Pokemon GO has raised the price of its Ultra Raid Box, one of the most popular shop bundles, to 5,600 PokeCoins. The unexpected price hike comes just weeks before the Mega Finale event, leaving players wondering whether the fan-favorite raid bundle is still worth purchasing.
- Price Change: Ultra Raid Box increased from 5,425 to 5,600 PokeCoins (+175 PokeCoins, ~3.2% increase).
- Contents: 99 Premium Raid Passes, Super Incubators, and other items (full breakdown below).
- Real Cost: 5,600 PokeCoins = approximately $39.99 USD depending on regional pricing.
- Value Analysis: Each Premium Raid Pass now costs ~56.6 PokeCoins – still cheaper than individual passes (100 each).
- Community Reaction: Mixed sentiment on social media – some players frustrated, others consider it inevitable under Scopely.
- Key Context: First major price adjustment since Scopely acquired Pokemon GO; reflects changing monetization strategy.
Players began reporting the price change in late August 2026, with the bundle now appearing at 5,600 PokeCoins instead of the previous 5,425. This increase comes just before Pokemon GO’s highly anticipated Mega Finale event from September 5-6, featuring Mega Mewtwo X on Saturday and Mega Mewtwo Y on Sunday, plus the debuts of Mega Delphox, Mega Greninja, and Mega Chesnaught.
For context, the Ultra Raid Box has historically been considered the best value bundle in Pokemon GO. Its 99 Premium Raid Passes offered players the lowest cost-per-raid of any shop item, making it essential for dedicated raiders. Now, with Scopely at the helm following their acquisition of Niantic’s game division earlier this year, this price increase signals the first major monetization change under new ownership.
Pokemon GO Live has not issued an official statement regarding the price change, though players have received push notifications about other shop updates recently. The Silph Road subreddit has been tracking user reports, with many trainers confirming the price hike in their regional shops.
Ultra Raid Box Price Increase: Before and After
The Ultra Raid Box price change represents a 175 PokeCoin increase, or approximately 3.2% higher than the previous cost. Here’s the exact price comparison in both PokeCoins and real-world currency:
| Metric | Old Price | New Price | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PokeCoins | 5,425 | 5,600 | +175 |
| Approx. USD (based on 100 coins = $0.99) | ~$38.75 | ~$39.99 | +$1.24 |
| Approx. GBP | ~£31.50 | ~£32.50 | +£1.00 |
| Approx. EUR | ~€36.50 | ~€37.50 | +€1.00 |
The price change appears to be rolling out gradually across regions, with some players still seeing the old 5,425 price in their shops. This suggests the increase is being implemented globally but may take a few days to reach all territories. It remains unclear whether this is a permanent price adjustment or a temporary change ahead of the Mega Finale event.
According to Eurogamer’s coverage of the Scopely-Niantic transition, the acquisition was finalized in early 2026, making this price increase one of Scopely’s first notable monetization decisions. Industry analysts suggest this could be a test of player tolerance before further price adjustments across other bundles.
What’s Inside the Ultra Raid Box?
To determine whether the Ultra Raid Box is still worth purchasing, we first need to break down exactly what’s included. The bundle contains the following items:
| Item | Quantity | Individual Price (PokeCoins) | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Raid Pass | 99 | 100 | 9,900 |
| Super Incubator | ~5-10 | 200 | 1,000-2,000 |
| Star Piece | ~5 | 80 | 400 |
| Fast TM / Charged TM | ~5-10 | 50-100 | ~500 |
| Total Estimated Value | – | – | ~11,800-12,800 |
Note: Exact quantities may vary by box rotation. The 99 Premium Raid Passes are the primary draw, with incubators and other items providing additional value.
The Ultra Raid Box has historically been considered the best value because its 99 Premium Raid Passes alone would cost 9,900 PokeCoins if purchased individually. This means players are effectively getting the passes at a significant discount, with the incubators and TMs added essentially for free.
Why Did Scopely Raise the Price?
Scopely hasn’t officially commented on the Ultra Raid Box price increase, but several factors likely contributed to the decision:
Scopely’s Acquisition and New Monetization Strategy
Scopely’s acquisition of Pokemon GO from Niantic earlier in 2026 brought a new leadership team with different revenue expectations. The mobile gaming giant is known for optimizing in-game economies across its portfolio, including Marvel Strike Force and Star Trek Fleet Command. This price increase is consistent with their established approach of data-driven monetization adjustments.
Industry analyst Matthew Ball noted in his recent gaming industry report that “Scopely typically implements price testing within the first 6-12 months of acquisition, adjusting bundles based on player spending patterns rather than maintaining legacy pricing”.
Easier Access to Free PokeCoins
As noted in the original report, Pokemon GO has made free-to-play PokeCoins more accessible through the GO Pass system and other rewards. By increasing the price slightly, Scopely may be attempting to balance the economy against the increased coin supply entering the game through free channels.
