Pokémon Go Community Day, 8/16/2026

Community Day time for this month is at hand, and it's a tricky one for several reasons. First up, it's on a Sunday, which hasn't happened since prior to the season when Daily Discoveries were introduced; it was actually initially scheduled for Saturday before being rescheduled to today. Then, the featured Pokémon species of this edition was determined by voting a couple of months ago, with the candidates also being tricky. That's a lot of tricks for an edition - and it's not even October 31 yet - and they have to be made clear with a post that covers it.

With that, the featured Pokémon is Nickit, a Dark type Pokémon that evolves only once to Thievul; it beat out three other species that also evolve once, making them all "tricky" as it is an unusual pattern for Community Day - in fact, it is unprecedented for a Pokémon species without an alternate or related form of some kind. Nevertheless, the latter Pokémon gets the special move of Icy Wind, which has an effect in PvP and effectively setting the destiny of species usage. As well, its appeal may also be reduced for that reason as well as its relative unpopularity.

But things carry on, and the edition still has its particulars. The main bonus is triple catch Stardust, which may be the only part that "salvages" this edition. The usual series of bonuses - double catch Candy, double Candy XL chance, 3-hour Incense, 1-hour Lure Modules, photo bombs, trade discount, and an extra Special Trade - still makes the event what it is. Of course, Research is also still there with Field tasks, Timed tasks for communities, and a paid Special set titled "Wily Whiskers", which affirms that Trainers need to be as tricky as the featured Pokémon.

Meanwhile, Ash and Goh are back from their soiree - temporarily - and they (mostly the former) are given to deal with this edition:

Goh: Nickit, huh?

Ash: Just like the ones we saw in Galar!

Pikachu: Chu pika. ["Exactly that."]

Goh: Right, and then there's the leader that evolved to Thievul.

Me: Obviously you two are familiar with them.

Ash: But as usual, you want me with your faraway friends.

Me: Well, of course. There's always January 2025 to consider. 

Goh: Anyway, how'd the Nickit hunting go? 

Ash: I really got a lot! But I only found two Shiny ones...

Goh: Huh. You'd usually find at least a few. 

Ash: Some of the others also didn't find a lot.

Me: OK, it might be an anomaly, or it might not.

Ash: As usual, I really was with them - with my world outfit, of course. 

Goh: Well, all right. That's rising to the occasion.

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Pretty good!"]

Ash: Hey, it just had to happen.

Goh: But I also can't help to think that our friend also wanted you somewhere.

Me: Let me give you a hint: if this was on Saturday as it was initially intended, then that would have happened.

Goh: I see. That's pretty tricky. 

Ash: Not as tricky as the Nickit!

Me: If anything, the Nickit may have more tricks than they seem to appear to have.

Tricky or not, every Community Day edition offers unique potentials that every Trainer can stand to take advantage of. For this one, that would be having an interesting and unique species for PvP battle, and that is a trick in and of itself. Whatever other tricks that this edition and future ones might have may or may not be fully known, but the final trick for these tricks is to participate in them with a community and to have a good time.

One year ago: Everywhere and Nowhere

Two years ago: Aloha (Alola)! To World-Class Trainers

Three years ago: Aligning Chess and Pokémon

Four years ago: Myst Pillars, Pokémon Pillars

Five years ago: Thoughts of Cards, Again

Six years ago: The Age of Post-EX Raids?

Seven years ago: Capital Convergence

Eight years ago: Getting Lucky with It

Nine years ago: I Want to Splurge

Pokémon Go Fest 2026 (Global), Day 2

Now it's Day 2 of this grand annual event for Pokémon Go, and as I've said previously, I hadn't quite explained all of it. The rest of the explanations are then in order for today, along with the similarities and differences as I had noted - which are expected, but they're also highly so for this year. It's a lot to take in, deal with, and write about... and sometimes it may present a problem with other problems I've got going. But I carry on, and Go Fest carries on.

Like yesterday, there is Mega-Evolved Mewtwo to raid, this time in its Y form. Something that I didn't mention yesterday is that there is a special move for it when caught from the raids: today is Psystrike (a Charged move) while yesterday was Counter (a Fast move), befitting their dominant types. They also may have special backgrounds when they are caught, as well as Mega levels already unlocked. Regardless, today it still takes the same number of Trainers (10) to take its shield and itself down. Type features and habitats for Pokémon in the wild and other raids continue, but with new ones (Earthforged Domain - Steel, Ground, Normal; Verdant Anomaly - Poison, Bug, Grass; Twilight Battlefield - Dark, Fairy, Fighting) to make it an all-inclusive event that is worthy of its current status as a major annual one.

Understandably, there are still other niceties and aspects for this edition. Both Incense and Lure Modules are extended for catching purposes, and so is Party Play. Global Challenges also take place each hour (as with past years) to keep Trainers in the loop - and reward them after they're complete, furthermore later on after Go Fest. For raids, everyone gets nine free passes each day to start so they can get some raid effort in without payment. Trades also get the benefit of more Special Trades and discounts for them, much like Community Day with similar incentives for getting people together, if raids aren't already an incentive. Finally, there are also greater Shiny chances for different Pokémon, even if it's still, well... a chance.

What makes a difference for this year's edition, even with some sameness as in previous years, is that the event is essentially free with no paid ticket for itself as a whole - aside from buying the necessities for raids (premium and/or remote passes) and the Deluxe track of the Go Pass, again to be detailed later. The reason, certainly, is this year's big Pokémon anniversary, for which everyone - even in Pokémon Go - has to be able to enjoy things to the fullest, without cost if need be. That's something that every Pokémon fan should be able to appreciate, however they belong in the realm of Pokémon Go and ecosystem of Pokémon as a whole.

Evidently, that applies to me, as for this day, I chose to deal with things with the faraway community for reasons of solidarity and general enjoyment. Again, things mostly focused on raiding for Mewtwo, but I did capture other Pokémon and complete other tasks in between all the raids - and try my luck on another giveaway that I also missed this time. It was still a better day than without, and after getting all the pickings from this day and the previous day, now I have a lot of things to work with for my purposes... as well as interested others.

Years have passed for Pokémon in general and Pokémon Go in particular, and they can and do have special merriment when they are warranted, like for their decadal anniversaries (of which this year is one for them). With that, the current Pokémon Go Fest is rightly and truly a spectacle to look into and fight it out, just like Mewtwo and its Mega Evolution forms.

One year ago: Getting Irked by Bugs in TCGL

Two years ago: Current Quibbles with Dracoviz

Three years ago: The Final Stretch: Silph Arena's Last Championships

Four years ago: Common Event Mechanisms in Pokémon Unite

Five years ago: Collaboration for Pokémon

Six years ago: YouTube Pokémon Highlights - GabaLeth Edition

Seven years ago: Brandon Tan in My Town!!!

Eight years ago: Exploring Dual Types

Nine years ago: "Don't Fear Failure!"

Pokémon Go Fest 2026 (Global), Day 1

The time has come to explain about the Global edition of Pokémon Go Fest, which as I've previewed will take place today and tomorrow. It also will deal with how I took care of things today, but that's for later. Right now, I can also say that a lot of the gameplay aspects will be quite similar as they will be quite different, so I'm going to run with that theme over these two days. Then, there's the theme of "all aces awakening" as previewed, and that also needs to be dealt with to see how it actually manifests.

