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Editorial Team · 2026-09-22
Pokémon GO: Mega Staraptor Debuts in Super Mega Raids September 19
By Editorial Team · published 2026-09-18 · updated 2026-09-18
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Niantic's Staraptor Super Mega Raid Day runs Saturday, September 19, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. local time. Mega Staraptor makes its Pokémon GO debut, and for the first time a Mega can be pushed past Max to a new Super Max level, which unlocks the extra Charged Attack Brave Bird+. Up to six free Raid Passes come from Gym Photo Discs, the Remote Raid cap rises to 20, and a $4.99 ticket adds more.
What was announced
According to the event post on Pokémon GO's official site, the window is Saturday, September 19, 2:00–5:00 p.m. local time, Super Mega Raids featuring Mega Staraptor everywhere. It is the first appearance of the Mega in the game and the first time any Mega's level goes beyond Max: a Pokémon at Mega Level 3 can now progress to Super Max, and Megas eligible for Super Max learn an additional Charged Attack.
For Staraptor that attack is Brave Bird+: 150 power in raids, 70 in Trainer Battles with a three-stage drop to the user's own Defense, and its power scales with Mega Level. Staraptor caught from the day's Super Mega Raids come with Mega Level 1 already unlocked and a raised chance of being Shiny.
Bonuses during the three hours: up to six free Raid Passes from spinning Gym Photo Discs (up to fourteen with the paid ticket), and the Remote Raid limit raised to 20 from Friday, September 18, 5:00 p.m. to Saturday, September 19, 8:00 p.m. PDT. Timed Research during the event pays a Premium Battle Pass and a Gardevoir encounter. The optional ticket costs US$4.99 and adds Raid Passes, a Rare Candy XL boost, 5,000 bonus XP and 5,000 Stardust from Super Mega Raids.
What it means for players
Super Max is a new ceiling for every Mega going forward, so this is less a one-off than the start of a system. If you want the first Super Max Staraptor, the maths is straightforward: Mega Level rises with each Mega Evolution, so use the free passes to raid, catch a Staraptor with Level 1 pre-unlocked, and Mega Evolve it repeatedly through the week — the day only gives the head start.
The Remote Raid window is the practical detail for anyone who cannot be outside at 2 p.m.: 20 remote raids from Friday evening covers the whole event from home. Brave Bird+ makes Mega Staraptor a top Flying attacker in raids; in GO Battle League the Defense drop is a real cost.
What happens next
Nothing further is dated for Super Max after September 19; the site says only that this is the first Mega to reach it. The next raid-day announcements come through the same news page, usually a week ahead.
