Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 9/12/2026

Today is Community Day Classic in Pokémon Go, but I'm going to preface it by saying that apparently, it will be the only kind of Community Day that will be present this month - which means that the non-Classic regular edition is absent. Nothing else has been stated (officially) about the plan, and some Trainers have associated the missing regular edition with Go Fest Mega Finale, with it taking a "bite" (and a big one at that) of the regular edition. Nevertheless, there is a "biting" element to this edition of Community Day Classic as well.

Since Totodile has already been done, it's obviously for a different Pokémon that can bite, and that would be for Gible, last seen in June 2021. When it's fully evolved to Garchomp through Gabite, it still learns the special move of Earth Power, and the bonus also remains triple XP for those who still seek it. As usual, there are extensions for Incense and Lure Modules, both with their modern lengths of three hours and and one hour, and photo bombs. Thus, the effort of updating past editions with modern features is still an ongoing one for this edition.

For that, some Gible in the wild as well as encounters from Field Research, Timed Research (community), and Special Research (paid, still with the title of "Just a Nibble") have the modern special background; the last of these also has the modern structure. Of course, those who still want to make the most of it can encounter a few more Gible past the main event hours by putting up Lure Modules up to 9 PM, which is also the cutoff for obtaining the special move as above and represents another added modern feature.

New this time is a Collection Challenge that is completed by catching a Gible and evolving it through its evolution line to earn Garchomp Mega Energy. This makes it the first time that the feature has returned since March this year, which is what I hinted in an earlier post. Certainly, it is well-deserved and becomes a novel implementation for it.

Meanwhile, as for my dealings with this edition, it's not exactly "mine", and there are good reasons for that, which are to be explained with the help of others...

Me: Right then, so it's the Gible line today. You have one, don't you?

Ash: Yeah! And we all know Cynthia has a Garchomp.

Goh: And then there's Mega Evolution and all that jazz.

Ash: You had me take care of this one in your area today. Luckily, I met a couple of your friends who could help out with that.

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["Good thing."]

Me: Well, don't expect it to happen every time with them. (I don't expect it to happen for myself either.) But at least today worked out somehow.

Ash: Yeah. We met at the mall and walked a little bit past it. I caught as many Gible as possible, completed the challenge, and then... went off for something else.

Goh: Well, if there's a "something else", that means our friend has something in mind - something that happens locally.

Me: Certainly. But that's for a separate discussion soon enough.

Without a regular or non-Classic edition for this month, it might seem that something is afoot with Pokémon Go - perhaps, not in this particular context. But having the ever-popular Gible line return for Community Day might be a satisfactory way to take a bite off the big things.

One year ago: Theia Sky Ruins, Subterranean Edition

Two years ago: No Lies... and Lies

Three years ago: A Win for the Ages

Four years ago: One-Minute Cooking in Café Remix

Five years ago: Hidden Tracked Statistics in Pokémon Go

Six years ago: Let's Talk About Household Creatures

Seven years ago: And Intelligence

Eight years ago: Proud to Be a Clean Cosplayer

Nine years ago: Poké-Mobile Devices

Pokémon Go Fest 2026 (Global), Mega Finale

I mentioned a "catch-up opportunity" in my previous post, and that was for a good reason: a finale edition of Pokémon Go Fest is once again instituted for this year. Like last year, it's a mainly two-day happening on the weekend, though it is supported by a week-long event (certainly, to be detailed later). This time, evidently, it's all about Mega Evolution, which has possessed a significance of its own in the game - and this "Mega Finale" honors that significance while wrapping up the festivities, as well as the season.

As usual, the Mega Evolution forms appear by way of raids, this time all divided up into four habitats repeated once both yesterday and today over the period of 10 AM to 6 PM. They also include ones that were previously instituted as Super Mega Raids throughout this year starting from Go Tour and then the Raid Day events, this time just as regular Mega Raids with no shields to break. The catch-up element becomes apparent in this way for anyone whose Mega Energy is lacking and can afford to raid if possible.

But it's not the only one. Also in it for catching up is Mewtwo in its Mega forms, X yesterday and Y today, though rewarding a different background (if one is fortunate) and without the raid perks of the main Go Fest event. In addition, for the first time in seven years, Armored Mewtwo from the movie event in July 2019 returns, allowing those who haven't caught it to catch it by modern standards with various sizes, but still not in Shiny form. The finale event may thus be considered as Mewtwo-centric as it is Mega-centric, like the main one.

