Mega Skarmory Soars into Pokémon GO Super Mega Raid Day

Mega Skarmory debuts in Pokémon GO Super Mega Raids on June 27, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. local time. According to the official announcement, these high-difficulty raids require significant player coordination to defeat the Steel- and Flying-type Pokémon and offer a chance to catch Shiny Skarmory.

How do Super Mega Raid bonuses differ for free and paid players?

The event offers two tiers of rewards based on whether a trainer purchases a ticket. Free players receive up to six Raid Passes from spinning Gym Photo Discs and an increased chance of encountering Shiny Skarmory. The Remote Raid Pass limit also increases to 20 from June 26 at 5:00 p.m. until June 27 at 8:00 p.m. PDT, according to the event details.

Trainers who buy a US$4.99 ticket receive expanded bonuses. This paid option increases the number of Raid Passes from Gym Photo Discs to 14 and adds a higher probability of obtaining Rare Candy XL from battles. Ticket holders also earn an additional 5,000 XP and 5,000 Stardust per Super Mega Raid battle.

Pro Tip: Prioritize Shadow Pokémon for your raid team. The announcement notes that while Shadow Pokémon take more damage, they deal additional damage, which is critical for the “exceptionally powerful” Super Mega Raid tier.

Which Pokémon are the best counters for Mega Skarmory?

Mega Skarmory is a Steel- and Flying-type Pokémon, leaving it vulnerable to Electric- and Fire-type attacks. The event guide recommends using Pokémon with these types for both Fast and Charged Attacks to benefit from the same-type attack bonus.

Top Electric-type Counters

According to the official recommendations, the most effective Electric-type options include:

Therian Forme Thundurus
Xurkitree
Mega Manectric
Electivire
Zapdos, Zekrom, and Raikou
Magnezone and Mega Ampharos

Top Fire-type Counters

For those favoring Fire-type damage, the source lists these high-performing options:

Mega Blaziken and Mega Charizard Y
Heatran and Blacephalon
Reshiram, Moltres, Entei, and Ho-Oh

What is the purpose of the Timed Research?

The event includes Timed Research that rewards players with a Premium Battle Pass and an encounter with Houndoom. The announcement suggests Houndoom is specifically useful for the quest to defeat Mega Skarmory, likely due to its Fire-type capabilities.

Before You Raid Mega Skarmory… Watch This! Pokémon Go

Players must complete the research and claim rewards before the timer expires to secure these assets. For more on raid strategies, check out our guide on optimizing your Pokémon GO team.

Did you know? Super Mega Raids represent a shift toward mandatory social play. The source explicitly states it is “helpful to bring as many allies as possible,” signaling that these raids are significantly harder than standard Mega Raids.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Mega Skarmory event?
The event takes place on June 27, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. local time.

How much does the event ticket cost?
The ticket is priced at US$4.99.

Can I find a Shiny Mega Skarmory?
Yes, the announcement confirms that Trainers may encounter a Shiny Skarmory during these raids, with an increased encounter rate during the event.

What are the best types to use against Mega Skarmory?
Electric- and Fire-type attacks are the most effective against Mega Skarmory’s Steel/Flying typing.

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