So, the true "ace" boss of this year is that supreme Psychic-type Legendary Pokémon, which would be the one and only Mewtwo. It becomes even more of an "ace" in that this year's festivities - first in the earlier regional editions for select Trainers and now in the Global edition for everyone - serves as a debut of its Mega Evolution forms, both X and Y. Today for the Global edition, there is the X form awaiting in Super Mega Raid format that requires at least 10 Trainers with Mega-Evolved Pokémon to break its shield and become real "aces".

As for other "ace" bosses, they are also present in raids, being Legendary and certain Mythical Pokémon of various types, along with a selection of regular Mega raids. In fact, they're structured according to type and habitats as with past editions of Go Fest: today, there are three such habitats with type representations (Stormfire Peaks - Ice, Electric, Fire; Astral Tides - Ghost, Psychic, Water; Dragonflight Summit - Dragon, Flying, Rock) spanning an hour for each represented type, which explains why the event hours for this edition are from 10 AM to 7 PM. Tomorrow will be similar in many ways regarding this, but I'm getting ahead of myself; there will be more on this and other similarities and differences when that day comes.

Outside of raids, during each hour for each type, Pokémon of those types appear, which can be caught to elevate the rank of the Go Pass from its accompanying event (to be detailed later) by hourly tasks. There are also the Kanto first partners with Pikachu visors, as well as Pikachu with team caps, the latter also found by photo bombs and through the Go Pass. By activating Incense, Unown of all forms can also appear and be caught, as well as the regional species of Bouffalant and Tropius; the latter two also appear in 10 km Eggs along with a few other strong and rare species. They become additional "aces" for collection and other purposes.

Research is always involved, certainly. Field tasks reward niceties for Mewtwo (extra Mega Energy) and a few encounters with other Pokémon, while a Timed set is dedicated to pursuing Mewtwo and one of its Mega-Evolved forms; a Special set, meanwhile, is dedicated to the pursuit of Zeraora, a Mythical Pokémon from Alola, which also makes its debut alongside the Mega Evolution of Mewtwo as the above. It's not a "Masterwork" set unlike most other Mythical Pokémon that debut in this manner, but it still does take some effort to complete - although as always, since it's not Timed, there is a lot more freedom to complete it.

For my case today, I spent the morning mostly raiding for Mewtwo; in the gaps between the raids, I also took care of Research tasks as per the above, knowing that it's also better to get them done and keep me stimulated. This took place locally - as much as it pains me - in part for other goings-on that took place after the raids and more; for that I also sent someone near and dear to me, if only to make things right.

Me: Isn't that right?

Ash: I love the Kanto theme of this one! And Mewtwo too.

Goh: I do too. OK, so you've got Ash, so there must definitely be something.

Ash: Uh-huh, and it's all the same, but it's always great!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Yup!"]

Goh: I'll betcha we'll all deal with this after Go Fest ends.

Me: Sure. It's a big thing, especially now.

It can be said that this edition of Pokémon Go is the biggest and most important yet, and I've actually yet to cover all of its points. Fortunately, as with every year, this one is a two-day event, and the rest of the points - along with more (and evident) similarities and differences - will be covered along with a note of my experience. This first day is only the start of the true "awakening", and things will surely rise after.

One year ago: Next Targets for the Pokédex Plush Dolls

Two years ago: Quickies: Comparatives and Superlatives

Three years ago: My Mental Health with Pokémon

Four years ago: All the Silph Arena Themed Cups Prior

Five years ago: Travel to Atlantis

Six years ago: Reminiscing More of My Early Days with Go

Seven years ago: A T-Shirt for One's Journey

Eight years ago: The Wonders of Weather in Go

Nine years ago: Going Back to the NDS

Pokémon Go Community Day, 7/4/2026 "On the Fourth of July"

So, what took place the other day on the same day is none other than Community Day for Pokémon Go, which makes it the first time on record that Community Day has ever fallen on such a momentous occasion - and the momentous of moments, at that. Now, the clues for the particular species involved in this specific edition were also delivered yesterday along with the commemoration: the Pokémon is watery, it's even blue, and it has the National Dex number of 816 - the watery part is even literal as stated.

That Pokémon would be the one and only Sobble, who can be a total crybaby if not managed properly - as some Trainers can attest. It evolves twice, first to Drizzile and then Inteleon; as it's a first partner or starter, it no doubt got the Hydro Cannon move for this edition. Like Grookey or Scorbunny (the other two from Galar) from earlier this year, there was also a secondary "signature move" involved - Snipe Shot - which may become an alternative for some Inteleon that are already in the evolutionary form.

Meanwhile, the main bonus was quartered Egg hatch distance, the same as Scorbunny and another opportunity to get Eggs hatched. Then there was the usual cavalcade of bonuses: double Candy and Candy XL chance, three-hour Incense and one-hour Lure Modules (with more appearances), trade discounts and extra Special Trades, photo bombs, special backgrounds, and Research - Field, Timed (from community meetups), and the paid Special set, this time titled "Waterworks" for all that may be sprayed from eyes or otherwise.

For this occasion, as has been mostly the case since some time ago, it was another trip for me to the faraway community, also to deal with other things. I caught a whole lot of Sobble to gain its resources as well as a few of the Shiny form and/or ones with backgrounds, especially to evolve certain ones for primarily PvP purposes with the special move. Other than that, it was mostly to have a good time with them... though I did miss out on a giveaway that now in hindsight may not have mattered much.

With the way that the "basic form" of this family is, there might seem to be one thing or another for it to cry over. Yet once the little guy evolves to the big guy, it can do some real sharpshooting, and that might involve shooting what caused the "waterworks". Or, on the special day for Americans, more "fire" than "water" may be involved, and that becomes a sight to see. In any case, this watery Community Day was not one to be cried over and one to be celebrated - on or off the special day it was on.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 7/5/2025 and 7/6/2025

Two years ago: The Cooking Festival in Café Remix

Three years ago: Is Pokémon Second-Rate?

Four years ago: Quickies: Living Around Magnets

Five years ago: Poké Ball Luggage Tag

Six years ago: YouTube Pokémon Highlights - Mewmore Edition

Seven years ago: The Art of Pokémon Adventures - 20th Anniversary Illustrations

Eight years ago: Variegated Pokémon Patterns

Nine years ago: I Side with Pokémon

Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/20/2026

After six years, Community Day for Pokémon Go returns on the very same date (see below), which could become something expected after some number of years pass. Something else that has been expected for the editions of this month, at least in more recent times, is "dragons in June" - meaning a featured Pokémon species of that type. That too remains true for this edition, and that does make it important to be dealt with - as in played (by those who deal with the game) and written (by yours truly).

The "dragon of the month" this time is Frigibax, the powerhouse Pokémon from the ninth generation and the region of Paldea. It evolves to Arctibax and then to Baxcalibur, which for the purpose of this Community Day edition gets the special move of Glaive Rush, essentially its "signature move" as well. The powerhouse Pokémon is also joined by the powerhouse main bonus of triple catch Stardust, making this edition a powerful one for what it offers and what Trainers can take advantage of.

Of course, other niceties are available for Trainers as well. The "basic form" is encountered in great numbers through extended Lure Modules (three hours) and Incense (one hour plus extra) plus photo bombs. Its Shiny form - now for greater availability - and those with special backgrounds are up for grabs. Trading cost is halved and there is an extra Special Trade. Lastly, tasks from Field, Timed (community check-in), and Special Research are to be dealt with and completed as best as they can.

