Pokémon GO Link Charges Explained and How to Get Them

Link Charges are a brand exclusive resource released in Pokémon GO in February 2026. They launched alongside the new Super Mega Raid system and completely changed how players join premium Mega raid content.

Trainers need Link Charges to access both standard and Super Mega Raids in specific scenarios. They can replace Premium Battle Passes for in-person raids and act as a mandatory add-on for remote Super Mega Raid entries.

If you want to collect top-tier Mega Evolutions such as Mega Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Raichu during major events, understanding Link Charges is essential. This guide covers exactly what Link Charges are, official raid cost rules, storage limits, all free farming methods, paid bundle prices, and optimal usage tips.

Basic Overview of Pokémon GO Link Charges

Link Charges are a raid-only currency designed ​only for Mega and Super Mega Raids​.

They do not work for any other raid type in the game. This includes 1-star raids, 3-star raids, Shadow Raids, and standard 5-star Legendary raids.

Every raid entry type follows fixed entry rules:

• Standard Mega Raid in person: Link Charges or Premium Battle Pass
• Super Mega Raid in person: Link Charges or Premium Battle Pass
• Standard Mega Raid remotely: Remote Raid Pass only
• Super Mega Raid remotely: Remote Raid Pass + Link Charges

Players select their preferred resource before entering a raid lobby. Using Link Charges for regular in-person Mega Raids saves limited Premium Battle Passes for rare Legendary content.

 

Exact Link Charge Costs for All Raid Types

Different raid styles and entry methods require different amounts of Link Charges. All official cost values are fixed as follows:

• Standard Mega Raid in person: 150 Link Charges
• Standard Mega Raid remotely: 0 Link Charges
• Super Mega Raid remotely: 200 Link Charges plus one Remote Raid Pass
• Super Mega Raid in person: Cost shown in-game before joining lobby

A Remote Raid Pass alone cannot unlock remote Super Mega Raids. Players must have both the pass and the required Link Charges.

Occasional event bonuses may adjust raid costs temporarily. Always confirm requirements on the raid confirmation screen before spending resources.

 

Link Holder Guide for Link Charge Storage

The Link Holder is the permanent key item that stores all your Link Charges. Players receive it automatically after earning their first Link Charge.

Core Link Holder Features

• Main function: Store all collected Link Charges
• Default maximum capacity: 600 Link Charges
• Location: Key Items section in your Item Bag
• Acquisition: Unlocks automatically after first Link Charge drop
• Deletion status: Cannot be removed or deleted

Most of the time, the 600 charge limit is fixed. However, GO Pass rewards and limited-time events can temporarily increase storage capacity.

The Link Holder is permanent, so players never risk accidental loss.

 

Best Free Methods to Earn Link Charges

Pokémon GO offers seven consistent free ways to collect Link Charges throughout the month. These methods let players build up raid resources without spending PokéCoins.

Weekly Challenges for Free Link Charges

Weekly Challenges are the most reliable source of steady Link Charges.

Weekly tasks include common gameplay activities: catching Pokémon, walking distances, completing raids, spinning PokéStops, and interacting with friends.

Players must manually claim rewards before the weekly reset expires. Unclaimed rewards will be lost permanently.

Open Friend Gifts for Passive Charges

Opening daily friend gifts grants small batches of Link Charges over time.

Since daily gift openings are capped, players should stock up weeks before major Mega Raid events. Keeping an active friend list ensures consistent passive income.

Your Buddy Pokémon can also supply extra gifts when your inventory runs low.

Campfire Meetup Event Rewards

Official Campfire community meetups reward Link Charges after successful check-ins.

These rewards are especially helpful during Super Mega Raid Days, which require larger player groups.

Not every Campfire event includes Link Charges. Always check event details before attending. Campfire also helps players find local raid groups for difficult Mega content.

GO Pass Rank Rewards

Seasonal GO Pass tracks offer Link Charges at specific rank milestones. Higher tiers provide larger charge bundles for active players.

Timed Research Tasks

Limited-time Timed Research lines frequently include Link Charge rewards for completing simple objectives.

Special Research Lines

Permanent Special Research campaigns sometimes add Link Charges as milestone rewards for long-term progression.

Limited-Time Event Bonuses

Major in-game events often introduce bonus Link Charge drops, increased storage limits, or doubled charge yields.

 

How to Buy Link Charges with PokéCoins

Players can purchase Link Charge bundles directly from the Pokémon GO in-game shop. All official bundle prices are fixed:

• 200 Link Charges: 100 PokéCoins
• 600 Link Charges: 300 PokéCoins

Both bundles have identical value per charge. Buying three small bundles costs the same as one large bundle with no extra discount.

Limited promotional bundles occasionally appear on the official Pokémon GO Web Store. These packs may include Remote Raid Passes and other raid items alongside Link Charges. Pricing varies by region.

If you need to quickly purchase Link Charge bundles in bulk, grab discounted PokéCoins bundles to maximize your raid resources.

 

Raid Count Breakdown for 600 Link Charges

The maximum 600 charge storage cap allows a fixed number of standard in-person Mega Raids:

• 150 Link Charges = 1 Mega Raid
• 300 Link Charges = 2 Mega Raids
• 450 Link Charges = 3 Mega Raids
• 600 Link Charges = 4 Mega Raids

For remote Super Mega Raids costing 200 charges each, 600 charges allow three total remote attempts. Each attempt also requires one separate Remote Raid Pass.

 

Best Resource Strategy: Link Charges vs Premium Passes

For regular in-person Mega Raids, always use Link Charges first.

Premium Battle Passes have far more versatile uses. They work for Legendary raids, premium GO Battle League tracks, and special event battles.

Since Link Charges only apply to Mega raid content, saving your premium passes is always the optimal strategy.

Players should reserve large Link Charge stockpiles for high-value Super Mega Raid events with rare Mega Legendary Pokémon.

 

Common Link Charge Limitations and Restrictions

Can Link Charges unlock Legendary raids?

No. Link Charges only work for Mega and Super Mega Raids.

Even if a Super Mega Raid features a Mega Legendary like Mega Mewtwo, it still counts as Mega raid content and accepts Link Charges. Normal 5-star non-Mega Legendary raids require standard passes only.

Why players cannot collect more Link Charges

The most common issue is a full 600-cap storage bar.

Other reasons include expired research tasks, already claimed weekly rewards, maxed gift limits, or inactive event bonuses. Some event tasks allow temporary over-cap storage, while regular gifts stop dropping charges at the default limit.

 

Full Prep Checklist for Super Mega Raid Events

Follow these steps before every major Super Mega Raid launch to stay fully prepared:

• Check your current Link Charge balance
• Open daily gifts consistently for passive gains
• Complete all Weekly Challenge objectives
• Join eligible Campfire meetups
• Claim all available GO Pass tier rewards
• Save Remote Raid Passes for remote participation
• Avoid wasting charges on low-value Mega forms
• Verify Mega Energy costs for your target Pokémon

Slow daily farming always outlasts last-minute rushed grinding. Maintaining a full Link Holder ensures you never miss limited-time top-tier Mega Evolution raids.