Pokemon GO Fest 2021

Hey, Trainers can you even believe it’s been a full year since the last GO Fest? It’s weird. 2020 just seemed like it would never end but it also kind of feels like it barely existed. If you had’ve asked me a few months ago when the last GO Fest was, I would have said “Not that long ago. Why?”

Anyone else? Maybe just me? Okay.

So. GO Fest 2021. July 17th – 18th. We have a musical theme this year which is pretty cool and very on- brand – we’ve had a couple of musical events this year in the general Pokemon franchise. Post Malone and Katy Perry throwing their respective hats into the Gym definitely makes this feel like this is thematically appropriate.

There’s a huge amount to unpack here, so, let’s get into it.

First thing’s first though – Tickets are available in the Shop within Pokemon GO. They’re only $4.99 this year as opposed to the $14.99 of last year and that’s because this GO Fest marks Pokemon GO’s 5th anniversary! It’s hard to believe that I’ve been playing this game pretty much daily for 5 years and I definitely appreciate the drop in price. Having said that, there’s a lot of content that will be available for Trainers who don’t get a ticket. You’ll still get the special background music composed by Junichi Masuda, the ability to submit photos and have them show up on the Today screen, event Pokemon spawning during their designated environment hours and a special Pikachu in a costume. Oh, and Eggs placed in Incubators will only require 1⁄2 the usual walking distance to hatch.

For those who get the ticket, there’s a lot more to experience:

Special Research that will allow for the catching of Meloetta early.

Another themed Pikachu, but this time you’re going to get to pick which one you want; Pop or Rock style Pikachu.

Your background music will change based on the ‘Chu you Choose.

F and G Unown will appear when you have an Incense activated along with Throh, Sawk and Chatot. Details on these are sparse so I don’t know if the Regionals are going to switch spots like last year with Zangoose and Seviper. I’m assuming so but am also prepared to be disappointed.

Rotating environment hours (Jungle, Desert/Mountain, Ocean/Beach and Cave.) These will be available to everyone, but Ticket holders will be able to participate in Collection Challenges.

Stickers available in Pokestop spins and Gifts will be themed.

Special Pose available to Ticket Holders.

Once you complete your Special Research, Photobombs will be available. Which Pokemon and how many? No clue!

Those are the general rewards but there’s also some day specific ones.

Saturday offers:

Increased Shiny chances. This applies to Incense Pokemon and Pokemon in the wild and Shiny chances go down again on Sunday. The phrasing used is ‘certain Pokemon’ so I’m not sure which ones are particularly likely to be affected by the increased odds.

Participation in the Global Challenge Arena! Complete tasks as a player base to unlock rewards that will be available after the event. We always manage to crush these results and I see no real chance that we won’t do the same this year. Inspiring!

Sunday:

Legendary Raid Battles. Past Raid Bosses will be appearing all over from 10:00am til 6:00pm so we can have another chance to catch all those Legendaries we may have missed out on before. These are broken up into blocks based on elements; wind hour, (Mewtwo, Ho-oh, Latias, Latios, Regigigas, AF Giratina, Cresselia, Virizion and TF Tornadus) lava hour (Moltres, Entei, Regirock, Groudon, Heatran, Reshiram, Terrakion, TF Landorus, Yveltal) frost hour (Articuno, Suicune, Lugia, Regice, Kyogre, Palkia, Kyurem along with the Lake Trio, Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf world wide.) and thunder hour (Zapdos, Raikou, Registeel, Rayquaza, Dialga, Cobalion, TF Thundurus, Zekrom and Xerneas)

Timed research will award an additional 8 Remote Raid Passes.

A special bundle will be available in the Shop with an additional 3 Remote Raid Passes.

Spinning Gyms will give up to 10 free regular Raid Passes for in-person Raiding.

10,000 additional XP for every Raid you win. Let’s GO! Level 50, here we come!

So, quite a bit to keep us all occupied this weekend!

Google Play is this year’s sponsor as well and we can obtain special rewards because of it. You can get a 3 month trial of YouTube Premium, get some exclusive content from The Try Guys, Google Play item bundles including 30 Ultra Balls, 1 Super Incubator and 1 Incense, as well as a 4X multiplier for Google Play points when you buy through the Shop. That last one has already started as of the 12th of July! For those unaware, you can redeem Google Play points for a coupon for Pokemon GO that gives you a $3 credit for any in-game purchase worth $2.99 or more!

Pokemon Center is offering a special GO Fest shirt for purchase plus you’ll get your very own TCG card for none other than Professor Willow!

There are also specific City celebrations you can register to attend! Go Here to register but spaces are fairly limited. (Which seems sensible, all things considered.)

And that covers all the main points, Trainers! Did you guys already get your Tickets? I can’t wait for Saturday!

As always, I wish you the absolute best of luck out there! Stay safe, stay hydrated and have fun!