Why the Starmie Super Mega Raid Day Is a Must-Play for Raid Farmers

Why the Starmie Super Mega Raid Day Is a Must-Play for Raid Farmers

Ultra Unlock: Starmie Super Mega Raid Day takes place on August 22, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time. Mega Starmie makes its Pokémon GO debut in Super Mega Raids, and the event includes some of the best raid farming bonuses of the year (Pokémon GO, 2026).

Key Takeaways

• Mega Starmie debuts in Super Mega Raids (Pokémon GO, 2026).
• Shiny Starmie has an increased encounter rate from Super Mega Raids.
• The event includes 5,000 bonus XP from all raids.
• Remote Raid Pass limit increases to 20 during the event window.
• The event ticket guarantees Rare Candy XL for catching Starmie.

Mega Starmie's Debut

Mega Starmie is the featured Mega-Evolved Pokémon debut in Super Mega Raids. As a Water/Psychic-type, Mega Starmie brings a powerful movepool and high stats to the raid environment. Starmie caught from Super Mega Raids will have Mega Level 1 unlocked (Pokémon GO, 2026).

The debut of Mega Starmie is significant because Starmie has long been one of the most popular Pokémon in competitive play. Its Water/Psychic typing gives it access to powerful moves like Hydro Pump, Psychic, and Thunderbolt. Mega Evolution adds an additional layer of power that makes it even more formidable.

Shiny Starmie

Shiny Starmie has an increased chance of being encountered from Super Mega Raids during the event. If you are lucky, you may encounter a Shiny Starmie. The shiny rate for Super Mega Raids follows the standard shiny encounter mechanics, but the increased chance makes this the best opportunity to hunt for Shiny Starmie in 2026 (Pokémon GO, 2026).

The Event Bonuses

The Starmie Super Mega Raid Day includes several bonuses that make it the best raid farming event of the year:

1. 5,000 additional XP from all raids — the largest raid XP bonus of any 2026 event.
2. Increased Rare Candy XL chance — raid battles are more rewarding for item drops.
3. Remote Raid Pass limit increased to 20 — from August 21 at 2:00 PM to August 22 at 8:00 PM PDT.
4. Up to 6 free Raid Passes from Gym Photo Discs — free raid passes are always valuable.
5. Guaranteed Rare Candy XL for catching Starmie — the event ticket guarantees this reward.

The Event Ticket

The event ticket costs US$4.99 and grants the following bonuses (Pokémon GO, 2026):

• Additional 5,000 XP from all raids
• Up to 14 Raid Passes from spinning Gym Photo Discs
• Even greater chance to get Rare Candy XL from Raid Battles
• Guaranteed Rare Candy XL for successfully catching Starmie from raids

The ticket is available in the in-game shop until 5:00 PM local time on August 22, 2026. Tickets can be purchased and gifted to friends who are at least Great Friends level.

Timed Research

The event includes Timed Research that rewards a Premium Battle Pass and an encounter with Scizor. The Timed Research expires at the end of the event, so complete it promptly.

The Starmie Super Mega Raid Day Ultra Ticket Box

The Starmie Super Mega Raid Day Ultra Ticket Box is available for US$4.99 on the Pokémon GO Web Store. It includes both the event ticket and a bonus Premium Battle Pass at no additional cost (Pokémon GO, 2026).

Why Raid Farmers Should Not Miss This

Raid farmers should prioritize this event for several reasons:

1. Mega Starmie is a new Mega Evolution — new Mega Evolutions are rare and valuable.
2. The 5,000 XP bonus is the highest of any 2026 raid event — maximizing raid XP gains.
3. The guaranteed Rare Candy XL for catching Starmie — this is a significant resource gain.
4. The Remote Raid Pass limit increase — raid farmers can complete more raids per day.
5. Shiny Starmie increased rate — the best opportunity to hunt for Shiny Starmie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mega Starmie available outside of the event?

No. Mega Starmie is only available in Super Mega Raids during the event window.

Can I get a Shiny Mega Starmie?

Yes. Shiny Starmie has an increased encounter rate from Super Mega Raids during the event.

Does the event ticket stack with other bonuses?

Yes. The event ticket bonuses stack with other raid bonuses, including the 5,000 XP bonus and the Rare Candy XL increase.

Can I gift the event ticket?

Yes. You can purchase and gift the ticket to any friend who is at least Great Friends level.

Final Thought

The Starmie Super Mega Raid Day is a must-play event for raid farmers in 2026. The debut of Mega Starmie, the highest XP bonus of the year, the guaranteed Rare Candy XL, and the increased Shiny Starmie rate make this event one of the most rewarding raid farming opportunities of the year. Purchase the event ticket, stack up Remote Raid Passes, and make the most of the August 22 window.