Niantic has detailed the upcoming Pokémon GO Staraptor Super Raid Day scheduled for September 19, 2026, introducing Mega-Staraptor to the mobile game alongside a brand-new super maximum mega level mechanic and exclusive charged attacks that alter raid meta dynamics.
Staraptor Super Raid Day Schedule and Mega-Staraptor Debut
The Staraptor Super Raid Day takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 14:00 to 17:00 local time, according to official Pokémon GO announcements. During this three-hour window, Mega-Staraptor will make its appearance in super mega raids. Trainers participating during the event hours will encounter a boosted shiny rate for Staraptor, and any Staraptor captured in these super mega raids will automatically have mega level 1 unlocked. To help players coordinate, Niantic highlights the official Pokémon GO Map to locate active super mega raids and find local Community Ambassador meetups.
Super Maximum Mega Level and Brave Bird+ Mechanics
This event introduces the super maximum mega level to Pokémon GO. Players must first raise a Pokémon to its standard maximum level 3 before utilizing additional mega energy to advance it to the super maximum tier. Once a Pokémon achieves this tier, it unlocks an extra charged attack while mega-evolved. For Mega-Staraptor, that move is Brave Bird+. In Trainer Battles, Brave Bird+ inflicts 70 damage alongside a triple-stage defense reduction to the user. In raid environments, the attack scales up to 150 damage, with overall power scaling directly with the Pokémon’s mega level.
Ticket Pricing, Bonuses, and Remote Raid Limits
Trainers can purchase an event ticket for 4.99 USD or regional equivalent via the in-game shop. Additionally, the Pokémon GO Web Store offers an Ultrapack for 4.99 USD which bundles an event ticket and a premium battle pass. Ticket holders gain up to 14 free raid passes from gym photo discs, increased chances of acquiring Rare Candy ++ from raids, plus an additional 5,000 XP and 5,000 Stardust per super mega raid between 14:00 and 17:00 local time on September 19, 2026. Even without purchasing a ticket, all players can claim up to six free raid passes by spinning gym photo discs. Furthermore, Niantic has adjusted the remote raid pass limit, expanding it to 20 passes starting Saturday, September 19, at 2:00 CEST (Friday, September 18, at 17:00 PDT) through Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 5:00 CEST (Saturday, September 19, at 20:00 PDT).
Timed Research and Community Coordination
A complementary timed research questline runs throughout the event window. Completing these tasks rewards players with a premium battle pass and an encounter with Gardevoir. Niantic reminds players that timed research rewards must be claimed before the event concludes. For community participation, the developer points to local Community Ambassador events to help solo players link up with regional groups for the challenging super mega raid tier.
