How to Mega Evolve Meteorites Rayquaza in Pokémon Go

pokemongo introduced Mega Rayquaza as part of the Go Fest event in Summer 2023, following the arrival of Primal Reversion for fellow Gen 3 Legendaries Kyogre and Groudon earlier this year.

Initially exclusive to participants of the Go Fest weekends in London, Kyoto and New York before rolling out to players worldwide on August 26, Rayquaza’s Mega Evolution has a twist where it must first learn a specific move through the use of a unique item.

As with all mega evolutions, this is a temporary transformation and still requires collecting mega energy from raids and other sources. It also boosts your party while you’re active, making them useful for Community Day and other events.

How to teach Dragon Ascent to Rayquaza in Pokémon Go

In order to Mega Evolve Rayquaza, you not only need enough Mega Energy, but the Pokémon must also learn a specific move: Dragon Ascent.

Learn Dragon Ascension requires the Meteorite item. If used, this will replace a Charged move; if you only have one attack at your disposal it will simply be replaced, otherwise it’s worth unlocking a second Charged move so you have options in battle.

Like Evolution items, Meteorites are consumed when used, and since they are rare, think carefully about which Rayquaza you spent it on. Our suggestion: a shiny one and/or one with strong stats!

How to Mega Evolve Meteorites Rayquaza in Pokémon Go

Meteorites rolled out after the first batch of Go Fest 2023 events and can be obtained in two ways:

• From Free Go Fest 2023 Special Investigation: If you log in during the Go Fest Global event hours on Sunday, August 27 and complete the ‘Special Research short story’ you will receive one free Meteorite.
• From paid Go Fest 2023 special research: Those who attend in-person events in London, Kyoto or New York and/or pay for the paid Global Research ticket can earn additional Meteorites as part of their tickets in Special Research.
• Rare drop from Mega Rayquaza attacks: In addition to research, meteorites can also be rewarded by completing Mega Rayquaza attacks, with a drop rate of about 1/30, according to the Silph Road subreddit.

Basically, all players have the chance to do that earn one free Meteorite by playing on Sunday, August 27and can earn more either completing Mega Rayquaza raids or paying for event tickets from personal or the Global Go Fest events.

Image: Niantic via Polygon

After that, Meteorite’s availability is uncertain, but based on Niantic’s track record of previous unique forms and evolution rollouts, it will return as part of future special research or when Mega Rayquaza reappears in raids.

So meteors are unmissable, they’re just rare – and you might be waiting a while for the next chance if you don’t play on August 27.

Mega Rayquaza Bonuses

As with other Mega Evolutions, Mega Rayquaza not only sees a boost to CP and Strength for the next eight hours, but also grants additional perks. These are:

• Extra XP and Candy when catching Dragon, Flying, or Psychic types, and increased chance of Candy XL.
• Attacks from fellow Trainers during Raid or Gym battles will increase, especially if they are Dragon, Flying, or Psychic type.

You can boost these as you Mega-Evolve more, with improvements in three stages: Base Level, High Level, and Max Level.

What else do we know about Meteorities, Dragon Ascent, and Mega Rayquaza in Pokémon Go?

While Mega Rayquaza is technically just another Mega Evolution, there are some observations and differences to keep in mind:

• In addition to learning Dragon Ascent, Mega Rayquaza needs 400 Mega Energy to evolve.
• While Dragon Ascent will replace a Charged move, it is by far Rayquaza’s most powerful attack. That said, as a Flying-type move, you would ideally want a second Dragon-type move (such as Outrage or ideally the older move Breaking Swipe) alongside it.
• As with other Mega Raids, you only catch the pre-evolved version of the Pokémon during the capture phase. These Raid encounters have a chance to be shiny, and the Mega Evolving Rayquaza will take on the same altered color scheme.

• While Mega Rayquaza could technically be fought by non-ticket holders at location-specific Go Fest events in 2023, only those with tickets could earn Mega Energy after completing raids. This means that for the vast majority of players, the Go Fest Global weekend at the end of August was their first chance to start earning!