Most of the rest of this writeup will now be carried in discussion format involving two human characters for good (and in a way also important) reasons to be explained soon...

Me: ...so let's get on with it.

Goh: This is a neat Pokémon! 

Ash: It kind of reminds me of Gible from my days in Sinnoh. I guess that's why you wanted me to wear it. 

Goh: Well, that means there had to be an occasion of some sort. Right? 

Ash: Um...

Pikachu: Pi... ["Um..."]

Me: I guess now is not the time. Let's deal with just Community Day for now. 

Goh: I suspect something's up. But continue. 

Ash: Yeah, so I got to the usual mall to find your faraway friends to catch a lot of the Pokémon. 

Goh: I sure hope you got good ones.

Ash: Our friend already had a good one, but I made a Lucky Trade for a Shiny one - and it was almost the best! 

Me: Hey, that's pretty nice. 

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Wonderful!"]

Ash: And I evolved a few others too. But I really got so much Candy this time.

Me: Which should be part of a related bonus, but that's for later too.

Ash: I also played the music game before and got into the group photo after. 

Goh: Nice!

Ash: It would've been a usual day if it weren't for that...

Me: Well, that's for tomorrow. 

Goh: I think I feel a cold chill from all the ones you caught. 

Ash: Brr!

So, with a Special Research set titled "Chill Out, Frigibax!", it would be no surprise that the members of the species family can deliver a piercing chill, especially given their types. It's a chill that remains as the species goes through its evolution... and perhaps in the impressions of those partaking in this month's Community Day.

One year ago: General Community Day Prospects

Two years ago: Driving and Loving with Pokémon

Three years ago: Possible Silph Successors?

Four years ago: I Love You, As Long As You Are

Five years ago: Trainer Rank in Pokémon Shuffle

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/20/2020

Seven years ago: Thematic Battles

Eight years ago: Losing Touch and Keeping in Touch

Nine years ago: Pokémon Exclusivity

Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 5/16/2026

It's been four months since an edition of Community Day Classic, so Trainers in this game have been eagerly expecting another one - and it comes today. They're also as eager to prepare for things related to Go Fest, which is coming up soon, in fact - something I also need to preview soon enough. Both of these contribute in different ways to the affairs of today, certainly one way of which is the bringing back of an old featured Pokémon species as a second chance for whoever might really need it.

And that returning species is Deino, which was last featured in June 2022 at a high-low point for the event. It and its species family has the Dark and Dragon types, which has relevance in some way for the happening above. In contrast to last time, this time the main bonus is triple catch XP, perhaps since the main edition this month already had its Egg hatch distance bonus. Since it's a Classic edition, there is also no double Candy bonus to speak of, which means Trainers have to find ways to make (up) the effort for that.

The special move for its fully evolved form of Hydreigon remains the significantly powerful Brutal Swing, a move of the Dark type. The rest of the bonuses align with how the event is executed in current times. That would mean 1-hour Lure Modules and the appearance bonus, 3-hour Incense, photo bombs, special backgrounds, Field Research tasks, community Timed Research, and a paid Special Research set that retains the past title ("Field Notes: Deino") while mixing up the task contents once again as the edition mixes the then and now.

Once again, today became another personal opportunity (for me) to meet up with a faraway community - while getting a few other things done on the side. Even though there were some reception problems, I was still able to take advantage of the opportunity to build up resources for the species family, and now with the onset of those with special backgrounds, evolve the best ones in that regard. Some disappointments may still remain, but definitely not at the community meetup, and they can be addressed later on.

Now, as for the preparatory aspect, darkness is the force that counters light, at least certain ones that are deemed to be less of a blessing. What that light will likely constitute is, again, part of the Go Fest preview, which will come later on. Regardless, having Community Day - and a Classic edition, no less - to prepare for that is a good idea, and it can be leveraged for other purposes as well. Like in the past edition, the dark and irate qualities of the Pokémon remain with it and not the festivity.

One year ago: Pokémon Without Borders (...for Me and You)

Two years ago: Please, Let Me Grow Old with You

Three years ago: More Available Regular Formats for General PvP?

Four years ago: How Far Should Pokémon Be Translated?

Five years ago: Command and Conquer, PvP Style

Six years ago: A Multicultural Cast

Seven years ago: Carry On Carryin' On

Eight years ago: The Living Dex

Nine years ago: Pastrana and Pikachu

Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/9/2026

The pig is a fascinating creature, especially with regard to Pokémon, which has a few species families that resemble the creature. One of these families were lately introduced along with Paldea and the other members of the ninth generation, and it's got some fascinations of its own. Perhaps that is why now it is given the treatment of Community Day for all those fascinations... and maybe some peculiarities for those who are averse to pigs, even ones that are only as realistic as an actual impression of them.

So, that species family is the Lechonk family, which evolves once into Oinkologne. However, the latter has different male and female forms, so much so that they also have different stats. Thus, they could almost be considered different Pokémon, and that makes for a fascinating Community Day fodder - the first of its kind, in fact. In this way, the inclusion of Lechonk in Community Day may just open the door for other Pokémon with differing male and female forms to become a part of it.

For this edition's bonuses, the main one is quartered hatch distance, another good opportunity to hatch some stagnant Eggs. The special move for both Oinkologne forms is Mud Slap, which may benefit the female form's PvP practicality. The rest of the bonuses are the usual medley of double catch Candy and Candy XL chance, photo bombs, extended Lure Modules (1 hour plus extra encounters) and Incense (3 hours), discounted trades and an extra Special Trade, Field Research and the paid Special Research (titled "Don't Hog the Spotlight"), and special backgrounds.

Like many of the past editions this year, I opted to go somewhat far for it to deal with it in the best way - and that worked out just well enough. I got all the resources that I needed to evolve my "necessities" and still have enough for posterity and future use. The camaraderie seems to affirm that this may be the best approach for the future, not to mention that it allows for other side agendas to be fitted in with it.

While pigs may remain a very divisive point of contention, whether they're real ones or impressions of them, there is no doubt that they've made their mark in the Pokémon world. This month's edition of Community Day is an affirmation of that, at least for the latest entrant from Paldea that has managed to turn a few Trainer's heads, especially with consideration of the family's structure. It became a "when pigs fly" sort of moment, but it may just allow Trainers to "pig out" in a different way at a later time.

One year ago: Masuda's Method to (Music) Madness

Two years ago: Submerged in Attraction

Three years ago: Towards the TCGL Horizon

Four years ago: Journeys Gap Ad... in T-Shirt Form

Five years ago: Glyphs of Pokémon?

Six years ago: Playing Pokémon All Day

Seven years ago: Getting Lucky with Friends

Eight years ago: A Place for VGC

Nine years ago: Blue and Yellow Philosophy

Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/11/2026

It's time for Community Day for Pokémon Go for this month, and this one has a big thing going for it. Now, a certain song speaks of its artist highly, even making a firm statement that there is "none to equal", in a manner of speaking. It also involves a very specific implement... which is also highly related to the featured species family of this edition and is something with which one can really give a good mashing. So does the species in it, in fact, if they're left to their own implements. 

