Ahead of the "Pokémon Go Fest 2026: Mega Finale" event, players taking part in the "Mega Ascension" build-up are being asked to choose one of three starter Mega Evolutions — Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox or Mega Greninja — before unlocking the Go Pass: Mega Finale. The decision matters because the two unchosen Pokémon will not appear in Mega Raids during the event weekend, meaning players cannot easily obtain them until an unknown future date, making this an effectively irreversible choice for now.

Selecting a Pokémon grants an instant batch of candy and unlocks event pass perks, including bonus encounters and, for those buying the $14.99 deluxe pass, a higher shiny chance, enough Mega Energy to boost a partner Pokémon to Mega Level, and a rank-40 shirt themed to the chosen starter. For players prioritising in-game performance rather than aesthetics, analysis from Dialgadex rates Mega Delphox as the strongest overall choice, citing its high damage output as the leading fire-type attacker among Mega starters. Mega Chesnaught ranks third among grass-type attackers behind Mega Sceptile and Kartana, while Mega Greninja ranks second among water-type attackers behind Primal Kyogre.