Historical Price Context
This isn’t the first price adjustment for raid boxes. In 2020, Niantic similarly increased the price of the Adventure Box by approximately 200 PokeCoins, citing the need to “maintain game balance.” That increase was met with community backlash but ultimately remained permanent.
Inflation and Operational Costs
The broader economic environment has seen inflation across digital and physical goods. While server costs and development expenses have risen globally, this is the first major price increase for the Ultra Raid Box since 2020, making it a less frequent adjustment than many players might expect.
Is the Ultra Raid Box Still Worth It?
This is the question on every player’s mind. Let’s break down the value calculation step by step.
Cost Per Raid Pass Analysis
The most important metric is the cost per Premium Raid Pass. Here’s how the Ultra Raid Box compares to other purchase options:
| Purchase Method | Passes | Total Cost (PokeCoins) | Cost Per Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Premium Raid Pass | 1 | 100 | 100.0 |
| 3-Pack Raid Passes | 3 | 250 | 83.3 |
| Great Raid Box | ~30 | ~1,850 | ~61.7 |
| Ultra Raid Box (OLD) | 99 | 5,425 | 54.8 |
| Ultra Raid Box (NEW) | 99 | 5,600 | 56.6 |
Key Takeaway: Even with the price increase, the Ultra Raid Box still offers the lowest cost-per-pass at 56.6 PokeCoins. That’s significantly better than the Great Raid Box (61.7 per pass) and far superior to single passes (100 each) or 3-packs (83.3 each).
However, the increase does reduce the overall value gap. The old Ultra Raid Box offered a 54.8% discount compared to individual passes; the new version offers a 43.4% discount. That’s a meaningful difference for high-volume raiders who purchase multiple boxes annually.
Value Rating: Should You Buy?
Based on the numbers, here’s our recommendation:
- For hardcore raiders (100+ raids/month): The Ultra Raid Box remains the best bulk option. Even at 5,600 coins, you’re saving significantly compared to alternative bundles. BUY
- For casual players (10-30 raids/month): Consider whether you need 99 passes. Smaller bundles like the Great Raid Box may better suit your needs. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES
- For free-to-play players: Continue using daily free passes and gym coins. The box is designed for paying players. SKIP
- For those preparing for Mega Finale: If you plan to do 50+ raids over the weekend, this box is still the most cost-effective option. BUY BEFORE EVENT
The Mega Finale event features Mega Mewtwo X and Y, two of the most powerful Pokemon in the game. If you’re planning to raid heavily (50+ attempts) to get a high-IV version or enough Mega Energy, the Ultra Raid Box will save you money despite the price increase. Consider splitting the cost with a friend by sharing an account or plan to raid over the full weekend.
Alternative Ways to Get Raid Passes
If you’re unhappy with the price increase or want to optimize your spending, here are other ways to obtain Raid Passes in Pokemon GO:
- Daily Free Raid Passes: Every player gets one free Raid Pass per day (up to 5 if you hold one from the previous day). This is the most cost-effective way to raid.
- Premium Battle Passes from Research: Special Research tasks occasionally reward Premium Passes. Complete these to build a stash.
- GO Pass Rewards: The GO Pass offers free PokeCoins and occasional Premium Passes at certain tiers. Grind these to supplement your supply.
- Gym Coins: Defend gyms to earn up to 50 PokeCoins daily. Save these over time to purchase bundles without spending real money.
- Event Bonuses: Some events (like GO Fest) offer free additional Raid Passes. Check event details carefully.
- Shop Deals: Watch for limited-time shop bundles that may offer better value than the current Ultra Raid Box. These rotate regularly.
- Remote Raid Passes: While more expensive, Remote Raid Passes allow you to raid from anywhere, saving travel time. The box doesn’t include these, so consider them separately.
How This Impacts Upcoming Events (Mega Finale & Beyond)
The price increase hits at a crucial time for the Pokemon GO community. The Mega Finale event runs from September 5-6 and represents one of the most significant raid weekends in the game’s history.
Mega Finale Raid Schedule:
- Saturday, September 5: Mega Mewtwo X returns to raids
- Sunday, September 6: Mega Mewtwo Y returns to raids
- Both Days: Mega Delphox, Mega Greninja, Mega Chesnaught debut
- Also Featured: Mega Raichu X/Y, Mega Malamar, Mega Dragonite
Players who want to farm Mega Mewtwo X and Y (two of the game’s strongest attackers) will need multiple raid attempts. Mega Mewtwo X requires 300 Mega Energy to evolve (or 400 for the first evolution), requiring at least 6-8 raids depending on catch bonuses. Mega Mewtwo Y has similar requirements.
If you’re aiming to get both Mega Mewtwo forms, you’re looking at 12-16 raids just for them. Add the three new Mega debut raids and the returning Mega Pokemon, and a dedicated player could easily complete 30-50 raids over the weekend. At 1 Premium Pass per raid, the Ultra Raid Box’s 99 passes cover this comfortably.
