Mega Rayquaza is taking to the skies and returning to Mega Raids during Mega Rayquaza Raid Day on October 18, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time! To help battle this powerful Legendary Pokémon, Trainers can receive up to five additional free Raid Passes from spinning Gym Photo Discs, and the daily Remote Raid limit will increase to 20 from October 17 at 5:00 p.m. to October 18, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. PDT. That’s not all for event bonuses—successful Trainers will also have an increased chance of encountering Shiny Rayquaza during the event!
Unlike most Pokémon, Rayquaza can’t evolve with Mega Energy alone—it also needs to know the move Dragon Ascent. Dragon Ascent can only be learned by Rayquaza with the help of a Meteorite. If you’re short on those, worry not—all Trainers that open Pokémon GO during the event will receive Timed Research that awards a Meteorite upon completion. The tasks associated with Timed Research must be completed and their rewards must be claimed before the Timed Research ends.
If you’re interested in raising your Mega Rayquaza Raid Day experience to new heights, you can purchase an event ticket for US$4.99 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency). Ticket holders will receive eight additional Raid Passes from spinning Gym Photo Discs, and they’ll have an increased chance of receiving Rare Candy XL from Raid Battles. Trainers with the event ticket will also receive an additional 50% XP and 2× Stardust from completed raids. Trainers can purchase and gift tickets to friends they’ve achieved a Friendship level of Great Friends or higher with.
Remember, Mega Rayquaza is Dragon- and Flying-type, so it’s best to bring Pokémon with powerful Rock-, Ice-, Dragon-, or Fairy-type Charged Attacks. See below for a few popular counters, including Mega-Evolved Pokémon that can help boost your allies’ damage.
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Mega Gardevoir (Psychic/Fairy)
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Mega Glalie (Ice)
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Mega Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying)
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Mamoswine/Shadow Mamoswine (Ice/Ground)
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Aurorus/Shadow Aurorus (Rock/Ice)
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Baxcalibur (Dragon/Ice)
Mega Rayquaza is especially susceptible to Ice-type Charged Attacks, so be sure to show no chill (all chill?) and load up your party with Pokémon that know Ice-type Charged Attacks, Trainers!
