Pokémon GO Ozone Ascent Guide: Free Rayquaza, Meteorite & Mega Energy
Topuplist: Need PokéCoins for Pokémon Storage, Item Bag upgrades, raid passes, or future event bundles? View the available packages on the Pokémon GO PokéCoins Top-Up page at Topuplist.
Topuplist currently provides Pokémon GO top-ups through a login-assisted process. Read the product instructions before ordering and submit any requested information only through the customer-service channel shown on the order-details page. Prices, discounts, regional availability, and processing times may vary. Topuplist is a third-party service and is not affiliated with Niantic, The Pokémon Company, Nintendo, Creatures, or GAME FREAK.
The Pokémon GO Ozone Ascent event runs from Saturday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m. until Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
All Trainers will receive free Timed Research that rewards a Meteorite, a Rayquaza encounter, and additional items. A separate US$4.99 paid research ticket provides another Meteorite, another Rayquaza encounter, Rayquaza Mega Energy, and more rewards.
The distinction matters: the official announcement specifically lists Mega Energy as a paid research reward, but does not list it among the confirmed free rewards.
Ozone Ascent is also not a standard Mega Rayquaza Raid Day. The official Ozone Ascent announcement currently focuses on free and paid Timed Research and does not announce Mega Rayquaza raids, wild event spawns, Field Research, or global gameplay bonuses.
This guide explains how to claim the free Rayquaza, how Meteorites and Dragon Ascent work, whether the paid ticket is worth buying, and what players still need before they can Mega Evolve Rayquaza.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
The complete research tasks, exact Mega Energy quantity, Rayquaza CP range, and Shiny eligibility have not yet been announced.
Pokémon GO Ozone Ascent Quick Facts
What Is the Pokémon GO Ozone Ascent Event?
Ozone Ascent is a limited Timed Research event centered on Rayquaza and the items required to unlock Mega Rayquaza.
Its main free rewards are especially valuable because Meteorites are not ordinary inventory items that can be collected from PokéStops or purchased whenever needed. They are normally distributed through selected Rayquaza-related events and research.
The event gives all Trainers an opportunity to obtain:
A free Rayquaza encounter
A free Meteorite
Additional research rewards
Players who purchase the event ticket gain access to a second Timed Research path containing:
Another Rayquaza encounter
Another Meteorite
Rayquaza Mega Energy
Additional rewards
Ozone Ascent should not be treated as a raid-focused event unless Niantic announces additional features later. The official event page does not currently confirm Mega Rayquaza raids, increased Shiny odds, special wild encounters, event bonuses, or an exclusive Field Research pool.
When Does Ozone Ascent Start and End?
Ozone Ascent begins on Saturday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m. local time and ends on Sunday, July 26 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Because the event uses local time, it starts and ends separately in each time zone.
Both the free and paid research are Timed Research. This means that completing the tasks is not enough by itself: every reward must also be claimed before the event deadline.
When Does the Ozone Ascent Research Expire?
All Ozone Ascent Timed Research expires at:
Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time
Before that deadline, players must:
Complete every required task.
Claim each individual task reward.
Claim every research-stage reward.
Open and complete the Rayquaza encounter.
Confirm that the Meteorite and Mega Energy have been credited.
Do not wait until the final few minutes. Inventory management, connection problems, unfinished tasks, or an unclaimed encounter could cause valuable rewards to disappear when the research expires.
How to Get a Free Rayquaza During Ozone Ascent
Every Trainer can access the free Ozone Ascent Timed Research without purchasing a ticket.
To claim the free Rayquaza:
Open Pokémon GO after the event begins.
Check the Events or research menu for Ozone Ascent Timed Research.
Complete each listed task.
Claim the rewards after every completed task.
Finish all research stages.
Open the Rayquaza reward encounter.
Catch Rayquaza before the research expires.
The official announcement does not yet show how many stages the research contains or how difficult the tasks will be.
The article should be updated after July 25 with the full task list and the fastest way to complete each objective.
Ozone Ascent Free Timed Research Rewards
The confirmed free rewards are:
One Meteorite
One Rayquaza encounter
Additional rewards that have not yet been disclosed
The free research is the most important part of the event for players who do not already own a Meteorite. Even Trainers who have enough Rayquaza Mega Energy cannot unlock a new Mega Rayquaza unless the selected Rayquaza knows Dragon Ascent.
Does the Free Research Give Rayquaza Mega Energy?
Rayquaza Mega Energy is not specifically listed among the confirmed free rewards.
The free research announcement only names a Meteorite, a Rayquaza encounter, and additional unspecified rewards. Mega Energy is explicitly mentioned in the paid research section.
