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Ozone Ascent Event: Get Rayquaza & Unlock Mega Rayquaza (July 25–26, 2026)

Ozone Ascent (July 25–26, 2026) rewards a Meteorite to teach Rayquaza Dragon Ascent and Mega Evolve it. Get the Timed Research steps, Meteorite method, and Mega Rayquaza counters.

This guide covers ozone ascent event: get rayquaza & unlock mega rayquaza (july 25–26, 2026). Follow the step-by-step instructions below for guides strategies, tips, and best practices.

Ozone Ascent Event: Get Rayquaza & Unlock Mega Rayquaza (July 25–26, 2026)

Ozone Ascent Brings Back Rayquaza and the Path to Mega Rayquaza

The Ozone Ascent event runs Saturday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. local time, and its headline reward is a Meteorite — the only item that teaches Rayquaza the move Dragon Ascent, which it must know before it can Mega Evolve. Free Timed Research gives a Meteorite and a Rayquaza encounter; paid research ($4.99) adds Mega Energy and a second Meteorite. For anyone still working toward Mega Rayquaza, this is the most important event of the summer.

Event Dates & How to Join

  • Start: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m. local
  • End: Sunday, July 26, 2026, 8:00 p.m. local
  • Free Timed Research: Meteorite + Rayquaza encounter + bonus items
  • Paid Timed Research ($4.99): Second Meteorite + Rayquaza Mega Energy + extra Rayquaza encounter
  • Expires: Claim everything before July 26, 8:00 p.m. local

Step-by-Step: Unlock Mega Rayquaza

  1. Complete the free (or paid) Timed Research to earn a Meteorite and a Rayquaza.
  2. Use the Meteorite on Rayquaza to teach it the Charged Attack Dragon Ascent.
  3. Collect 400 Rayquaza Mega Energy — from Rayquaza raids (paid research also grants some).
  4. Tap Mega Evolve on Rayquaza's summary page once Dragon Ascent is learned and you hold 400 energy.
  5. Future Mega Evolutions cost only 40 energy each.

Note: Rayquaza cannot Mega Evolve with Mega Energy alone — Dragon Ascent is mandatory.

Why Mega Rayquaza Is Worth It

  • Max CP ~5,700–6,400 depending on source; among the highest Attack stats in the game.
  • Top Dragon/Flying attacker, outclassing most other Megas for those types.
  • Mega Boost powers up other Dragon and Flying Pokémon in your raids.
  • Each Mega Evolution lasts 8 hours (event bonuses can extend it).

Best Mega Rayquaza Counters (If You Must Fight One)

Mega Rayquaza is weak to Ice (most effective), plus Rock, Dragon, and Fairy:

Role Top picks
Best Ice Mega Glalie, Galarian Darmanitan, Mamoswine
Best Dragon Shadow Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia
Best Fairy Mega Gardevoir, Togekiss
Budget Ice Beam Lapras, Glaceon

Final Thought

Ozone Ascent is your cleanest 2026 shot at the Meteorite that unlocks Mega Rayquaza — a meta-defining attacker. Finish the Timed Research before July 26, teach Dragon Ascent, and bank your Mega Energy. Happy hunting, trainers!