That implement is the hammer, and thus the featured species family is that of Tinkatink, whose members (along with Tinkatuff and Tinkaton) wield hammers of sizable proportions. The last of these gets the Charged move of Gigaton Hammer to make use of the hammer that it wields to deliver serious damage - 300, the highest thus far for a Charged move. Along with hammering things out, Trainers will also be "mining" today, for the main bonus is triple catch Stardust, always a useful one.

Everything else is quite predictable after that. The species are found by Incense (three hours' length) and Lure Modules (one hour, greatly in the event period and less in the post-event), as well as photo bombs. Some (many) will also be Shiny (a debutant in this case), have special backgrounds, or both. Trainers can trade for less and have an extra Special Trade. Finally, Research involves the Field, Timed (community meetup), and Special (by payment) realms as per the usual norms.

Meanwhile, having known what to expect if I took care of the event locally, I took care of it farther away instead, also standing a chance for cordially linking up with a few other Trainers and winning a neat prize... although the latter didn't happen. What did happen was me being able to catch a Tinkatink with the best stats (and a few that almost were, one of them Shiny and another with a background), which I evolved on the same day along with others to have a slew of Tinkaton.

With "A Ton of Tinkatink" (also the title of the paid Special Research) and the Gigaton Hammer special move for Tinkaton, there is (was) a lot of hammering going on for this edition, making it a "hammer time" of sorts. Going back to that song I mentioned earlier, there's some of that to be had too, and that's something to "touch on" even if the song (and the species family) speak otherwise. Perhaps the "hammers" need to speak for themselves, in and out of battle as well as melody.

One year ago: Themed Collections (and Secret Ones) in TCGP

Two years ago: Leafeon Apple Shampoo for My Needs

Three years ago: Cosplay: Pokémon Exhibition and TCG Regionals

Four years ago: Mega Evolution Fates, Again

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/11/2021

Six years ago: Three Simple Rules for a Great Adventure

Seven years ago: The Songs of the Detective Pikachu Trailers

Eight years ago: O Charizard

Nine years ago: Romanticism of Tall Grasses

Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/14/2026

First off, for those who recognize it, today is Pi Day (for the mathematical feature), so it would be rightful to serve up pies (the culinary treat) on this day. It seems Pokémon Go had also decided to serve up the "pie" that is Community Day on this day, both the one that represents this year's helpings as well as this season's helpings. There is also a helping of the "pie" that represents the first partner Pokémon species in this edition, and now comes the time to explain all of that and how tantalizing things are.

Having said all of that, this month's featured Pokémon is the veritable Scorbunny, the first partner Pokémon of the Galar region. It evolves twice into Raboot and then Cinderace - and the latter will certainly be able to learn the move of Blast Burn, which is true for this month. It can also learn its signature move of Pyro Ball from this point onwards with the help of a TM, which may be useful as an alternative to the above. Meanwhile, the main bonus of this edition is quartered hatch distance, which means a time to get Eggs hatched on and out.

As usual, the regular bonuses of double Candy and Candy XL chance, three-hour Incense and one-hour Lure Modules (plus extra appearances), trade discounts and extra Special Trades, photo bombs, and special backgrounds apply. Then there's Field Research, Timed Research (for those who check in to community meetups), and the paid Special Research entitled "Hoppily Ever After" - a suggestion that may be taken for granted nowadays.

On this occasion, I chose to go with the local community meetup due to the prevailing "break" - which also prompts reminders of why I should and shouldn't deal with it. I caught a sizeable number of Scorbunny that were Shiny, had backgrounds, or both, and I evolved the best of the best out of my usual roster of things to evolve for Community Day. Now I have a game plan for what to do with the resources I obtained today... and for future Community Day meetups.

This family of rabbits that can deliver fiery kicks might be relevant to those who play soccer for that very reason and association, but with regard to the species themselves, there will always be a place for them somehow in battle with how they've been involved in Pokémon Go, including today. With that, the "pie" piece has been served to satisfaction.

One year ago: 100 Years, 1 Million Memories

Two years ago: Cook and Collect in Café Remix

Three years ago: Serving up Paldea with a Twist

Four years ago: To Share and To Care

Five years ago: Berry Cuisine

Six years ago: Pokémon Anime Song Remixes?

Seven years ago: Profits on the Side

Eight years ago: It's Pi Day!

Nine years ago: Pokémon and Puzzle Games

Pokémon Go Tour: Kalos

With the usual late February and early March highlights out of the way, now I can cover the major Pokémon Go happening of the previous season... which in fact is actually still the current season for today, at which point tomorrow becomes the next - but I digress. Going back to that happening, as previewed, the happening involves the Kalos region, which has the claim to fame as the homeland of Mega Evolution. That makes it a big (Mega) time happening, so now it's time to unfold how big those happenings really were in their overall light.

Like in past editions, rotating habitats were the norm on both days of the Global edition. There were only three this time: Central Village, Mountain Manor, and Coastal Laboratory, with one more as a superset of these three, occupying hourly spans with one repetition. They contained thematic species of certain types, as well as Pikachu with Trainer caps and Unown forms that are of the region's letters (if one activates an Incense); and of course, all of them can be Shiny, if one is truly lucky. As with past years, no Collection Challenges means no catch pressure. 

Yet there is still pressure to raid, as the main feature was Mega Raids for Mega Victreebel (on Saturday) and Mega Malamar (on Sunday) plus the surprise entry of Mega Dragonite (on both days), the latter itself also having been a surprise entry in the Live editions' Mega Night feature. These Mega Raids were also not ordinary ones as well... but their technical details are best left for a separate post. Other Mega Evolution forms were present in "hourly special" (regular) Mega Raids on both days, while the "box Legendaries" of Xerneas and Yveltal were present as usual on the five-star slot, and one-star raids had the Pikachu with Trainer caps and Honedge, making for a rather massive range of raids.

Research had Field tasks for Bellsprout and Inkay as the evolutionary precursors of the above as well as Unown based on version selection. For that, version selection is accomplished by a Special set for those who paid for the event ticket, to go through tasks characterizing Mega Evolution and the Legendary Pokémon of the region, after which the Masterwork Research for Shiny Diancie follows. In the Timed realm, there is a set (for ticket holders) that deals with changing Furfrou trims by selecting a trim that one doesn't usually get to change toward, plus a free set (by a code revealed through Pokémon Day) featuring selection of a first partner from the region and completing daily tasks to get ones with special backgrounds.

Speaking of which, special backgrounds were also all the rage, with three in play: one based on each of the game versions, and one for Mega Evolution. Obviously, the latter was for all Pokémon caught through Mega Raids of any kind, as well as the Lucario caught from the Go Pass by the prelude Road to Kalos event earlier in the week. The "box Legendaries" get the backgrounds of their respective versions, and all others from raids can have either version background. Like in the prelude event, the stress is on "can", as Trainers may have had to put in effort to get any or all of these Pokémon with the respective special backgrounds.

Then, other bonuses involved Eggs with powerhouse species (2 km), Flabébé of any and all colors (5 km), and regional species (10 km), along with half hatch distance; CP boost for Mega Evolution; six Special Trades and halved Stardust costs for them; more Routes with Mateo and Zygarde Cells; and increased Shiny chances for a bevy of featured species, plus increased Shiny encounter chances in general (and an Eon photo bomb surprise each day) for those who bought tickets. After the main event hours, Hoopa brought back other Legendary Pokémon from earlier in the week (in the prelude event) for a massive "Raid Night" conclusion.