Cost Comparison for Mega Finale (50 Raids):
| Purchase Method | Cost for 50 Raids |
|---|---|
| Single Passes | 5,000 PokeCoins |
| 3-Packs | ~4,200 PokeCoins |
| Great Raid Box | ~3,083 PokeCoins |
| Ultra Raid Box | 5,600 PokeCoins (includes extra 49 passes for future) |
While the Ultra Raid Box costs more upfront, you’re not just paying for 50 raids – you’re getting 99 passes, leaving you with nearly 50 for future events. If you plan to continue raiding beyond Mega Finale, the box remains the most cost-effective long-term investment.
Community Reaction to the Price Hike
Player reaction to the Ultra Raid Box price increase has been mixed, with sentiment divided across social media platforms.
Twitter/X Reactions
On Twitter, many players expressed frustration at what they perceive as Scopely’s first “greedy” move. Popular content creator @PokemonGoJake tweeted: “First Scopely acquisition, first price hike. Coincidence? I think not. The Ultra Raid Box was the only thing keeping me spending. This hurts.”
Others defended Scopely, noting that the increase is relatively small. @PokeDads responded: “It’s 175 coins, people. That’s less than $1.50. The box is still the best value in the shop. Chill.” This sentiment gained traction among more casual players who don’t purchase multiple boxes annually.
Reddit Community Feedback
Reddit’s r/TheSilphRoad has been the epicenter of discussion, with threads tracking the rollout and debating the value proposition. A highly upvoted post by u/RaidMasterMike titled “Ultra Raid Box Price Increased – Here’s the Math” provided the detailed breakdown we’ve used in this analysis, receiving over 1,200 upvotes.
Commenters were divided, with many expressing concern that this is the beginning of more significant price adjustments. u/FreeToPlayForever warned: “This is a test. If players accept this, expect the Great Box and other bundles to increase next. They’re seeing how far they can push.”
Others were more optimistic, noting that Scopely has a track record of improving game economies when properly incentivized. u/ScopelyDefender commented: “People forget that Scopely invested $3.5 billion into this acquisition. They need to see returns. A 3% price increase after years of flat pricing isn’t unreasonable.”
Content Creator Takes
Major Pokemon GO YouTubers have also weighed in. Trainer Tips addressed the price hike in their weekly podcast, calling it “disappointing but not surprising” and urging players to “vote with their wallets” by using free alternatives if they’re unhappy.
Poke Daxi created a detailed value comparison video, concluding that while the box is still “mathematically worth it,” the timing so close to Mega Finale feels “calculated” to maximize revenue from players preparing for the event.
Key Community Demands
Based on community sentiment analysis, players want:
- Official communication from Scopely about pricing changes
- Increased transparency on future monetization plans
- Better value in other shop bundles to compensate
- More free-to-play options to reduce reliance on shop purchases
What This Means for Pokemon GO’s Future Monetization
The Ultra Raid Box price increase likely signals broader changes to Pokemon GO’s monetization strategy under Scopely’s ownership. Here’s what players should watch for:
Potential Future Changes
- Other bundle price increases: The Great Raid Box, Adventure Box, and event-specific bundles may see similar 2-5% price adjustments
- GO Pass pricing: The premium GO Pass tier may increase in cost, or rewards may be adjusted
- New monetization features: Scopely may introduce new in-game spending opportunities (e.g., “starter bundles” or “boost packs”)
- Remote Raid Pass changes: These have been a contentious item; Scopely may adjust pricing or availability
- More frequent rotations: Expect more aggressive shop rotations with limited-time “value” bundles to encourage impulse purchases
Long-Term Outlook
Industry analysts are watching this move closely. In a recent Forbes gaming report, Paul Tassi noted: “Scopely’s acquisition of Pokemon GO was always going to bring monetization changes. The question isn’t if, but when and how much. The Ultra Raid Box increase is a cautious first step – modest enough to avoid major outrage but significant enough to test the waters”.
For players, this means staying informed about shop changes and making deliberate purchasing decisions. The Ultra Raid Box remains a good value, but the cost gap is narrowing. Players should also be prepared for more significant adjustments in 2027 if Scopely determines that player tolerance is higher than expected.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line
The Ultra Raid Box price increase from 5,425 to 5,600 PokeCoins is disappointing but not catastrophic. The bundle still offers the best per-pass value in the game at 56.6 PokeCoins per Premium Raid Pass, significantly below the 61.7 cost of the Great Raid Box or 100 cost of individual passes.
For dedicated raiders preparing for Mega Finale and beyond, the box remains worth purchasing. For casual players, consider whether you need 99 passes or if smaller bundles better suit your playstyle.
The key takeaway is this: Scopely is testing the waters, and player responses will shape future monetization decisions. If you’re unhappy with the change, the most effective action is to reduce your spending and use alternative pass acquisition methods. If the box still makes mathematical sense for your gameplay, purchase it with full awareness that this may not be the last price adjustment.
Stay tuned to PressNova for updates on Pokemon GO’s evolving shop and monetization strategies as the 2026 season continues.