It is possible that the unannounced rewards contain other useful items, but players should not assume that the free research will provide enough Mega Energy for a first Mega Evolution.
Can the Free Rayquaza Be Shiny?
Rayquaza has an available Shiny form in Pokémon GO, but the Ozone Ascent announcement does not specifically confirm that either research encounter will be Shiny-eligible.
It also does not announce:
Increased Shiny odds
A guaranteed Shiny Rayquaza
A Shiny-boosted research encounter
Mega Rayquaza raids with Shiny eligibility
These are separate questions. A Pokémon species having a released Shiny form does not automatically prove that every event encounter can be Shiny.
Treat the Ozone Ascent Rayquaza’s Shiny eligibility as unconfirmed until Niantic provides clarification or completed global research encounters establish the answer.
Ozone Ascent Paid Timed Research
The event-exclusive paid Timed Research costs US$4.99, or the equivalent pricing tier in the player’s local currency.
Confirmed paid rewards include:
One Meteorite
One Rayquaza encounter
Rayquaza Mega Energy
Additional undisclosed rewards
The official announcement does not yet confirm the exact Mega Energy quantity, complete task list, research length, or additional item rewards.
Free vs Paid Ozone Ascent Research
Tickets can be gifted to Pokémon GO friends who have reached Great Friends or a higher Friendship level.
The ticket cannot be purchased with PokéCoins. Purchases, including gifted tickets, are generally nonrefundable, subject to applicable law and Niantic’s Terms of Service.
Purchasing the ticket does not extend the deadline. Paid research tasks and rewards still expire at 8:00 p.m. on July 26.
Is the Ozone Ascent Ticket Worth Buying?
The ticket’s value depends heavily on how much Rayquaza Mega Energy it provides.
The Ticket May Be Worth Buying For
Players who have no spare Meteorites
Trainers who want to prepare two different Rayquaza
Players who need Rayquaza Mega Energy
Collectors who want a second research encounter
Trainers who have several strong or Shiny Rayquaza
Players trying to unlock Mega Rayquaza for the first time
The Ticket May Be Less Valuable For
Players who only want the free Rayquaza
Trainers with unused Meteorites
Players who already Mega Evolved their preferred Rayquaza
Trainers with a large existing Mega Energy balance
Players unable to complete the research before the deadline
Anyone waiting to confirm the exact rewards before purchasing
The ticket cannot be fully evaluated until the Mega Energy amount and complete task list are available.
Before buying, check:
Your current Rayquaza Mega Energy balance.
How many unused Meteorites you own.
Whether you have more than one Rayquaza worth upgrading.
Whether the ticket supplies enough energy for your goal.
Whether you have time to complete the research before it expires.
What Is a Meteorite in Pokémon GO?
A Meteorite is a special item used exclusively with Rayquaza.
Using one Meteorite teaches the selected Rayquaza the Charged Attack Dragon Ascent. Dragon Ascent is also a mandatory condition for Mega Evolving that specific Rayquaza.
A Meteorite does not:
Mega Evolve Rayquaza immediately
Provide Rayquaza Mega Energy
Power up Rayquaza
Improve its IVs
Work on another Pokémon species
Unlock Mega Evolution for every Rayquaza in your collection
One Meteorite should therefore be treated as a limited investment for one selected Rayquaza.
How to Use a Meteorite on Rayquaza
According to the official Pokémon GO Mega Evolution help page, the Meteorite option is accessed from Rayquaza’s Pokémon details screen.
Use the following process:
Open Pokémon Storage.
Select the Rayquaza you want to upgrade.
Review its IVs, level, moves, Lucky status, and power-up cost.
Locate the Meteorite option on the details screen.
Follow the prompt to teach Rayquaza Dragon Ascent.
Review any move replacement warning carefully.
Confirm the action.
Check that Dragon Ascent appears in Rayquaza’s moveset.
Dragon Ascent cannot be taught with a normal Charged TM or an Elite Charged TM. A Meteorite is required.
Because Meteorites are scarce, do not use one until you have compared the free research Rayquaza, the paid encounter if applicable, and any Rayquaza already in your collection.
Which Rayquaza Should Get Your Meteorite?
The best candidate depends on whether your priority is raid performance, collection value, Stardust efficiency, or PvP.
Recommended Selection Order
Performance-focused players should generally prioritize a strong, already-invested Rayquaza.
Collectors may prefer a Shiny Rayquaza even when its IVs are slightly lower. Shiny status does not provide a battle bonus, so this is a personal value decision rather than a performance advantage.
