed about upcoming Special Research opportunities.

5. Do I need to Mega Evolve a Pokémon before I can get Mega Energy for it?

For walking your buddy, yes. You need to Mega Evolve the Pokémon at least once before you can earn Mega Energy by walking with it as your buddy. For Special Research, Field Research, and Timed Research, you generally do not need to have previously Mega Evolved the Pokémon to earn the Mega Energy reward.

6. Can I get Mega Energy for Legendaries that can Mega Evolve without raids?

Yes, in the rare case that you have already Mega Evolved a Legendary Pokémon. Walking the legendary as your buddy will grant you Mega Energy. Also, when Special and Timed Research is available, they can grant you the Mega Energy.

7. Is it possible to get Mega Energy through Team GO Rocket battles?

Currently, no, you cannot get Mega Energy through Team GO Rocket battles. Mega Energy is primarily obtained through raids, Special Research, Field Research, walking your buddy, and Timed Research.

8. Does the weather affect the amount of Mega Energy I get?

The weather in Pokémon GO does not directly affect the amount of Mega Energy you receive from any of the available methods. Weather can influence which Pokémon appear more frequently, potentially making it easier to complete tasks like catching specific types of Pokémon that may be part of research quests.

9. How do Mega Levels affect Mega Energy requirements?

Mega Levels significantly reduce the amount of Mega Energy required for subsequent Mega Evolutions. Once a Pokémon reaches higher Mega Levels, the cost to Mega Evolve it decreases, and eventually, it can even become free after reaching the max level.

10. Can I trade Mega Energy with other players?

No, you cannot trade Mega Energy with other players in Pokémon GO. Mega Energy is a personal resource that can only be obtained through gameplay.

11. What happens to excess Mega Energy after Mega Evolving a Pokémon?

Excess Mega Energy remains in your inventory. You can save it for future Mega Evolutions of that same species, or if the Pokémon has multiple Mega Evolutions, you can save it for a different Mega Evolution.

12. Is it better to use rare candies to evolve a Pokémon for the first time or save them for later?

This depends on your specific needs and goals. If you desperately need to Mega Evolve the Pokémon to battle or participate in an event, using Rare Candies to evolve it might be worthwhile. However, saving Rare Candies for legendary or Mythical Pokémon that are harder to obtain and evolve is generally a more strategic approach.

13. How can I maximize my candy XL drops?

Mega Evolving a Pokémon that shares a type with the Pokémon you’re catching will increase your Candy XL drop rates for that catch. Plan your Mega Evolutions accordingly when participating in Community Days or events that focus on specific Pokémon types.

14. Will all Pokémon eventually have Mega Evolutions available?

While Niantic continues to introduce new Mega Evolutions, it’s not guaranteed that all Pokémon will eventually have Mega Evolutions. The decision to add Mega Evolutions often depends on the Pokémon’s popularity and the overall game balance.

15. Are there any third-party apps that can help me find Mega Energy?

Using third-party apps that offer an unfair advantage, such as those that automate gameplay or provide access to unauthorized information, is against the Pokémon GO Terms of Service and can result in account suspension or permanent ban. Instead, rely on legitimate sources of information, such as official Pokémon GO announcements and community resources.

How do you get mega energy without raids?