Since the Mega Evolution forms are found in raids, their predecessors in evolution are also found in the wild (and some Field Research tasks) during each habitat, accompanied by other species of similar types and supporting roles. The three first partners or starters of Kalos also appear in the wild, regardless of habitat, to supplement what can be gained from the accompanying event's Go Pass (to be detailed shortly)... for this Mega Finale also serves as the debut of the Mega Evolution forms of these Pokémon, though not by way of raiding them.

Then there is the Go Pass. It has a number of encounters with one of the Kalos first partners, which is selected by way of a Timed Research set. There are some items as well, but most of the first 100 ranks are filled with Mega Energy of various Mega Evolution forms, which may be useful for those who rarely have the chance to raid for them (even in this instance). The rest of the 500 ranks are composed of mostly Stardust as usual, while the real value is in the first partner encounters, which have a background when caught and could be Shiny.

Like last year, I took care of the first day yesterday in my local area and today in a faraway area, though today was also for a different and more "usual" reason that makes this year's instance a diversion, in addition to it being a diversion itself with some friends...

Goh: I seem to recall that we talked about something similar... oh, here we go, around a year ago too. Would it have something to do with that?

Me: Hmm, maybe. You know, it's as if I had planned it.

Ash: It was all today!

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["Like that."]

Goh: Well, I can't wait to find out what happened. But for the Mega thing...

Ash: I just took care of what our friend needed with the raids and all.

Me: Great! It shouldn't have been too much.

Ash: But Mega Evolution is always a big thing.

Goh: Can't argue with that.

Me: This year is a big one in many ways.

One more thing: this event is precisely why the next Pokémon Go season is deferred, so this becomes the real peak - or at least, it was previewed. As the season ends on a high note, the Mega Evolution journey in Pokémon Go continues for whatever else it might offer next.

One year ago: Pokémon (and Other) Diversions

Two years ago: The Good and Evil of Ace Spec Cards

Three years ago: Why Do I Still Play Pokémon Go?

Four years ago: Pelipper's Carry-Ons

Five years ago: The Silph Arena Continentals Meta

Six years ago: Multiple Pokédexes in Pokémon Go?

Seven years ago: Local Tailors and My Cosplay Costumes

Eight years ago: A New 3DS Story: A Second Monster Home

Nine years ago: Personalities

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/29/2026

August has once and again proven itself to be a busy and hectic month for Pokémon affairs in general and Pokémon Go in particular, and for the latter, the time is at hand to roll up or recap the in-game events that have taken place in the month. It occurs at the same date as last year, and a similarly late one at that, but that is only a further reflection of the hectic nature of the month. Furthermore, this season has the title of "Forever Forward", and this is its last month, so there's still a sense of the seasonal theme by that title that needs to be fulfilled.

Kicking off the month on August 1 was another replay event as a "Community Saturday", which was a Max Battle Day featuring Gigantamax Rillaboom, last seen approximately a year ago. All the usual perks (including more MP, a paid ticket "booster", and more Special Trades) were present for the replay event, as did the possibility of the species becoming Shiny, which may have been what Trainers were most looking for and that the replay facilitated for them.

Hot (or cold) on its trail was the Summer Marathon event with the subtitle of "Arctic Embers" from August 4 to 10. Like its earlier iteration in the spring, there was a chance to catch the marathon Pikachu by Timed tasks - yet only still by traversing the full length of 42 km. Its main focus, though, was on Fire and Ice types, specifically the debut of Shiny Snom, from Eggs or otherwise. Four Pokémon of the types, two of each, were also featured on alternating days along with a few other complementary species, some also from Field Research encounters. The event also came with a new avatar item as well as a Go Pass of 60 ranks containing regular and premium support items, encounters, and bonuses of greater PokéStop XP and reduced hatch distance... the last of these being useful to hatch the event 5 km Eggs as well as the ones from the Fire and Ice Hatch Day on August 8 featuring Magby and Smoochum. A few things about the event were truly hot and/or cold according to what Trainers preferred for and from it.

