One of Pokémon GO’s most thrilling event cycles to date has arrived with the arrival of September. Mega Energy is awarded by Spotlight Pokémon for the first time, allowing for new ways to power up Mega Evolutions. Additionally, the XP Celebration (August 25–October 14) offers trainers a constant flow of progression bonuses, and Niantic has added new Dynamax Pokémon to raids.
Here is a detailed explanation of which Pokémon to pursue, how Mega Energy functions, and how to make the most of the XP bonuses before they expire if you want to make the most of this month’s events.
Mega Energy in Spotlight Hours
When Spotlight Pokémon can now award Mega Energy for the first time in September 2025, Spotlight Hours, a longtime favorite among fans due to its more frequent spawns and extra rewards, will undergo a significant change.
Which Pokémon Give Mega Energy?
During this month’s schedule, several Pokémon award Mega Energy when caught in Spotlight Hours or through bonus research tasks. Confirmed examples include:
- Pidgey → Mega Pidgeot Energy
- Buneary → Mega Lopunny Energy
- Slowpoke → Mega Slowbro Energy
Each of these Spotlight Hours lets you build up energy without grinding Mega Raids, and they also flood the map with spawns. This greatly facilitates the completion of Mega Evolutions for novice players.
Why This Matters
Previously, Mega Energy was a bottleneck, tied almost exclusively to raids or rare research rewards. Now, trainers can:
- Increase the consistency of your evolution without waiting for raids to cycle.
- Unlock Mega bonuses faster, such as candy multipliers when catching Pokémon of the same type.
- Rotate multiple Megas for different playstyles, from raid attackers to PvP strategies.
This shift gives players more control over their Mega roster and lowers the barrier to entering the Mega system.
Dynamax Pokémon Arrive
Adding to the excitement, Dynamax Pokémon have officially arrived in raids. These giant forms, first introduced in the mainline Sword and Shield games, bring unique raid mechanics and big rewards.
What Makes Dynamax Special?
- Extra HP: Dynamax bosses have significantly more health, requiring coordinated teams.
- Unique Moves: They use special Max Moves with wider effects, making raids more unpredictable.
- Exclusive Rewards: Defeating them often grants higher Stardust and rare items.
Current Dynamax raid bosses include:
- Dynamax Charizard
- Dynamax Snorlax
- Dynamax Gengar
Expect future rotations to add more Dynamax Pokémon throughout the season.
The XP Celebration: August 25 – October 14
Running alongside these features is the XP Celebration, one of the longest global events of the year. During this period, players earn bonus XP from multiple sources.
Active Bonuses
- Double Catch XP – Every catch gives more progress toward level-ups.
- Friendship XP Boosts – Interactions with friends (gifts, trades, battles) provide extra XP.
- Special Research Tasks – Limited-time research lines give XP bundles as rewards.
For trainers pushing toward level 40, 50, or beyond, this event is a golden opportunity to grind.
How to Maximize Mega Energy Gains
- Play Every Spotlight Hour: Even 30 minutes of catching during a Mega-energy Spotlight can net hundreds of energy if you use Incense and Lures.
- Stack Research Tasks: Prioritize field research that rewards Mega Energy to double up.
- Walk Your Buddy: Don’t forget that some Pokémon generate Mega Energy while walking, further boosting your reserves.
- Time Evolutions Strategically: Save Mega Evolutions for events where the bonuses matter most, like Dragon Week or Community Days.
How to Maximize XP Celebration Bonuses
- Lucky Eggs Everywhere: Spotlight Hours, raid chains, mass evolutions, and big XP sources are all preceded by the popping of a lucky egg. It’s huge to twice the benefit on double XP.
- Friendship Push: During the event window, work with pals to reach Ultra and Best Friend milestones. These can grant millions of XP when combined with Lucky Eggs.
- Mass Catch Days: Save up Poké Balls and Incubators, then plan dedicated grind sessions. Pairing double catch XP with high-spawn events is the most efficient strategy.
- Complete Research: Anniversary quests, seasonal research, and Dynamax raid challenges all feed extra XP rewards.
Free-to-Play vs. Spenders
- Free-to-Play Trainers: Pay attention to research, Spotlight Hours, and the free daily raid pass. You can count on free XP Celebration boosters and walk pals for Mega Energy.
- Low Spenders: A few Premium Raid Passes on Dynamax raids are worth it, the rewards justify the cost. For the best results, pair them with Lucky Eggs.
- Dedicated Spenders: Take full advantage of the event window by chaining raids, using Lucky Eggs nonstop, and stocking up on Incubators for bonus XP from hatches.
Looking Ahead
Niantic’s decision to add Mega Energy to Spotlight Hours is a game-changer. Combined with the arrival of Dynamax raids and one of the most generous XP Celebrations yet, September 2025 sets the stage for one of the strongest progression months in Pokémon GO history.
Future months may expand the pool of Mega Energy Spotlight Pokémon, potentially covering popular picks like Gyarados or Garchomp. With legendary Pokémon like Dynamax Zacian or Zamazenta in the works, Dynamax raids also have limitless potential.
Don’t Waste This Opportunity
The September event schedule and Pokémon GO Version 6.0 give players previously unheard-of chances to advance. You can accumulate resources during Mega Energy Spotlight Hours without fear of raids. Dynamax raids offer exciting new rewards and challenges. Additionally, every action you take will be worth twice as much thanks to the XP Celebration.
You’ll end this month stronger than before and possibly with your ideal Mega fully unlocked if you combine Spotlight participation with astute XP farming.