Developer Niantic has revealed several features that will be available to Pokémon GO players during this year's Pokémon GO Fest event. The popular mobile alternate reality title was first launched in 2016, with 2021 marking the game's five-year anniversary of release. Pokémon GO Fest is an annual event which celebrates the monster collection title with a number of in-game activities and events.
Niantic has announced Pokémon GO Fest 2021's dates as July 17 and 18. The fifth annual celebration will reportedly be the biggest yet, since it will celebrate both Pokémon GO's fifth anniversary and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Pokémon franchise as a whole, and will be themed after a music festival. Music-themed Pokémon will be featured prominently, and players will be able to acquire musical variants of the series' mascot Pikachu. Pokémon GO Fest 2021 will allow players to celebrate however they choose, with both digital and physical events coming to cities around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible for Pokémon GO Fest 2020 to be held in-person, but this year players will be able to participate in a mix of in-person and digital events. Tickets to the digital version of the event will cost $5, which players in major cities like New York and Seattle can avoid by attending in-person.
New details from Pokémon GO creator Niantic reveal some additional features coming to Pokémon GO Fest 2021. The celebration will reportedly feature an Ultra Unlock event, allowing ticket holders to team up in the exclusive Global Challenge Arena. Completing a certain number of challenges will unlock access to various bonus events which will occur after Pokémon GO Fest ends. Throughout the duration of the two-day event trainers will also be able to make up to six Special Trades per day, allowing them to exchange Legendary Pokémon more frequently. Special Pokémon variations, with cosmetic or gameplay differences, will round out the annual event's features.
Pokémon GO Fest 2021 will feature even more exciting in-game events to attract fans with, with Niantic's previous announcement of Raid Day. This intense challenge, taking place on July 18, will spawn Legendary Pokémon at various times to allow trainers the chance to battle and capture these elusive beasts. These five-star raid battles will include iconic Legendaries such as Mewtwo, Rayquaza, Groudon and Kyogre. Rare shiny variants of these Pokémon may even appear, giving players even more incentive to log in and prepare for battle.
Pokémon GO Fest 2021 is shaping up to be an excellent celebration of the game's five-year anniversary. The two-day party will be packed with in-game events, allowing players to battle powerful Legendaries or earn the right to enter an Ultra Unlock event. These digital events will perfectly compliment the various in-person celebrations around the world, demonstrating the dedication and love to be found in Pokémon GO's loyal fanbase.
Pokémon GO is available on iOS and Android.
Source: Pokémon GO