Mega Starmie Raid Day date and time
Mega Starmie makes its Pokémon GO debut on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time. It will appear in Super Mega Raids during this six-hour event.
Super Mega Raids are built for coordinated groups and may only appear at certain Gyms. Use the official Pokémon GO map or local community tools to find an active location before the event begins.
The Pokemon GO August 2026 events guide includes the full monthly calendar around this Raid Day.
Mega Starmie weaknesses
Mega Starmie is a Water- and Psychic-type Pokémon. It is weak to:
- Bug
- Dark
- Electric
- Ghost
- Grass
Dark and Ghost teams have several strong choices, while Electric and Grass give more players accessible alternatives. Weather and Starmie's own moves can change which counter survives the longest, so build more than one type if possible.
Best Mega Starmie counters
These are some of the strongest current counter options:
- Dawn Wings Necrozma with Shadow Claw and Moongeist Beam
- Mega Sceptile with Fury Cutter and Frenzy Plant
- Mega Mewtwo Y with Psycho Cut and Shadow Ball
- Mega Gengar with Lick and Shadow Ball
- Mega Tyranitar with Bite and Brutal Swing
- Shadow Hydreigon with Bite and Brutal Swing
- Mega Mewtwo X with Psycho Cut and Shadow Ball
- Shadow Darkrai with Snarl and Shadow Ball
- Kartana with Fury Cutter and Leaf Blade
- Mega Absol with Snarl and Brutal Swing
Other useful attackers include Mega Heracross, Shadow Tyranitar, Zeraora, Shadow Raikou, Xurkitree, Mega Manectric, Zekrom, and Shadow Magnezone.
Use the correct moves before spending Stardust. A powered-up attacker with matching super-effective moves is more useful than a famous Pokémon carrying the wrong attacks.
Only one Mega-Evolved Pokémon can be active at a time. Coordinate with nearby players when possible so the group can benefit from different type boosts instead of everyone bringing the same Mega.
How many players are needed?
The official announcement describes Super Mega Raids as battles that require strong teamwork. It does not provide a fixed minimum group size, and the real number will depend on levels, moves, friendship bonuses, weather, and how the Super Mega system behaves during the event.
Do not plan around a risky minimum. Join a healthy local group, prepare a full team of counters, and use Party Power or friendship bonuses when available. Relobby quickly with a second prepared team if all six Pokémon faint.
For more team-building help, read the Pokemon GO raids guide.
Starmie catch CP and weather boost
After winning, players catch regular Starmie rather than Mega Starmie. Expected catch ranges are:
- 1,404 to 1,476 CP without weather boost
- 1,756 to 1,846 CP in Rainy or Windy weather
Starmie caught from Super Mega Raids will already have Mega Level 1 unlocked. That removes the usual starting step and makes every successful catch more immediately useful for the Mega system.
Can Mega Starmie be Shiny?
Yes. Players may encounter Shiny Starmie after winning a Super Mega Raid, and the event gives an increased Shiny chance.
The official announcement does not state an exact rate. More raids create more opportunities, but a Shiny is never guaranteed. Set a pass budget before the event instead of chasing indefinitely.
You catch Starmie in its normal form. Its Shiny appearance remains when it is Mega Evolved.
Free bonuses and Timed Research
All players receive:
- An additional 5,000 XP from every raid
- An increased chance to receive Rare Candy XL from raids
- A Remote Raid Pass limit increased to 20 during the announced global window
- Up to six free Raid Passes from Gym Photo Discs
- An increased chance to encounter Shiny Starmie
- Mega Level 1 unlocked on Starmie caught from Super Mega Raids
Free Timed Research will also reward a Premium Battle Pass and an encounter with Scizor. The research expires with the event, so finish its tasks and claim every reward before 5:00 p.m. local time.
The free passes must be collected from Gyms one at a time. After using a pass, spin another Gym Photo Disc before entering the next raid.
Is the paid Raid Day ticket worth it?
The ticket costs US$4.99, or the equivalent local price. It provides:
- Another 5,000 XP from every raid
- Up to 14 Raid Passes from Gym Photo Discs for the day
- A higher chance to receive Rare Candy XL
- Guaranteed Rare Candy XL after successfully catching Starmie from a raid
The ticket makes the most sense for players who can attend for several hours and plan to use most of the extra passes. Someone completing only a few raids may get enough value from the six free passes and free Timed Research.
The Web Store Ultra Ticket Box includes the ticket and a bonus Premium Battle Pass at the same listed US$4.99 price. Check the Web Store before buying inside the app.
How to find Super Mega Raids
Super Mega Raids may only appear at selected Gyms. The official web map shows upcoming and active Super Mega Raids and can also display nearby community meetups.
Check the map before travelling. Joining a Community Ambassador meetup is the easiest way to avoid arriving at a Gym without enough players. Remote participation may help, but local coordination remains important for filling the lobby.
Players unfamiliar with Gyms, passes, and catching can review the Pokemon GO beginner guide.
Mega Starmie Raid Day preparation checklist
Before August 22:
- Build two teams of Bug, Dark, Electric, Ghost, or Grass counters
- Set the correct Fast and Charged Attacks
- Mega Evolve the best support option for your group
- Clear Pokémon and item storage
- Save Revives, Max Potions, and Remote Raid Passes
- Find nearby Super Mega Raid locations and a group
- Charge your phone and prepare for a six-hour event
During the event, keep an eye on the clock, collect each free pass after using the previous one, and claim the Timed Research before it expires.
