Link Charges are one of the newest resources introduced in Pokémon GO, and they have become an important part of taking part in Mega Raids. If you want to battle powerful Mega-Evolved Pokémon without constantly spending Premium Battle Passes, learning how Link Charges work is essential. While many players assume they are another premium currency, Link Charges can actually be earned through regular gameplay and social activities.
What Are Link Charges in Pokémon GO?
Link Charges are a special resource used to enter Mega Raids. Instead of using a Premium Battle Pass for an in-person Mega Raid, you can spend Link Charges instead. They are stored in a special key item called the Link Holder, which automatically appears in your Item Bag after you receive your first Link Charges.
The Link Holder has a storage limit, so it is worth using your Link Charges regularly instead of letting them sit at the maximum capacity.
Unlike Raid Passes, Link Charges are designed to reward players who stay active within the game’s community and participate in social features.
How to Get Link Charges in Pokémon GO
There are several legitimate ways to earn Link Charges in Pokémon GO. Some methods guarantee rewards, while others offer only a chance of receiving them.
Here are the current methods.
Complete Weekly Challenges
Weekly Challenges are one of the most reliable sources of Link Charges.
By finishing the required objectives before the challenge resets, you can earn a large amount of Link Charges as a guaranteed reward. If your goal is to build a healthy supply without spending money, completing Weekly Challenges should be your highest priority every week.
Open Gifts From Friends
Opening Gifts sent by friends can also reward Link Charges.
Unlike Weekly Challenges, this method is based on chance. You will not receive Link Charges every time you open a Gift, but opening Gifts daily increases your chances over time.
Building a large Friends list is therefore helpful, as it allows you to open more Gifts every day.
Check In at Official Community Meetups
Official Community Ambassador meetups are another excellent way to earn Link Charges.
Checking in at these approved Pokémon GO gatherings often guarantees Link Charge rewards. Besides earning the resource, these events are also a great opportunity to participate in raids alongside other Trainers.
Complete Special Research and Timed Research
During certain events, Special Research and Timed Research tasks may include Link Charges among their rewards.
These research lines are usually available only for a limited time, so it is worth completing them before they expire.
Purchase Link Charges
If you prefer instant access, Link Charges can also be purchased through the in-game shop during supported events.
Special event tickets and premium passes may also include Link Charges as part of their reward tracks, giving paying players another way to stock up.
How to Use Link Charges
Using Link Charges is simple once you understand the raid system.
For standard in-person Mega Raids, you can spend Link Charges instead of using a Premium Battle Pass. However, your free daily Raid Pass always takes priority. If you still have your daily free pass available, the game will use that before allowing you to spend Link Charges.
For Super Mega Raids, Link Charges are also required. If you join remotely, you must use both Link Charges and a Remote Raid Pass together.
Because of this, Link Charges are especially valuable for players who frequently participate in Mega content.
Best Ways to Farm Link Charges Faster
If you want to collect Link Charges as efficiently as possible, focus on activities that provide consistent rewards.
Some of the best habits include:
- Complete every Weekly Challenge.
- Open the maximum number of Gifts each day.
- Add active friends who exchange Gifts regularly.
- Attend official Community Ambassador events whenever possible.
- Finish all event Research before it expires.
- Keep an eye on special events that increase Link Charge rewards.
Combining all these methods allows you to build your Link Charge supply much faster than relying on only one source.
Can You Hold Unlimited Link Charges?
No.
The Link Holder has a storage cap, meaning it can only hold a certain amount of Link Charges at one time. Once you approach the limit, it is a good idea to spend some of them on Mega Raids instead of letting future rewards go to waste.
The storage limit may change with future updates, but players should always check their Link Holder before claiming large event rewards.
Are Link Charges Better Than Premium Battle Passes?
For players who enjoy participating in Mega Raids regularly, Link Charges offer excellent value.
Since they can be earned through gameplay, they reduce the need to spend Premium Battle Passes on every raid. This makes them especially useful for free-to-play Trainers who stay active in weekly challenges, community events, and Gift exchanges.
Premium Battle Passes still have their place, particularly if you raid frequently or want immediate access, but Link Charges provide a strong alternative that rewards consistent play.