The water, though, is always cool (in a sense), as the Water Festival returned from August 18 to 24 as an UItra Unlock. For that purpose, it brought about the debuts of the Arrokuda family as well as Cramorant, mostly from Rainy Lure Modules but the latter also from Go Battle League. Other Pokémon of the given type supported these debutants in the wild, raids (including Tatsugiri, Dondozo, and a few other special ones), and Field Research encounters, plus Wiglett where it's found. As for bonuses, there were greater Shiny chances for Ducklett and Dewpider, and gradually increasing XP and Stardust catch bonuses every two days, plus Candy and halved Egg distance from the Go Pass of 60 ranks along with its other useful items and some encounters. The "crown jewel" of the festival, though, was the appropriately scheduled Starmie Super Mega Raid Day on August 22 with all the usual perks, and thanks to the Stardust bonus, a massive reward for those who really (and always) seek it. This edition of the festival was regardless one that delivered novelty and sparkle in more ways than one.

Finally, there is the accompanying event to PokémonXP and the World Championships from August 25 to 30 (tomorrow), with some particular focus for each "half" in three-day periods. This event expectedly has both special Pikachu in in-game form, which can be caught from raids and Field Research encounters. Because of the focus on the tournaments, Go Battle League allows for more battles (three times as many in a day), more varied IVs from Pokémon encounters, and a special background and music to suit. Both "halves" also have different accompanying wild and rare Pokémon, including in raids. A great deal of Pokémon will also know special moves when caught or evolved. Other niceties for Trainers involve avatar items for the champion, on-site visitors, and everyone (including a shirt and backpack), plus new stickers. This event's Go Pass of 60 ranks has some special goodies and encounters in it as well, not to mention some bonuses for Stardust catch and raids - some of which become very, very nice when upgraded to the Deluxe track. As always, Trainers can also watch Twitch streams for other rewards, especially to make them feel that they're there at the grand event.

With that, everything is also moving forward as the season ends and the next one is about to begin - sometime soon. It's something that always happens, further as the season's title may suggest, and when that is coupled with a busy and hectic August, as it seems to be in this and past years, that makes for an experience where "moving (on)" itself is a kind of necessity.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/29/2025

Two years ago: Being Emotionally "Invested"

Three years ago: Let's Talk About Blocks in Our Lives

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/29/2022

Five years ago: Respect for Veronica Taylor

Six years ago: The Social Value of Pokémon Go

Seven years ago: Adventurous Families

Eight years ago: Media Master

Nine years ago: Catching Up

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 Event Rollup, 7/31/2026

Then, there is the rollup of events in Pokémon Go to deal with. This month moves forward the season that also aptly has the same theme ("Forever Forward"). It also moves the game into its prime celebratory season, being the time surrounding its anniversary, as detailed earlier in this month. And it is a prime celebration, which as I've said is its 10th year for this year. All the details would then lie in the surrounding events, which is the purpose of this rollup to cover and present them as they are (or were).

The actual celebratory event would be the aptly titled 10th Anniversary Party from July 4 to 6, also covering the monthly Community Day up to the actual anniversary day. It brought about a slew of past celebratory costumed Pokémon in the wild, as well as a new one for Gimmighoul with a 10th anniversary coin from its usual sources; some might also appear in Field Research encounters. A paid Timed Research set provided premium niceties, and a new avatar item and new stickers made things festive. All this was supplemented by bonuses of evolving Kanto starters to get their special moves, as well as increased catch XP and Stardust as well as Shiny and background (for Gimmighoul) chances. It was a short celebratory event, but that was needed since the party would continue in a longer form in a different way.

Following the celebration, things led up to the Global edition of Pokémon Go Fest with the Road of Legends event from July 6 to 10. This event served as the accompanying event for that, for which its Go Pass of 200 ranks furnished all the niceties for and through the grand weekend event, including in its Deluxe track. As for its other features, true to its name, it had a lot of Legendary Pokémon, from an all-out raid-able bash on Monday, Fusion selections on Tuesday and Wednesday, Crowns on Thursday, and Origins and Primals on Friday, plus complementary Mega Raids for each save Primals. All of them might also have a special background celebrating raids when caught, and they might have Fusion moves if applicable. Other complements to this event were special 2, 5, and 10 km Eggs, as well as bonuses of no remote limit (through Go Fest), stickers, increased Premier Ball catch rate, increased Party Power, and an extra free raid pass on the specific event days. In a way, it was even more of a celebration because of the lead-up to the prime event, which is (and was) a total "fest" in itself.

