Pokémon GO Fest 2025 takes place on June 28 and 29, 2025, which is officially the focus of the global trainer community. This is not just an annual event, but also a revolutionary journey in how players experience Pokémon GO. From the first appearance of Volcanion – a unique dual-type Legendary Pokémon to the opportunity to hunt a series of super-rare shiny Pokémon, this year’s event is designed to stir up every emotion and bring you closer to the magical world of Pokémon.
1. Volcanion – the first appearance of the dual-type Legendary Fire/Water Pokémon
Volcanion makes its debut in Pokémon GO, marking an important milestone. This is the only Pokémon to date that possesses both Fire and Water types – a rare and interesting combination in battle strategy.
- Type: Fire / Water
- Special Move: Steam Eruption – a powerful attack that can deal massive damage and cause a stat reduction effect on the opponent.
- Catching method: Only for players who have tickets through special research missions.
- Tactics: Volcanion can surprise when facing Grass, Iron or Rock Pokémon if combined with the right team.
This is one of the rare opportunities for you to add a legendary Pokémon that has never been seen in your collection, while also showing off your skills through interesting scenario missions.
2. Shiny Pokémon – A dazzling and challenging visual feast
An indispensable event in GO Fest is the shiny hunting event – a golden opportunity for you to own rare color versions of familiar Pokémon. GO Fest 2025 marks the first shiny appearance of some extremely sought-after Pokémon:
- Shiny Carbink – a Rock/Fairy-type Pokémon with a unique, shiny appearance.
- Shiny Frigibax – First appearance with increased encounter rate.
- Shiny Axew, Litwick, Dratini, Togetic, Goomy…
- Special offers for ticket buyers:
- Significantly increased Shiny appearance rate (estimated to be 2–3 times higher than normal).
- Increased speed of encountering rare Pokémon through special scents and Lure Modules.
Note: you should prepare a bag full of Poké Balls, Berries, and don’t forget to turn on Incense continuously to maximize the number of shinys obtained during the day.
3. Hourly Habitats – The Pokémon universe moves in real time
One of the special features of GO Fest 2025 is the rotation of four Pokémon environments every hour. Each environment lasts 1 hour, and will repeat twice a day, allowing players to strategize their selective hunting.
The environments include:
- Moonless Volcano – With a strong fire and darkness theme. Featuring Pokémon such as Turtonator, Houndour, Mawile, etc.
- Galvanic Dojo – An electric battle environment, featuring Pokémon such as Hitmonchan, Electabuzz, Zeraora (in incense).
- Hypnotic Tundra – An icy landscape featuring Snorunt, Ralts, Goomy, etc.
- Fae Swamp – A fantasy fairy environment with Galarian Weezing, Spritzee, Phantump, etc.
Each environment also has special Pokémon that only appear when you turn on Incense – especially useful for ticket users.
4. Special Missions – Volcanion storyline and huge rewards
This year’s mission storyline will take you on a journey to discover the secret of Volcanion’s power, through a series of interactive missions that last throughout the day. Reward details include:
- Meet Volcanion and have a chance to catch it with high IV.
- XL Candy, Rare Candy, exclusive evolution items.
- Free Raid Tickets, big Stardust rewards and double XP throughout the journey.
There is also a Global Challenge Arena – global players complete goals to unlock rewards such as increased Pokémon appearances, double XP or reduced egg incubation time.
5. Expanded trading, gifting and social interaction features
Niantic expands the interactive features in GO Fest to encourage the community:
- Increase the daily special trading limit to 6 times.
- 50% off Stardust when trading.
- Open to 40 gifts each day, get more eggs.
- Carry 40 gifts in your bag instead of the usual 20.
This is a great opportunity to fill out your Pokédex, especially with rare region Pokémon that your friends own.
6. How to buy tickets and get early rewards
Event tickets cost around USD14.99 purchased through the app or Pokémon GO Web Store – where you will receive additional rewards:
- 3 Premium Battle Pass
- 5 Rare Candy
- 5 Max Revive
Special offer: If purchased before April 15, unlock a special limited-time mission to meet Skiddo, the first time it will appear globally outside of the Safari event.
Pokémon GO Fest 2025 is more than just an in-game festival, it is a gathering of passion, skill and community spirit of millions of players worldwide. With exciting rewards, never-before-seen Pokémon and innovative gameplay mechanics, it’s time to plan, charge up your batteries, stock up on Poké Balls and dive into the world of Pokémon like never before. Get involved, hunt, battle and connect – because GO Fest 2025 only comes once a year, and you don’t want to miss it!