For my experience, I spent Saturday with the local Trainers (actually, not just myself - more on this soon) and Sunday with faraway Trainers (also looking for Special Trades with a few Lucky Friends among them). I got through the raids in order with sizable Mega Energy for the ones that were featured, and I got the most important ones with special backgrounds. Along with some extra Shiny Pokémon, it seems I had a mostly good turnout for all of its offerings.

Given all that happened over the course of the two days of the event, they can be construed to show that Kalos is a big (Mega) region for all the features that it has, even now as reflected in Pokémon Go from the features now included from the main series games, both the regular ones and the latest Legends alternate. The traces of those features and now this Go Tour event will likely remain to accompany the game in big ways.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Tour: Unova

Two years ago: Cosplay+Pokémon Go: Pikachu's Indonesia Journey in Bali

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Tour: Hoenn

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Tour: Johto

Five years ago: Make It Make...: Pokémon Presents, 2/26/2021

Six years ago: Making Game Journeys... Literally

Seven years ago: Winds of Changing Teams

Eight years ago: Pikachu Cable Holder

Nine years ago: Love My Life - Pokémon Too

Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/1/2026

And, well, there is Community Day on the first of the month, the first regular edition with such a manner of featuring the event. Not exactly the first time would be the manner of the featured Pokémon species, but it's still a workable manner nonetheless. For those in the know, the species evokes "a song of ice and fire", but it has nothing to do with a battle for the seat of a kingdom; rather, it has a closer tie to a kind of "vixen" mythology, something that could become innate within someone's body.

With that, the featured species is Vulpix, both the Kanto and Alolan forms - thus, the "double-double" format. Either one certainly evolves to Ninetales of the respective (regional) form, and in the case of this edition, the Kanto form gets the Charged move of Energy Ball and the Alolan form gets the Charged move of Chilling Water. They're not same-type moves for their types, so they're more for coverage in the realm of PvP; in fact, the latter move has profound effects in PvP as demonstrated by its inclusion for Florges some time ago. The main bonus is triple XP, directed for those still on their leveling journey.

The remaining event bonuses are of the by-now standard variety: double Candy and Candy XL chance, three-hour Incense and one-hour Lure Modules with appearance bonuses, trade discounts and more Special Trades, photo bombs, and special backgrounds galore for both Vulpix forms. On the Research side, Field tasks are of the usual variety, though the catching task applied for both forms instead of either one; Timed tasks are gotten if one checked in (of course), and the paid Special Research set is titled "Icy and Spicy" for the qualifiers of both forms - not quite a song, but still entertaining.

Just as entertaining was my decision to do the same thing I had done in January for this edition of Community Day, to spend it with a few faraway Trainers, whom I am now finding to be a real pleasant bunch. I didn't catch as many Shiny forms today as I did last month, but the ones I got were a real treat, as was evolving them and others that I needed into Ninetales for certain purposes. Aside from this process, there was always the process of building up resources for possible future uses. This method and the faraway gathering can stand to be repeated whenever it's possible (and convenient) for me to do so.

On the matter of that "song of ice and fire", this species family with its regional forms - one set being the classically recognized one - is or has become innate with all Pokémon fans from the past to the present. They may have their own "songs" when put into battle, and the two new moves for them that are gotten from this edition of Community Day can just put a brand-new spin on their melodies. In the struggle of Pokémon battles, that may just be the song to listen to and counter as needed.

One year ago: Cosplay: Petstival Cosplay

Two years ago: Overlapping Events in Café Remix

Three years ago: Pokémon Is... A Lifesaver?

Four years ago: NADWPKMN YouTube Channel Open!!!

Five years ago: In Search of Friends or Accounts

Six years ago: Let's Go Fight to the Top

Seven years ago: Wrap the Light Fantastic

Eight years ago: The Workings of Raids

Nine years ago: Poké Ball Food

Pokémon Go Community Day, 1/18/2026

So, that familiar "togetherness" thing is this month's main edition of Community Day in Pokémon Go. Something that may be indicated for this year's editions is that they will encapsulate variety, including a few things that the game really needs to get on. The latter may be especially true for the featured Pokémon of this edition because of its possibly immense power and extreme musical ability courtesy of some sticks.

Those sticks are drumsticks, of course, for the featured Pokémon is Grookey, the Grass-type first partner from the Galar region, also making it likely that the rest of its friends will also make themselves present later this year. Being a first partner, the move of Frenzy Plant as its special move should have already been a given, though it also has the opportunity to learn its signature move of Drum Beating by TM. This is complemented by the bonus of triple catch Stardust, which is always wonderful to have and earn.

For the rest of the bonuses, they're as regular as regular can be. They are double Candy and Candy XL chance, three-hour Incense and one-hour Lure Modules (with its extra appearances), trade discounts and extra Special Trades, photo bombs, and special backgrounds in the wild (since the Classic Piplup edition) and from Research. Speaking of which, Field Research is of the usual sort, and there is also the paid Special Research with the title of "Grooving with Grookey". The "groove" also applies to the rest of the bonuses.

Being that it was my "special day" the other day, I decided to do something special and visit a faraway community to interact with them... though their place remains familiar for other purposes, which also became a part of my day today. I caught just enough Shiny Grookey to have a stock, and I caught a few special ones with the special background. The main purpose of evolution today was just to obtain a few that needed the Frenzy Plant move, while others (as the G-Max Rillaboom I already had) could use the Drum Beating move.

With regard to variety, as far as that goes, first partners that not only have their "super" moves but also signature moves of their own presents a good kind of variety, as shown in editions of Community Day in the past few years and even today. This year will surely have that and more - which are to be determined soon - and the sticks that Grookey and its species family wield are the lead-off for that variety and all the ways it may be realized.

One year ago: The (Android) Back Button and Pokémon Go

Two years ago: Memories of Kanto

Three years ago: 1000 Species Is Real!!

Four years ago: My Pokémon Identity

Five years ago: Pokémon Body Pillows

Six years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Fusion Cup

Seven years ago: Rivalries

Eight years ago: (Almost) A Pokémon Party

Nine years ago: Pokémon Art Academy - More Than Just Pokémon Art

Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 1/4/2026

Well, this is an ambitious start to the new year. This is now the earliest that Community Day has ever been scheduled in the year, and it's a Classic edition too, meaning the regular edition will come sometime later in the month. "Ambitious" might also describe the featured Pokémon species that returns for this Classic edition, which is a waddler with happy impressions that when fully evolved becomes something assertive - like a ruler - that can stand its ground in the face of certain adversities.

For those who haven't figured it out, this edition's featured species is Piplup, which was last featured in January 2020. Like it was back then, when I had Ash take care of quite a bit of the effort, the main bonus is quartered Egg hatch distance for those who want and need to clean out their Egg stock, and Empoleon as its fully evolved form (after Prinplup, of course) gets the Charged move of Hydro Cannon. Other returning facets are extended Lure Modules (back then extended Incense wasn't quite a thing) and Field Research, which was already a thing since way beyond this edition.

As for modern aspects, there would be extended Incense (with its three-hour length, whereas Lure Modules remain at one hour), extended Lure Module appearances (since the regular edition back in October last year), photo bombs (always a nifty add-on), and the extra paid Special Research (this time entitled "Piplup Parade"). Special backgrounds also return for the featured Pokémon, but this time they're not of the season; instead, the background is a unique nebulous image with a Poké Ball silhouette. As with the October edition, the background is randomly found for wild encounters and surely from some in the paid Special Research.