Fittingly, a Pokémon celebration has to involve Pikachu, and that was the Special Anniversary Pikachu Celebration from July 13 to 20 was all about. It featured the return of many past costumed Pikachu (from special events, anniversaries, and the like) in the wild in roughly two-day periods with different selections in each, as well as a constant selection in raids of one star, and certainly encounters from some Field Research tasks. Pikachu was also easier to catch during the event. Meanwhile, its Go Pass of 60 ranks featured the return of Cosplay Pikachu with glittery items and lots of XP, as well transfer Candy (XL) and catch Stardust bonuses. A Super Mega Raid Day for Raichu - both X and Y forms - coincided with the event on July 18 with all the usual perks, so its evolved (and further evolved) form didn't miss out on the celebration as well, making it inclusive and quintessential for the event.

Last up for this month's prime celebration was the first Ultra Unlock bonus from Go Fest, as the 10th Anniversary Edition from July 21 to 27. It featured the debut of a costumed Pikachu that resembles Professor Willow on its first day and then throughout the event; the first partners of the various regions were also present in the wild (and Field Research encounters) in three-day periods, which when caught could also have backgrounds depending on one's team; all of them could also be evolved to get their special moves. Lure Modules had some powerhouse Pokémon while a few with party hats appeared in raids. Each three-day period also had even more catch XP (up to 10 times), and new Professor Willow avatar items made things lively, along with the stickers from the earlier celebration event. The Masterwork Research for Shiny Shaymin could also be gotten if one hasn't done so. Finally, this event's Go Pass of 60 ranks had some unusual premium goodies like the Golden Lure Module, a T-shirt, more encounters, and Candy (XL) bonuses at each of its milestones to make the celebration more worthwhile.

Lodged in the weekend of the previous event was the Ozone Ascent event from July 25 to 26, which simply had a Timed Research set to be completed to encounter Rayquaza and get its Mega Evolution niceties, a kind of appeal in itself. Then, there was the make-up (as mentioned) for Day 2 of Go Fest on July 26, which in a way was appropriate since the former needed raids, and players needed the best experience.

July will surely cement itself into Pokémon Go as its anniversary month and celebration, and for the tenth iteration as above for this year, the celebration really kept on coming on. Yet that is certainly something players (Trainers) can benefit from in very many ways, perhaps as many as the game's current and future years.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 35

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 7/31/2024

Three years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 23

Four years ago: The Long and Short of Titles, Again

Five years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 11

Six years ago: YouTube Pokémon Highlights - Virtual Team Lounge

Seven years ago: Mythical Numbers?

Eight years ago: To Watch a Movie

Nine years ago: Like a Fierce Double Battle

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 Event Rollup, 6/29/2026

This Pokémon Go season is called "Forever Forward", and this would be its first month. That month is also coming to a close, so before that happens, I want and need to make the rollup of its events... plus a related one from the prior month and season. It would then be the first month of making new forward steps - if Pokémon Go and other (Pokémon) matters may be of any indication - and as such, getting on with it just becomes pertinent.

Now, the first couple events of this month and that related previous one are all related to (or more appropriately, accompany) the regional Go Fest events that occur on their weekends. They each featured a Team Leader and their costumed "mascot" Pokémon along with a Kanto first partner and "Eeveelution", plus a distinctly strong Pokémon and one of a regional form. Other Pokémon of characteristic types and related interests also joined in through Field Research encounters. Each of the related events also had a Go Pass of 60 ranks associated with them that contained interest-related bonuses as well as encounters with some of the Pokémon as described above, with it having no points limit during the Go Fest weekend. Evidently, as they all have a similar structure, summarizing them in this way makes things easier... or should.

Blanche was up first with her "Quest for Knowledge" from May 26 to June 1, accompanying the edition in Tokyo. Her "mascot" is a Lapras with a bandanna, and the accompanying species are Squirtle, Vaporeon, Larvitar, and Galarian Zigzagoon, along with others of the Water type. As it was oriented to "knowledge", the Field Research tasks involved the completion of those very tasks, with additional Candy and Incense bonuses furnished by the Go Pass. Certainly, that would reflect the cool and clear blue water that is so associated with the Team Leader.

Spark was next with his "Caretaking Quest" from June 2 to 8, accompanying the edition in Chicago. His "mascot" is an Elekid with a sleeve, and the accompanying species are Bulbasaur, Jolteon, Dratini, and Alolan Raichu, along with others of the Grass and Electric types. For the "caretaking", that would mean hatching Eggs, which became the focus of the Field Research tasks, and the Go Pass furnished bonuses that assist with those efforts. Spark is a warm guy, and so is essentially this "yellow" quest with its focus.

