Mega Skarmory makes its Pokémon GO debut during Skarmory Super Mega Raid Day on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time.
This is a focused three-hour event, so preparation matters. You want a ready counter team, a clear pass budget, enough healing items, and a compact Gym route before the first raid appears.
Event schedule
| Activity | Local time |
|---|---|
| Super Mega Raid Day | June 27, 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. |
| Remote Pass increase | June 26 at 5:00 p.m. to June 27 at 8:00 p.m. PDT, as announced |
The official Mega Skarmory event page contains the final free-pass bonus, Remote Raid Pass limit, Shiny availability, ticket, and Mega Energy details.
Mega Skarmory weaknesses
Skarmory is Steel/Flying-type, which gives it two clear weaknesses:
- Electric
- Fire
Build one team around your strongest Electric attackers and another around Fire attackers. Weather, Mega bonuses, and the boss's moveset may change which team performs better.
Counter team checklist
Before event day:
- Verify every attacker's moves.
- Create an
Mega Skarmorybattle party. - Build a six-Pokémon backup party.
- Heal everything before 2:00 p.m.
- Activate a useful Mega Evolution if it improves team damage or catch rewards.
- Keep Fast and Charged TMs available for last-minute corrections.
Avoid spending Stardust only to move a Pokémon a few levels higher unless the upgrade changes your group's ability to win.
How many raids should you do?
Your ideal number depends on the Mega Energy needed for the first evolution, the amount awarded per successful raid, and whether you want a strong Skarmory for PvP or collection.
Set goals in this order:
- Earn enough Mega Energy for the first Mega Evolution
- Catch one good Skarmory
- Continue only for Shiny hunting, Candy XL, or better IVs
This prevents an exciting three-hour event from turning into an unlimited pass spend.
Catching Skarmory after the raid
Skarmory's position and attack animation can make rushed throws inconsistent. Use the circle-lock method:
- Set a Great or Excellent target circle.
- Wait for Skarmory to attack.
- Throw a curveball as the attack ends.
- Use Golden Razz Berries on high-IV or Shiny-priority catches.
Shiny raid encounters are often easier to catch, but always use a clean throw rather than assuming the result.
Build a compact Gym loop
Choose an area with multiple Gyms within walking distance and a central meeting point. A group that moves together will complete more raids than players splitting between distant Gyms.
Useful route features:
- Five or more accessible Gyms
- Safe pedestrian paths
- Reliable data coverage
- A place to stop and heal
- Parking that does not require dangerous roadside play
iAnyMove can preview Android multi-point routes for authorized location testing and planning. Pokémon GO can restrict accounts for prohibited GPS manipulation, so follow Niantic's terms and use location simulation only where permitted.
Ticket or no ticket?
The base Raid Day is playable without a ticket. A paid event ticket is worthwhile only if its extra passes, rewards, or bonuses exceed what you would otherwise purchase and you can use them during the event window.
Frequently asked questions
Can Mega Skarmory be Shiny?
Check the official page for the stated Shiny availability. If Shiny Skarmory is enabled from these raids, the encounter appears after a successful battle.
Are Remote Raid Passes allowed?
The announcement includes a temporary Remote Raid Pass limit increase. The raid itself should be checked in-game for remote eligibility.
Is Mega Skarmory useful?
Its value depends on final Mega stats, PvE performance, Mega-type candy bonuses, and your existing Mega roster. Unlocking the Mega form first is a reasonable goal before deciding on a larger investment.
Final advice
Enter the event with two prepared teams and a written pass limit. Prioritize enough Mega Energy for the first evolution, then decide whether Shiny hunting or IV improvement is worth more raids.
Information checked on June 15, 2026. Event details are subject to change.