Should You Use the Meteorite Immediately?
Claim the Meteorite immediately, but do not necessarily spend it immediately.
Wait until:
Both available Rayquaza encounters have been caught
All candidates have been appraised
Your Mega Energy balance has been checked
You understand which Charged Attack may be replaced
You have decided whether to unlock a second Charged Attack
The paid research rewards are fully known
Meteorites remain in the Item Bag after being claimed, so the event deadline applies to collecting the item, not necessarily using it.
How to Mega Evolve Rayquaza
Rayquaza has additional requirements that most Mega-Evolving Pokémon do not have.
To Mega Evolve Rayquaza, you need:
A Rayquaza you want to Mega Evolve
A Meteorite
Dragon Ascent taught to that Rayquaza
Sufficient Rayquaza Mega Energy
All requirements must apply to the same Rayquaza.
Is a Meteorite Enough to Mega Evolve Rayquaza?
No.
A Meteorite only teaches Dragon Ascent. It does not replace the Mega Energy requirement.
After teaching Dragon Ascent, open the selected Rayquaza’s details screen and check whether the Mega Evolve button is available and how much energy is required.
Does the Paid Research Give Enough Mega Energy?
The event announcement confirms that Rayquaza Mega Energy is included, but does not reveal the amount.
Until the exact quantity is published, players should not assume that the paid ticket alone guarantees a first Mega Evolution.
The final article should be updated with:
Exact paid research Mega Energy
The amount needed for the player’s first Mega Evolution
Whether the ticket covers the full cost
How much additional energy a new player may still need
Where Can You Get More Rayquaza Mega Energy?
Rayquaza Mega Energy has historically been distributed through selected Rayquaza events, research, and Mega Rayquaza raids.
However, Mega Rayquaza raids are not currently listed as an Ozone Ascent feature.
Players who remain short of Mega Energy after the event may need to wait for:
A future Mega Rayquaza raid event
Additional event research
Another Rayquaza-focused event
Future limited-time reward distributions
Do not purchase raid passes specifically for Ozone Ascent unless Niantic later confirms that Mega Rayquaza raids will be active.
What Does Dragon Ascent Do?
Dragon Ascent is a Flying-type Charged Attack associated with Rayquaza.
It has two separate functions in Pokémon GO:
It provides Rayquaza with a powerful Flying-type Charged Attack.
It makes that individual Rayquaza eligible to Mega Evolve when enough Mega Energy is available.
This means Dragon Ascent is useful even beyond the initial Mega Evolution requirement.
Can Dragon Ascent Be Removed?
Be careful when changing the Charged Attacks on a Mega-enabled Rayquaza.
Because Dragon Ascent is required for Mega Evolution and cannot be relearned with a Charged TM or Elite Charged TM, removing it may require another Meteorite to restore the move.
Players should not remove Dragon Ascent without first confirming the current in-game warning and understanding the consequences.
Should You Unlock a Second Charged Attack?
A second Charged Attack can be useful for a long-term Rayquaza investment because it may allow the Pokémon to retain Dragon Ascent while also using a Dragon-type move.
Possible advantages include:
Preserving Mega Evolution eligibility
Maintaining Dragon-type raid coverage
Supporting multiple raid roles
Providing additional PvP flexibility
Avoiding repeated move replacement
The cost should only be paid on a Rayquaza that you expect to use regularly.
Is Mega Rayquaza Worth Unlocking?
Mega Rayquaza is a valuable long-term Mega Evolution for raid-focused and event-focused players.
According to the official Mega Rayquaza announcement, Mega Rayquaza provides additional benefits when used in raids and while catching compatible Pokémon.
Raid Benefits
When Mega Rayquaza participates in a raid or Gym battle:
Other Trainers’ attacks deal additional damage.
Flying-, Psychic-, and Dragon-type attacks receive a stronger boost.
Catch Benefits
While Rayquaza is Mega Evolved, catching Flying-, Psychic-, or Dragon-type Pokémon can provide:
Additional XP
Additional Candy
An increased chance of receiving Candy XL
These bonuses improve as Rayquaza’s Mega Level increases.
Mega Rayquaza is therefore useful not only as an attacker, but also during events featuring Dragon-, Flying-, or Psychic-type Pokémon.
Ozone Ascent Preparation Checklist
Before the Event
Check your current Meteorite total.
Check your Rayquaza Mega Energy balance.
Tag every Rayquaza in your collection.
Compare IVs, levels, moves, and Lucky status.
Save Rayquaza Candy and Stardust.
Make room in Pokémon Storage.