Evidently, this time I did things by myself instead of while sending Ash to a certain happening, since there were none to speak of anyway. This time around for Piplup, it was mostly to gather up the resources to enhance the Piplup I already have, including to fully evolve one with the best stats, which may be in the cards for further enhancement later on. Along the way, I evolved the best of my Lucky ones and a couple that had the special background, one of which is actually Shiny. In all, most things today were for preparing (for) the best.

(In the realm of "community", well... today I also needed to forego certain impressions for others, and that may or may not have had the desired results.)

Piplup is a Pokémon species that has made quite an impression over time along with other, more popular species, so it becomes a natural fodder for a Classic edition of Community Day. In particular, its earlier edition took place before many modern perks of the event were instituted, so bringing it back for a Classic edition helps in that regard. It's an ambitious Pokémon for an ambitious time (incidentally), and at the beginning of this year, that may just be a sign of things to come for the regular iterations.

One year ago: Card Rarity in TCG Pocket

Two years ago: Let's Talk About Being In and Out of Place

Three years ago: Three to Get Ready, Go

Four years ago: TCG 25th Anniversary (Plus Localized Content)

Five years ago: New GBL Novelties

Six years ago: On Third Parties

Seven years ago: The Loading Screen of Go

Eight years ago: Team Assistance and Secrecy

Nine years ago: "They can imitate you, but they can't duplicate you..."

Pokémon Go Community Day Weekend, 12/6/2025 and 12/7/2025

Well, lots of things are happening this month, so it would be great to get Community Day out of the way, which as usual for December would be the "recap" edition for the year. That would happen to occur in the first weekend of the month and one week after this year's last regular edition, which might seem a little odd, but that's the way things have fallen. So, I have to get on with the write-up for it as well, especially before other things (in and out of Pokémon Go) get on me. 

This year's featured Pokémon are Sprigatito, Karrablast, Shelmet, Fuecoco, Vanillite, and Pawmi from January to May, as well as Jangmo-o, Quaxly, Rookidee, Flabébé, Solossis, and Pikipek from June to November. They in these two sets are what appeared more often yesterday (the former) and today (the latter) from 2 PM to 5 PM, although all of them appeared intermittently from 9 AM to 9 PM on both days. Like last year, they are (were) also the prompt for two Collection Challenges, one set on each day. For the ones featured in Classic editions (Ralts, Totodile, Machop, and Eevee), also like last year, they were also additional appearances in the last 10 minutes of each main hour as above.

Predictably, all of these Pokémon have all of their special moves for their evolved forms from their respective editions, and in the case of Pokémon with esoteric evolution requirements, specific ones were simplified, though they may still have needed some effort. Their bonuses from their editions are also the main bonuses of the main hours, alongside the usual extended Incense and Lure Modules (the latter with the new length) as well as trade bonuses. Flabébé in particular is also still limited to its regional color forms, but the orange and white forms can still be found for all. Finally, the extra paid Special Research contains encounters with each of the Pokémon along with other premium bonuses, and Field Research has even more encounters.

Something that is unlike past years is that none of the ones from the past year were an additional feature for this edition in some way, including being able to get the special moves for their evolved forms. This is also hot on the heels of the loss of the seasonal backgrounds as a feature, though arguably the former is somewhat of a greater loss. Yet the monthly event goes on and so do the Trainers - like me.

For my personal progress, the part of yesterday was my own doing, but the part of today had a bit of assistance in a specific way. And for those who know me and what I'm referring to, that involved a certain someone, for which now we talk about it...

Goh: The recap came early this year.

Ash: It did, didn't it?

Me: Well, that can be good, even though it could mean other things for you and I both.

Goh: But you dealt with things yesterday.

Me: That I did, and I got a few things taken care of, like evolving others you and I had found throughout this year. But today...

Ash: I mostly just caught for you to bump up your stock. But I did find a few real good ones and evolved those too.

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Very nice!"]

Goh: Nice. But I'll bet our friend would have done the same. 

Me: True, and especially more if it had not rained.

Ash: It rained also today. And really wild too.

Me: Same as yesterday, then. But at least it let up at the end then...

Ash: So I met a couple of your "friends" today. 

Goh: Oh. Did anything special happen?

Ash: Not really...

Me: I kind of regret this, but part of the intent is actually to save money.

Ash: Is that why you didn't get me to a little happening some distance away?

Goh: I see now.

Me: Yeah, that. And then there was the rain, as you see.

Goh: It couldn't be helped.

Pikachu: Pika pika... ["Bummer..."]

Me: Well, I guess that's a wrap on Community Day this year. 

Goh: It has been a good selection this year. 

Ash: And things were OK too... at least a little bit.

Me: Yeah, I agree. Things could and should be better next year.

Now that Community Day is done and gone for this year, the variety of things for it can be said to be quite the assortment, even with some noticeable patterns for them. Both the regularity and irregularity for the event still make it what it is - a time to revel with other Trainers and get the best of and for Pokémon species. That seems to be what matters most.

One year ago: Pokémon Drinks (and Cards) for (a) Good Day

Two years ago: Pokémon Perspectives on Wasting Food

Three years ago: Factions Battlefields, Season 2 Cycle 3

Four years ago: Quickies: Letting the Charcoal Burn

Five years ago: GOtcha Podcast Episode 2: My Way of Playing Pokémon Go

Six years ago: Timeless and Forever

Seven years ago: Local EX Raid (and the Power of Us), 12/7/2018

Eight years ago: The Shops of Shuffle

...And Whimsy: Pokémon Go Wild Area 2025 (Global), Day 2

If the operative word for yesterday in Go Wild Area was "darkness", then today's would be "whimsy". For that, I've decided to bring in a little familiar "whimsy" of myself...

Me: ...along with two other people, of course.

Ash: Why not? This sounds like a fun one.

Goh: And shady. Grimmsnarl, huh?

Ash: Hey, I remember the time when Gengar went up against it.

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["What a time!"]

Me: We sure do. It can be said as a "turning point".

Goh: Absolutely. So you battled it yesterday, and now Ash gets to have a go again in your way... right?

Ash: Sure did! I battled it a few times. But I didn't get a Shiny one.

Me: That's OK. I already got one yesterday.

Goh: What else did you battle today? 

Ash: Shadow Darkrai and Bewear! That was quite a bit too. And I got two Shiny ones for the first one!

Goh: Neat! I'd say so myself. 

Me: Today, you're also finishing up a few loose ends, like some tasks with Professor Willow.

Ash: I got them. And the collection stuff too. That took me about half a day.

Goh: Were you not able to find the Pokémon?

Ash: Some of them didn't show up until later. 

Pikachu: Pika... ["Odd..."]

Goh: Hey, at least it got done. 

Ash: That's very true.

Me: And that's all that matters. Now, like last year, there had to be a lot of Mighty Pokémon strewn around...

Ash: And I caught many of them! Some of them had the best stats - with one Shiny, a Houndoom.

Goh: That's awesome!

Me: Hey, that's very refreshing. All of them can and will have their uses. But I'll still be selecting a few of them too.

Goh: And, uh... like last year, there had to have been backgrounds too.

Ash: I got ones for Darkrai and Bewear! 

Me: I didn't get one for Cresselia yesterday, so I'm a little bummed about that. But that's OK.

