Ethan Crossfield 
Pokémon GO is entering another busy stretch of its live-service schedule, with a costumed Pikachu Raid event and the Mega Finale ahead. That timing makes a quiet shop adjustment especially notable: Scopely has begun increasing the price of the game’s popular Ultra Raid Box, forcing some players to spend more PokéCoins for the same bundle.
A busy event calendar raises the value of Raid Passes
The price change arrives after several major Pokémon GO updates and events. GO Fest Global introduced Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y, while Nickit’s Community Day and Mega Starmie’s debut kept players engaged through the current Forever Forward season. The next major milestone is the Mega Finale in early September, which will focus heavily on Mega Raids.
The event has already confirmed the debuts of Mega Delphox, Mega Greninja, and Mega Chesnaught. Mega Raichu X and Y, Mega Malamar, and Mega Dragonite are also scheduled to return. Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y will appear in Raids on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, respectively.
Ultra Raid Box costs 175 more PokéCoins
Players have reported that the Ultra Raid Box is now listed at 5,600 PokéCoins, compared with its previous price of 5,425. The bundle still includes 99 Premium Raid Passes and other upgrade materials, but the price increase does not add extra Premium Passes or Technical Machines.
The adjustment has not appeared for every player yet. Reports currently indicate a gradual change in the in-game shop, so the worldwide rollout remains unclear. It also comes shortly before the new costumed Pikachu Raid event on August 25, when demand for additional passes may rise.
Why the increase matters before the Mega Finale
The Ultra Raid Box has been popular because it provides a large supply of Premium Raid Passes at a comparatively efficient bundle price. Pokémon GO has not confirmed that the Mega Finale will provide additional free Raid Passes, leaving some players to decide whether the larger expense is worthwhile.
Super Mega Raids no longer require Premium Raid Passes, which reduces the impact of the change for that specific activity. However, many other Raids during the Mega Finale still use Premium Passes. The extra 175 PokéCoins may therefore be particularly frustrating for players saving currency for a concentrated event weekend.
Scopely has not explained the reason for the adjustment. One possible factor is that PokéCoins are now more accessible through the GO Pass, which provides free-to-play PokéCoins at intervals. Even so, players who rely on earned currency may see the move as a less favorable shop deal. Pokémon GO has recently added a free-to-play auto-catcher gadget, showing that the game can also introduce features that were previously tied to paid hardware such as the GO Plus+.
Key points
- The Ultra Raid Box price has risen from 5,425 to 5,600 PokéCoins.
- The bundle still contains 99 Premium Raid Passes and no additional passes or TMs.
- The change is appearing for some players before the August 25 costumed Pikachu Raid event.
- Premium Passes remain relevant for many Mega Finale Raids, despite Super Mega Raids no longer requiring them.
Ultra Raid Box price comparison
| Shop detail | Previous listing | Current listing |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 5,425 PokéCoins | 5,600 PokéCoins |
| Premium Raid Passes | 99 | 99 |
| Additional passes or TMs | No increase reported | No increase reported |
Expert View
This change highlights the tension between Pokémon GO’s event-driven model and the value players expect from its shop bundles. Raising the cost immediately before a Raid-heavy finale could make preparation feel more expensive, particularly for free-to-play users who carefully save PokéCoins. Until Scopely explains the decision or confirms compensating rewards, the safest reading is that the Ultra Raid Box has become less efficient without becoming less important.
