Do this before Mega Mewtwo X & Y Global GO Fest Raid Guide
Mega Mewtwo X and Y are finally arriving worldwide in Pokémon GO this weekend, and the stakes are higher than ever. From exclusive legacy moves to a brand‑new super‑max mega level, there’s a lot to unpack before you spend your 18 free raid passes. This guide breaks down everything you need to dominate the super mega raids on July 11‑12.
Event Schedule & Exclusive Moves
- Saturday July 11 – Mega Mewtwo X appears in super mega raids. Any Mewtwo caught will know the legacy fast attack Counter.
- Sunday July 12 – Mega Mewtwo Y appears. Caught Mewtwo will know the legacy charged attack PsyStrike.
- Shiny rate: 1 in 20.
- All catches have a chance at a special background that adds a visual effect when the Mewtwo is mega‑evolved.
- Every Mewtwo from these raids starts with its first mega level unlocked, meaning you can mega‑evolve it for free immediately (normally 7 500 mega energy per form).
Mega Energy & Mega Levels
- Split mega energy: Mega Mewtwo X energy drops only from X raids; Mega Mewtwo Y energy only from Y raids. Each form levels independently.
- Super mega raid reward: Expected 350‑450 mega energy per raid, but Niantic announced a higher amount for these Mewtwo raids (exact value unknown).
- Mega level progression:
- Increase one level per day by mega‑evolving the Pokémon.
- Use mega energy to fast‑track levels.
- Super‑max mega level (new fourth level) requires 5 000 mega energy and cannot be reached by daily evolutions alone.
- Buddy walking: After the first mega evolution, any Mewtwo walked as buddy yields 5 mega energy per km.
- Higher mega levels grant extra candy, candy XL, and XP when catching Pokémon sharing the mega‑evolved type.
Super Mega Raid Mechanics
- Eligible gyms only – not every gym spawns super mega raids. Check the web‑based map on the Pokémon GO site, select “Super Mega Raids,” and locate eligible gyms in your area.
- Shield phase: Mid‑raid the boss gains shields. Each trainer can break one shield using a charged attack from a mega‑evolved Pokémon.
- Rumor: Mega Mewtwo X and Y may have 12 shields, meaning you need at least 12 trainers with mega‑evolved Pokémon (or fewer if adventure effects apply).
- Strategy tip: Keep your mega‑evolved Pokémon at the back of the party so it survives until shields activate. If it faints, back out, heal, and re‑enter to still break a shield.
- Breaking multiple shields: Adventure effects (see below) can let a single trainer break more than one shield.
Best Counters for Mega Mewtwo X & Y
Mega Mewtwo X (Psychic/Fighting) – Weak to Flying, Ghost, Fairy
Top tier: Mega Rayquaza, Dawn Wings Necrozma, Mega Mewtwo Y, Mega Mewtwo X, Shadow Moltres, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Gengar, Shadow Salamence, Crown Zamazenta, Moltres.
Budget options: Salamence, Chandelure, Braviary, Hisuian Braviary, Hisuian Typhlosion, Polteageist.
Mega Mewtwo Y (Pure Psychic) – Weak to Bug, Ghost, Dark
Top tier: Dawn Wings Necrozma, Mega Mewtwo Y, Mega Mewtwo X, Mega Tyranitar, Shadow Tyranitar, Mega Absol, Mega Gengar, Shadow Hydreigon, Shadow Darkrai, Lunala.
Budget options: Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Incineroar, Chandelure, Absol, Weavile.
Adventure Effects & Investment Advice
- Mega Mewtwo X – Data‑mined Dynamic Punch + (adventure effect: break two shields per mega‑evolved Pokémon in super mega raids). This could halve the trainer count needed for a 12‑shield boss.
- Mega Mewtwo Y – Data‑mined Future Sight + (adventure effect: see higher‑IV Pokémon before catching, potentially shown as map indicators or encounter‑screen cues).
- Versatility: Mega Mewtwo Y is the #1 psychic attacker (Confusion + PsyStrike) and strong in electric, ice, ghost with Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Shadow Ball. Mega Mewtwo X is the #2 fighting attacker (Counter + Focus Blast) and also covers electric, ice, ghost.
- Recommendation: Keep separate Mewtwo for each form to run optimal move sets (fighting on X, psychic on Y). If you want multiple Y variants for different type coverage, consider a utility Y for the adventure effect and a powered‑up Y for raid damage.
- Which to prioritize?
- Mega Mewtwo X offers broader raid utility (fighting type is demanded more often) and the game‑changing shield‑breaking adventure effect, enabling smaller groups to clear super mega raids.
- Mega Mewtwo Y remains the undisputed psychic king with no immediate rival, but its adventure effect is more niche (IV scouting).
- For most trainers, investing in Mega Mewtwo X yields more daily usability, while Mega Mewtwo Y is essential for psychic‑type raids.
Catch & Candy Optimization
- Use Pinap Berries (Silver Pinap if available) on every catch – premier balls are more effective after raids, so Raspberries aren’t needed.
- Mega‑evolve a psychic‑type (Malamar or either Mewtwo) during raids for extra candy bonuses.
- Trade surplus Mewtwo: Up to six special trades per day during GO Fest; Friday “Friendship Fridays” give higher lucky‑trade odds and +2 guaranteed XL candy per trade.
- Transfer during double‑candy spotlight hours (e.g., Bidoof on July 30) or the Pikachu Celebration event (July 13‑20) where the GO Pass grants 2× (standard) or 3× (deluxe) transfer candy and increased XL chance.
- Link Charges: 200 link charges can replace a raid pass for in‑person super mega raids. Earn extra charges from the ongoing Road of Legends GO Pass, but save them if you plan remote raids (they’re also required alongside remote raid passes).
Must Do and Why You Should Play it
Mega Mewtwo X and Y bring powerful new tools to every trainer’s arsenal—free first mega evolutions, a brand‑new super‑max level, and adventure effects that could reshape super mega raid strategy. Plan your gym locations, stock up on Pinap Berries, and decide which form fits your playstyle: the shield‑shattering fighter or the psychic‑type sovereign.
Ready to raid? Grab your 18 free passes, coordinate with your local community, and make the most of GO Fest weekend. Share your shiny catches and mega‑level progress in the comments below!