Candela was the last with her "Quest for Victory" June 9 to 15, accompanying the edition in Copenhagen. Her "mascot" is a Ponyta with a necklace, and the accompanying species are Charmander, Flareon, Mankey, and Hisuian Growlithe. "Victory" certainly implies battling, and that is reflected in the tasks demanding to win raids; the Go Pass has bonuses related to this endeavor, not to mention the items needed. It can therefore be a demanding week with such a quest, whether or not one is participating in the Go Fest event on its weekend.

Meanwhile, the remaining event of the month that isn't related to Go Fest is the Flying Taxi event from June 23 to 29. The "flying taxi" in question is not the one in Galar, but in Paldea, which is powered by Squawkabilly, making its debut here. Still, Rookidee and other Pokémon of the Flying type appeared during this event, especially in Field Research encounters and raids. The event's Go Pass of 60 ranks started out light but progressively got darker, since this event had a Taken Over portion from June 25 onwards featuring Shadow Reshiram from Giovanni (who is now PokéStop-only) and as always, the rotation of Shadow Pokémon, removal of Frustration by TM, and frequent Grunt appearances with varied IVs. It is also the only week with a "Community Saturday" apart from the Go Fest events as above and Community Day, with a Super Mega Raid Day for Mega Skarmory with the usual fixings and a presentation of sky-high take on going places with the event overall.

With all that went on within this month and a little bit from the previous one, there is something for the fans who can make it to a Go Fest event and fans elsewhere, and sky-high aspirations can apply in either case. It may be just a matter of getting there and moving forward, as the season suggests.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2025 (Global), Day 2

Two years ago: Cosplay: Grill Summer Festival

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/29/2023

Four years ago: Pokémon Adventures: Sword and Shield Manga, Volume 1

Five years ago: Blogging on Blogs: Jurnal Otaku Indonesia

Six years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Sorcerous Cup

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/29/2019

Eight years ago: Monotype (of) Sorts

Nine years ago: 3DS Circle Pad and Pokémon Games... Plus My Experience

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 Event Rollup, 5/29/2026

A Pokémon Go season that is dubbed as "moving alongside memories" is coming to an end, and before that happens, it's got to be finished with one more event rollup for the last month of the season, being this one. With that being the case, it has to be said that the events in it are evocative of a "last dash", and as usual, that has to be made evident in what the events are (or were) and the content they offer, which is also the usual essence of the rollup.

Going back to last month, there was the Steeled Resolve event, which I had mentioned also held a dark secret... or not so secret, actually, since that would be a "Taken Over" portion by Team Go Rocket as its latter half, from April 31 to May 4. Much of the latter half of the original event and its Go Pass are dedicated to this portion, which also replaces the previously standard Special Research with the inclusion of a Super Rocket Radar. Meanwhile, this edition brings about Shadow Landorus (Incarnate) as Giovanni's target and Shiny Varoom in 12 km Eggs, as well as new Shadow Pokémon from the sixth and seventh generations. Then, there's the usual bonuses of more Grunts, changing out Frustration, leader rotations, and varied Shadow Pokémon IVs, plus Field Research tasks. Last month's "strong movement" thus also has a strong "last dash" to it.

In the middle of the month, Trainers had to really "dash", for the Spring Marathon event was at hand from May 12 to 18. The event featured the debut of the Flittle species family, as well as a Pikachu in a marathon costume... for those who can complete a task of exploring 42 km in a Timed Research set, the same as a real marathon. Flittle, meanwhile, was caught from Go Pass encounters and hatched from 5 km Eggs - alongside other Pokémon with flower crowns, also found in Field Research encounters. Speaking of, the Go Pass had 60 ranks and bonuses of more XP for spinning PokéStops and halved Egg hatch distance, along with premium items for all and ultra-premium items for those who pay for Deluxe.

Now, this month actually has one more event, but like for last month, I'm going to shove it into next month's rollup due to its thematic connotations and in a way to make writing the rollup much easier for it and other events. So, this is a "last dash" that isn't, in some way.