Keep enough Item Bag space for research rewards.
Decide whether the paid ticket fits your account.
Avoid changing important Rayquaza moves prematurely.
During the Event
Confirm that the free research appears.
Start the tasks early.
Claim each completed reward.
Catch the free Rayquaza.
Complete paid research separately if purchased.
Record how much Mega Energy is awarded.
Compare both encounters with existing Rayquaza.
Keep the Meteorites until you select the best candidate.
Before July 26 at 8:00 p.m.
Complete every remaining task.
Claim all task rewards.
Claim all stage rewards.
Complete every Rayquaza encounter.
Confirm that each Meteorite is in the Item Bag.
Confirm that paid Mega Energy has been credited.
Take screenshots of missing rewards or technical errors.
Finish well before the final deadline.
Common Ozone Ascent Mistakes
Assuming Mega Energy Is a Free Confirmed Reward
Only the paid research specifically lists Rayquaza Mega Energy.
Thinking a Meteorite Automatically Unlocks Mega Rayquaza
Rayquaza still needs enough Mega Energy after learning Dragon Ascent.
Using the Meteorite on the First Rayquaza
Compare all research encounters and existing Rayquaza before committing the item.
Buying the Ticket Too Late
Purchasing the ticket does not extend the research deadline.
Forgetting to Claim Completed Rewards
Timed Research can expire even when tasks have already been completed.
Expecting Mega Rayquaza Raids
No raid component is currently included in the official Ozone Ascent announcement.
Assuming Rayquaza Has Boosted Shiny Odds
The event does not announce a boosted Shiny rate or guaranteed Shiny encounter.
Trying to Teach Dragon Ascent With an Elite TM
Dragon Ascent requires a Meteorite and cannot be taught with normal or Elite Charged TMs.
Removing Dragon Ascent Carelessly
Removing the move may cause the selected Rayquaza to lose Mega Evolution eligibility until Dragon Ascent is restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Pokémon GO Ozone Ascent event?
Ozone Ascent runs from July 25 at 10:00 a.m. until July 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Is Ozone Ascent free?
All Trainers receive free Timed Research. A separate paid Timed Research ticket costs US$4.99 or the local equivalent.
How do you get the free Rayquaza?
Complete the free Ozone Ascent Timed Research and claim the Rayquaza encounter before the event deadline.
Does the free research give a Meteorite?
Yes. One Meteorite is specifically confirmed as a free research reward.
Does the free research give Rayquaza Mega Energy?
Mega Energy is not specifically listed among the confirmed free rewards.
What does the paid research include?
The paid research includes a Meteorite, a Rayquaza encounter, Rayquaza Mega Energy, and additional rewards.
How much Mega Energy does the ticket provide?
The exact quantity has not yet been announced.
Can the Ozone Ascent Rayquaza be Shiny?
The event announcement does not specifically confirm Shiny eligibility or increased Shiny odds.
How do you use a Meteorite?
Select a Rayquaza and use the Meteorite option on its Pokémon details screen to teach it Dragon Ascent.
Can an Elite Charged TM teach Dragon Ascent?
No. Dragon Ascent can only be taught by using a Meteorite.
Why can’t my Rayquaza Mega Evolve?
Confirm that the selected Rayquaza knows Dragon Ascent and that you have enough Rayquaza Mega Energy.
Is Ozone Ascent a Mega Rayquaza Raid Day?
No Mega Rayquaza raids are currently announced for the event. The official details focus on Timed Research.
Can the paid ticket be purchased with PokéCoins?
No. The Ozone Ascent ticket cannot be purchased with PokéCoins.
Can you gift the ticket?
Yes. Tickets can be gifted to friends who have reached Great Friends or a higher Friendship level.
When does the research expire?
Both research paths expire on July 26 at 8:00 p.m. local time. Tasks must be completed and rewards claimed before then.
Final Thoughts
The Pokémon GO Ozone Ascent event gives every Trainer access to two scarce and valuable rewards: a free Rayquaza encounter and a Meteorite.
The US$4.99 ticket adds another Rayquaza, another Meteorite, Rayquaza Mega Energy, and additional rewards. However, the exact energy quantity remains unknown, so players should not assume that the ticket automatically provides enough energy for a first Mega Evolution.
Remember that Rayquaza needs both Dragon Ascent and sufficient Rayquaza Mega Energy. A Meteorite unlocks the required move, but it does not replace the energy cost.
Complete and claim every research reward before 8:00 p.m. local time on July 26. After collecting the rewards, compare all available Rayquaza before choosing which one deserves your limited Meteorite.