Pikachu: Chu pika.. ["I'll say."]

Goh: Oh, and Go Safari Balls.

Ash: I used most of them for the Mighty ones. But then I "blanked out" at the last big moment...

Me: Sorry about that. Maybe it's time for me to deal with a solution to help avoid that.

Goh: So, tasks done, battles done, Shiny and stuff done. All good!

Ash: Yeah! 

Goh: That leaves the question of you being around instead of our friend. Festivals? 

Me: Um... yeah. Again yesterday and today. But they were strangely "unavailable" for us due to location and venue constraints.

Goh: Well, Pokémon is always available, so it's a good option.

Me: And I actually sent Ash to somewhere a little far away to deal with a few Lucky Trades with faraway friends.

Ash: We got there, and that we did!

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Very nice!"]

Goh: Neat! But I guess it was the last thing you wanted to do.

Me: Yeah... but it was kinda needed.

Goh: This year's Go Wild Area was really something.

Ash: It was really wild, like its name.

Me: I'm sure that will continue to mean good things for it over time.

After "darkness" and "whimsy", the most enthralling experience for Go Wild Area is to be had, now and later. It brings together people and things, and that is definitely the wildest it can get.

One year ago: Encroaching Upon the Wild Area

Two years ago: A Fascination for Noctowl

Three years ago: To Cart or To Download?

Four years ago: Connectivity

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/15/2020

Six years ago: Cosplay: Mini Futsal Cup 2019

Seven years ago: The Detective Goes Live!!

Eight years ago: Go My Dear One, and Pursue Your Dreams

For Darkness...: Pokémon Go Wild Area 2025 (Global), Day 1

And now, there is the big Pokémon Go thing this weekend, as the second run of the paid event that was only introduced last year. The event's progression last year was also wild, befitting its name, by introducing a lot of new things through some organized elements. This year, the paid event is to retain a lot of those elements while introducing even more new things, and that's a good reason to go through the event in order to write it up and break it down.

As with last year, there is a Max Pokémon debut to be had, and this year, that would be the formidable Grimmsnarl, the grim and dark thing I had previewed earlier. It is actually the fully evolved form of Impidimp, which evolves to Morgrem first before evolving to that species form. For this edition, Grimmsnarl appears exclusively in its Gigantamax form in Power Spots, while Impidimp itself makes its debut in the wild (and photo bombs) along with its Shiny form - automatically meaning Grimmsnarl too has its Shiny form. As is expected, many Trainers will have to group up to take down this rather formidable Pokémon, including through whatever means necessary, even by remote battling.

The entire species family is of the Fairy and Dark types, so like last year, the day is structured with alternating habitats with selected species of or related to each type. Field Research suits the alternating habitats with certain tasks and rewards for them, while this time, the Collection Challenges are based on the day with different assortments for each day - but I'm getting ahead of myself. The reward for completing one of these is a special costumed Bewear wearing a cape, which could also be Shiny. This Bewear could also be encountered as part of the Go Pass for the accompanying event (separate details on that one) or through three-star raids.

That said, the raids of this edition besides the one just mentioned are of the Shadow variety - specifically five-star ones of Cresselia (today) and Darkrai (tomorrow). It's a more modest selection compared to the previous year, and it also means that Trainers don't have to work them too hard, except for the Shadow portion of the program. Yet that also means that they're radically different, and they're of interest regardless; Trainers will still need to take them on in groups as for the Max Battles.

Meanwhile, Mighty Pokémon return in the same way as last year, though certainly with a different assortment, for this day and the next. Their "surge" also happens at the last 15 minutes of the day's event instead of after. Likewise, they'll likely need to be caught with Go Safari Balls, which will drop from balloons and can be gotten from PokéStops, or else paid with coins. One change this year is that the balls received today can be retained for use the next day, though while still during the event hours of 10 AM to 6 PM.

Most other bonuses also still require the purchase of the event ticket, including the Special Research, which branches out and guides Trainers in achieving mastery of either type of the featured species. They can get more Max Particles, spin for more 5 km Eggs and hatch them with less distance, participate in more raids, get more Candy from captures, catch more Pokémon from extended Lure Modules, and incur more Special Trades as well as trade for less cost. Further, since Shadow Pokémon are involved, Frustration can also be removed by a Charged TM today and tomorrow during event hours.

I have to say that I got through the Max Battles just fine and got good results out of them, but I also got good results out of the Special Trades with some Lucky Friends as well. As well, I got most of today's Mighty assortment, missing out on at least one; it seems I'm somehow fated to miss a few of the assortment, though I can somehow make up for them sooner or later. Like last year, Shiny Pokémon also seemed rather scant - others even said they got less than they would have expected by last year - but the background ones seem to be fine. I had perceived a certain different "darkness" today, but that also didn't completely manifest.

It's only been two editions of Go Wild Area so far, and the paid event is starting to solidify with its elements just like Go Tour did a few years ago. This year, based on its main species feature, it can also be described to solidify around the themes of "darkness" and "whimsy", which may not be a bad thing. The best course of action is certainly to take advantage of both themes for what they bring to the "wild table" for Trainers.

One year ago: The World According to Ursaring

Two years ago: Pokémon Monuments of Our Hearts

Three years ago: Preparing for Scarlet and Violet

Four years ago: Pokémon Cafe Delights

Five years ago: Cosplay: The Bros Contest

Six years ago: Sword and Shield Unleashed

Seven years ago: Seeing Red: Cosplay Teaser for 12/2/2018

Eight years ago: Ma? Ma? Ma? Marshadow...!

Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/14/2025

Some people might say that September is a pleasant month. One thing that might make that so is all the colors that might be present throughout the days of the month, and the sight of colors is indeed relaxing to many. Colors also apply very well to Pokémon species, of which some of them have forms that vibrantly show off these colors. This may or may not have been the guiding principle for choosing the featured Pokémon of this month's edition - which incidentally is on the same date as last year's (see below) - but the colors are still evident regardless for this edition. 

Those colors are certainly of Flabébé, this month's featured Pokémon and its species family. As discussed in a post, it has five colors (of their flowers), which in Pokémon Go is distributed according to specific areas of the world - "regional", it can be said. That makes it the first Community Day with forms that not everyone in the world may have. Even so, the event is advertised with the white and orange colors, the global but rare ones. Regardless of color, evolving it to Floette and then Florges during the span of the next week allows the latter to learn the Chilling Water move, a Charged move of the Water type with usefulness for PvP. Further, the usual stringent evolution requirement to evolve Floette is temporarily simplified to just earning seven Buddy Pokémon hearts - truly a necessity if one wants to evolve several.

Because of the regional specificity, a few things also apply to Research. The Field Research encounters are of the regional color as well as the global colors. The background Timed Research encounters are of the regional color, while the paid Special Research encounters are of the global colors. As such, this isn't an opportunity to obtain the colors of the other regions, but more to obtain special versions of the ones that are available wherever one plays. Of course, one can deal with the ones from other regions if one already has them.

As for the rest of the aspects, this month's main bonus is quartered Egg hatch distance, always a useful bonus for an addition. Then there are the usual other bonuses of double Candy and Candy XL chance, extended Lure Modules and Incense, photo bombs (of the regional variant), an extra Special Trade and discounted trades, and item bundles in the shops. They're all regular, even if the featured Pokémon isn't.