Of course, there are the Community Saturdays of this month, as with the previous two months, other than for the two Community Day editions on May 9 (regular) and May 16 (Classic). Those were for a Raid Day for Shadow Entei on May 2 in line with the "Taken Over" event as above, and then a Super Mega Raid Day for Mega Falinks on May 23. These had their usual bonuses (more free passes, extra paid ticket for premium bonuses, and so on) as well as an opportunity to use Link Charges in the latter - and hopefully to meet good people.

The "last dash" evident through the above events might seem like a mixed bag of "dashing" for things, but it also makes it evident that some things need to move, and Trainers also need to move for them. That is perfectly in line with "Memories in Motion" as it wraps up so that Trainers can stride into the next season.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 34

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 28

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/29/2023

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/29/2022

Five years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 10

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/29/2020

Seven years ago: Lure Modules Evolve

Eight years ago: The "Attractors"

Nine years ago: A Hero Looks to the Sky

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 Event Rollup, 4/28/2026

The second month of a Pokémon Go season entitled "Memories in Motion" goes (or perhaps more appropriately, had gone) into motion, so now it's time to roll up the events and evaluate what has transpired in that time. Based on their content, I would say that the events this month are of the "strong movement" kind, and that may be saying something for the things that go into motion, as the season's moniker suggests. In turn, that presents strong memories as well with the way that the season is.

The first event, A Shockingly Good Time, actually began on March 31, but I consider it an April event for soon-to-be evident reasons. The main event was all about Electric-type Pokémon, with Pikachu, Chinchou, and Dedenne having Shiny boosts, and others joining them in the wild and Field Research encounters. It also saw the temporary return of Spotlight Hour... or Hours, one for each day of the event (up to April 6) with different species on each day. Now, along with Pikachu as the Spotlight Hour feature on April 1, a hooded species also accompanied it from that point onwards - and that would be Mimikyu, making its debut in the game as the "shade of difference" for April Fool's. This event also came with a Go Pass of 60 ranks with encounters, catch and Incense bonuses, and lots of items (including some for Mimikyu) plus two avatar items, one inside (by the paid Deluxe track) and one outside the Go Pass. There was both a time of shock and tomfoolery for this particular event.

April 14 saw the return of Sustainability Week, which proceeded until April 20. This edition saw the debuts of the Silicobra family, a costumed Galarian Corsola, and Shiny Toedscool - the first of which had a bit of a "habitat kerfuffle". Meanwhile, the second could be encountered on Routes along with a few other species in two-day periods, all with Shiny boosts; it too might appear in 7 km Eggs and Field Research along with yet other species. The third along with natural Pokémon species and the dynamic-by-weather Castform (with a Shiny boost) appeared in the wild wherever they are found. This event's 60-rank Go Pass had bonuses of PokéStop XP and hatch distance, along with the usual encounters and unusually luxe items, including a paid pose in the Deluxe track - all for a strongly sustainable time.

Finishing off this month is the return of the Steeled Resolve event, from April 28 (today) until May 4. New this time is the species Orthworm (and its Shiny form), which appears in raids along with other species of the Steel type, not to mention in the wild and Field Research. Meltan is also a given for this one, with a Shiny chance and more opportunities to open the Mystery Box. Then there's the event's Go Pass with its 60 ranks containing encounters and other items... but this one holds a dark secret for the event's tail end that is best discussed separately - as in next month's rollup with a different "finish".

As with last month, there were the "Community Saturdays" that took place in the month, aside from this month's Community Day on April 11. On April 4, there was a Fashion Raid Day that featured many species with costumes as found in past Fashion Week events. Then, April 18 saw a Hatch Day event featuring Lucario, a "replay" of the first one some three years ago. Finally, there was also a Max Battle Day on April 25 featuring the first four Pokémon (the three Kanto first partners plus Gengar) in the game that received the Gigantamax treatment as part of the "Go Bigger" event a couple of years ago. These are not just strong but also big in some respects - in particular the last one of these for its significance.

Facets of strength and nostalgia really seemed to make themselves apparent this month with all the events, and there were some motions too from the related Pokémon, if not also for the Trainers pursuing them. It may be the most representative month for the season, although its finale next month is not far away. 

