Back in February 2026, Pokémon GO introduced one of its biggest updates to Mega Evolution yet. This brought us a brand-new energy resource called Link Charges. If you have been wanting to participate in Super Mega Raids, these shiny resources are easily the best way to go. Of course, you can always use a Premium Battle Pass to get into Mega Raids & Super Mega Raids; it is always good to have alternatives. And honestly, it is much easier to collect these link charges if you know how and where exactly to collect them from.
In this guide, I will be explaining how to get your hands on this practical energy resource and how it exactly works.
What Are Link Charges in Pokémon GO?
As we have already established, Link Charges are a specialized energy source in Pokémon GO that you use to enter Mega & Super Mega Raids. Niantic introduced them alongside Super Mega Raids as part of an overhaul of the Mega Evolution system, starting with Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos. Now, with a few months already passed since their release, they still remain as one of the most practical items in the game.
The core idea that made Niantic make this addition is basically social play. Rather than earning them simply by visiting a location, as you would with Max Particles for Dynamax battles, you need to actually interact with the Pokémon GO community to get Link Charges. Which may sound like an introvert’s nightmare, but it is actually very fun. Not to mention, you can also get these at the in-game shop. So, you don’t have any excuse not to use them.
What Is the Link Holder in Pokémon GO?
Now, all you need is a dedicated item called the Link Holder to use this energy source. Do not worry, this item automatically appears in your Item Bag the first time you come across any Link Charges.
The Link Holder, however, only has a maximum capacity of 600, so you can only hold a set number of Link Charges at any given time. You can check your current count by tapping on the Link Holder in your Item Bag.
How to Get Link Charges in Pokémon GO
Now, there are more than one way to get this item, including some guaranteed and some not-so-guaranteed methods. Let’s discuss them, shall we?
| Method | Guaranteed or Chance? |
| Completing a Weekly Challenge | Guaranteed |
| Checking into an official Meetup hosted by Community Ambassadors via the Campfire App | Guaranteed |
| Opening Gifts from friends | Chance (not guaranteed) |
| Purchasing from the in-game shop or Pokémon GO Web Store | 200 Link Charges cost you 100 PokéCoins, while a bundle of 600 Link Charges will cost you 300 PokéCoins |
As you can see, the most reliable free routes are weekly challenges and community meetup check-ins. While opening gifts from friends can also produce Link Charges, this is not guaranteed on every Gift you open. Given that Gifts are something most active players already open daily, this adds a small but meaningful bonus to the existing Gift routine.
Link Charges are also available to purchase directly from the in-game shop and the Pokémon GO Web Store. In the shop, they are available in bundles of 600 or 200, with one an occasional bundle option that includes three Remote Raid Passes alongside the Link Charges.
Tip: Try to claim new link charges, when you have already spend the ones in your inventory.
How to Use Link Charges in Pokémon GO
Now that you know what Link Charges do, let’s get into how to use them to get into raids:
| Raid Type | Joining In-Person (For global, US & UK players) | Joining Remotely | Notes |
| Standard Mega Raid | Link Charges (usually 150), a free Raid Pass, or a Premium Battle Pass (your choice) | Remote Raid Pass only | Better Link Charges value in-person |
| Super Mega Raid | Link Charges or a Premium Battle Pass (your choice) | Link Charges plus a Remote Raid Pass (both required) | Flagship high-reward Mega battle type |
Niantic itself advises us that using Link Charges for in-person standard Mega Raids generally gives you better value than spending a Premium Battle Pass on the same battle. However, if I am being honest, the most important use for Link Charges is Super Mega Raids, which are the new flagship Mega battle type and reward far more items than a standard Mega Raid, including significantly more Mega Energy.
What Are Super Mega Raids in Pokémon GO?
Super Mega Raids are the recently added high-difficulty Mega Raid type that Link Charges were designed to support. They require at least seven other Trainers to join you, meaning you need a group of at least eight players to make this raid work.
Keep in mind that each of these trainer in the battle needs at least one Mega-Evolved Pokémon in their party or they will not be able to participate in the raid.
How does the shield mechanic work?
Now, let’s come to the real stuff. When your team starts the battle, the opposing Mega-Evolved Pokémon becomes enraged and activates shields that reduce the damage you inflict on it. To take things up a notch, each of your team members is allowed to break only one shield!
Your Mega-Evolved Pokémon will automatically join the battle to help you smash this shield. Its next attack gains a significant power boost specifically for breaking that shield. Once enough shields are destroyed, the opposing Pokémon returns to its normal state and becomes more vulnerable to your attacks.
While these battles are particularly challenging, the rewards are much higher than your standard Mega Raid! You receive significantly more Mega Energy. And as you may already know, this energy helps you unlock a fourth Mega Level called Super Max.
This sums up what you really need to know about Link Charges in the game. I hope this guide was worth your time and helped you understand its use and mechanics. If you have any other doubts regarding their use in the game, just comment down below! I will see you next time with a brand new guide. Till then, Happy Gaming!
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