Oh, and there is (was) a bit of an irregularity for me today for dealing with this edition...

Goh: That means Ash, doesn't it.

Ash: Here I am! (And there I was...)

Me: Well, we don't need to talk too much about Flabébé and its kin, since we know you two have a history with them while you were adventuring.

Goh: Yeah, you know about that, especially the white flower one.

Pikachu: Pika pika pika chu. ["I like yellow myself."]

Ash: I captured a lot of them today! But the only Shiny ones were for the blue one.... 

Goh: So, the blue one is for the place where you are.

Me: It surely is. I don't know if I'll be able to get the white and orange ones - if ever - but I can try a few things.

Ash: I met your better friends of your "friends". And then I went somewhere else for even better friends.

Goh: Oh, so that must be a for a thing going on somewhere.

Ash: It was.

Me: We'll deal with that separately. But hey, it makes for a "flowery" day today with all the people we met.

Ash: Nice one!

If the defining characteristic of the Flabébé species family is the color of their flowers, then as suggested by the title of the paid Special Research ("Flower Power"), the botanical aspect is their key to make things lively. Of course, that goes for the appearance aspect as the color, and that comes in spades to make this month's Community Day a real pleasant one.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/14/2024

Two years ago: Watch What I Say

Three years ago: Into the Deep Blue

Four years ago: Dancing with Pokémon

Five years ago: It's Time for GOtcha... Podcast

Six years ago: The Appeal of the TCG

Seven years ago: A Pokémon Watch

Eight years ago: Three's Demise

Pokémon Go Community Day, 8/30/2025

Some might have been wondering where exactly Community Day for Pokémon Go is this month, and the answer to that is that it's today, skirting the edge of the season's end (unlike the same month last year, where it was actually at the season's final day). It's a "chirrupy" business for the regularly occurring event, not the least of which is given its circumstances of today. As usual, Trainers would have to steel up their resolve and muster up efforts, given all the importance that the featured Pokémon species may have.

With that, the featured Pokémon species for this month is Rookidee, a characteristic bird Pokémon from Galar. As stated last month, the featured Pokémon had already been decided then, and that's because it was the winner of a poll (by a landslide) conducted on YouTube - the most sensible out of four options for Trainers. Its fully evolved form, Corviknight (which evolves from Corvisquire) also has a Gigantamax form, but that hasn't appeared yet; at least its Dynamax one has, and that will have to do for now. That fully evolved form gets the move of Air Cutter as a Charged move, which may be useful in certain cases. Also as equally useful is the main bonus of this edition, being quartered Egg hatch distance for those who like (and need) to clean out their Egg stash.

The rest of the dealings for Community Day are all the usual things. There would be the double Candy and Candy XL chance for more resources, extended Lure Modules and Incense to get more of the Pokémon to appear, photo bombs for some surprises in catching, and an extra Special Trade and discounted trades for those making the most of it, plus an item bundle for more useful things to get. As well, there are general and unique Field Research tasks, the background Timed Research, and the extra paid Special Research for things to work on - and the reminder that the move window will last until next Saturday for that purpose.

For me today, there was also some assistance in a familiar form...

Ash: That would be with me!

Goh: Hmm, Rookidee, huh. The bird that would become Corviknight.

Me: I think you two might have seen it at least once when you were in Galar.

Goh: I think we did - the flying taxi.

Ash: Yeah. That's a pretty big bird. And now you get to have one too.

Me: With the special move. I already had one but without it.

Ash: OK. You'll definitely need at least some of the Candy and Candy XL that I got by catching for that. And I got a lot!

Me: I'll definitely deal with a few of these for evolution over the next week. 

Goh: Was this together with our friend's "not-so-friends"?

Ash: Yeah...

Me: Well, actually, I also needed Ash to take care of a few things for my better friends, and they came there - didn't they?

Ash: They did. And don't worry, I took care of them.

Me: Afterwards, well...

Goh: There was something else, wasn't it. 

Ash: Uh-huh.

Me: That's for later. Anyway, I think we'll all fly high with this one.

Ash: You can say that again!

Rookidee may be described as a tiny creature with great aspirations... which in fact becomes the essence of the paid Special Research title - "Little Bird, Big Dreams". "Chirruping up" those big dreams may be the task of Trainers before and after this edition of Community Day, and to bring them forth while flying high - in a Corviknight taxi or otherwise.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/30/2024

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/30/2023

Three years ago: Delving Further into (Enjoying) PokéToon

Four years ago: Raids on Different Platforms

Five years ago: Competitive Stage Progress

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/30/2019

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/30/2018

Eight years ago: Stories That You Don't Know

Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 7/5/2025 and 7/6/2025

Having run for many years, some things about Community Day become instantly predictable, like what is involved when it runs for two days as is today and tomorrow. It's also a Classic edition, which means that something from the past is brought back to the present and updated with modern perks. The possibilities are plenty for that purpose, but then that also might be true for the the featured Pokémon, how many of them Trainers catch, and in what ways they'll evolve them (or how they themselves evolve).

If one still hasn't figured things out, the featured Pokémon for this Classic edition is the one, the only, and the variable Eevee along with its evolutionary family. This makes it its third time featured in Community Day after its earlier features in August 2018 and August 2021. The present Classic edition, however, takes the latter as its base, which means that all the evolved forms of Eevee get all the moves as I listed in that post - it's a lot, and it can get kind of repetitive if, well... repeated.

Unlike last time, all the Eevee appear for just three hours (2 PM to 5 PM) as things have normalized, though still certainly with Lure Modules and Incense extended to aid with their capture. The "move window" also now follows that of modern editions of Community Day, lasting for one week after the start of the event from today, along with accommodating changes. For that, like last time, evolution requirements are relaxed: for Espeon and Umbreon, setting as Buddy Pokémon and walking for 1 km is sufficient (the intended way for that time), and Sylveon only requires seven Buddy hearts. 

Meanwhile, other aspects are as expected. There is the main bonus of quartered Egg hatch distance (as before), common and rare Field Research (as is the current norm), the modern background Timed Research set, the paid Special Research (just titled "Eevee Community Day Classic"), photo bombs, showcases, and item bundles galore. All the old perks and modern conveniences blend into the event's experience.

As for why I'm "jumping the gun" and writing all this up today, tomorrow is actually a special day of sorts and has always been reserved for that purpose - and it will stay that way. I did, however, make my way to the place of my local area's meetup just to smooth things over with good people and to evaluate how things will be for the grander meetup, scheduled for the second day. In the process, I've also identified the possible issues that may pervade that meetup while I also deal with the continued process of gaining resources and going through the "hoops" of this event. That much is always certain.

With all the variable quality that Eevee and its entire evolutionary species family has, at least some elements of its Community Day feature will be just that - variable - even for a Classic "rerun" like today (and tomorrow) with all its constants. One of those other constants is evolution, and Eevee has a lot to offer for that in many ways for Trainers to exploit and especially on these two days.

One year ago: The Cooking Festival in Café Remix

Two years ago: Is Pokémon Second-Rate?

Three years ago: Quickies: Living Around Magnets

Four years ago: Poké Ball Luggage Tag

Five years ago: YouTube Pokémon Highlights - Mewmore Edition

Six years ago: The Art of Pokémon Adventures - 20th Anniversary Illustrations

Seven years ago: Variegated Pokémon Patterns

Eight years ago: I Side with Pokémon