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/27/2025

Two years ago: Pokémon on a Budget

Three years ago: Attraction to Poké Balls

Four years ago: Employing a Loudred "Speaker"

Five years ago: The Mysticism of Pokémon in Caves

Six years ago: The Allure and Wonder of "Shundo"

Seven years ago: Cosplay: J-COSHOKAI 4 - Hibana no Utopia

Eight years ago: Other Pokémon Competitions

Nine years ago: Pokémon Floor Mat

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 Event Rollup, 3/30/2026

For the first event rollup of this season, it's also wise to precede it with a foreword. Along with the changes as mentioned for the daily sub-events, a few changes have also been set "in motion" for those events, seemingly measuring up to the season's moniker of memories also being "in motion". So, as it stands, a lot of things do seem to be on the move this season, including the events in the first month to be rolled up below.

With regard to those changes, certain events will now have Go Passes associated with them, certainly with free and deluxe tracks. The latter of these, as the paid track, also replaces event tickets that used to accompany them, meaning more rewards and regular ways to obtain them. If they don't, they will be noted accordingly, and if they do, the rewards will be explained briefly - which will be the case for this and future rollups. And then there's the regular weekly structure of them... which is evident even way before this season.

Now, kicking off the season was the 30th Anniversary event from March 3 to 9, certainly for Pokémon in general. The main part of the event covered the Kanto region, with almost all of them appearing in the wild (with some Ditto surprises), aside from regionals and "super" Legendary ones. Raids featured Pikachu with Trainer caps and evolved first partners from this region, and Field Research featured select encounters and nifty items. The event also had a Go Pass of 100 ranks mostly filled with Pokémon encounters from said region plus some Candy and increased catch XP (Tier 1) and catch Candy (Tier 2). This event's "Community Saturday" - a sub-event called "All Out" - also extended over the weekend, featuring Incense that could attract almost any kind of Pokémon, save "special", regional, and some Mythical ones. They were also complemented by raids of Pikachu with Trainer caps (all of them) plus selections of Legendary, Mythical, and Ultra Beast Pokémon, and furthermore with 2 km Eggs full of "baby" Pokémon. It was a total celebration in every sense, especially for all kinds of Pokémon.

Since the new game was released, there was also the Pokémon Pokopia Celebration event from March 10 to 16. Ditto is the star of that game, so the event has it as a feature, with new outfits and backgrounds as well as changing into different Pokémon. Those Pokémon are some of the ones also featured in the game, with highlights for Sudowoodo and Zorua (in the wild with increased Shiny chance) as well as Lapras, Snorlax, and Dragonite (in raids and Field Research with backgrounds). The rest of Research comprise Field and Timed tasks with items and encounters, along with Collection Challenges for some more encounters - but no Go Pass in this instance. Rounding out the event are bonus XP for spinning PokéStops, a mask avatar item, and commemorative stickers for the occasion of the release of this fascinating new game.

Bug-types are the regular feature of the Bug Out event, which returned from March 17 to 23. This one featured the debut of the Blipbug species family (mostly through raids) and the usual cavalcade of species of this type - all in the wild, raids, and Field Research. For this iteration, three species (Paras, Cutiefly, and Combee) were specially attracted along with Sizzlipede to Lure Modules over two-day periods for each, and the former three had increased Shiny chances. Meanwhile, this event also featured a Go Pass of 60 ranks with items and encounters, plus bonuses of double catch XP (Tier 1) and increased catch Candy (Tier 2). For the "Bug Catchers", this iteration of the event was also a "commotion in motion".

This time and onwards, I'll also roll up "Community Saturdays" on their own (other than Community Days) if they don't pertain to specific events like the anniversary event as above. The pertinent ones for this month are the Water Research Day on March 21 featuring Lotad, Feebas, and Clamperl - a "replay" of the very first one that happened many years ago - and a Battle Day for Gigantamax Pikachu on March 28 with increased MP collection limits and bonus paid items. There was definitely a "memory in motion" and something larger than life (in a way) in these other "Community Saturdays" in the month.

Having set into motion changes alongside the expected movement, the events that kick off the season in this month are somewhat indicative of all that can go on with Pokémon (now in Pokémon Go), both retrospectively and prospectively. In that sense, they make for some good memories that will stand the test of this season and surely be carried onwards.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/30/2025

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 27

Three years ago: Adjudication for PvP Tournaments

Four years ago: More on Wayfarer (and Links to Pokémon Go)

Five years ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: Beckoning Specials

Six years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 3

Seven years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Cup

Eight years ago: Lugia Raid Burnout

Nine years ago: Ice Is Nice with Pokémon

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