As the official event image shows, Pokémon GO has grown quite well since its release and has gone from a little Charmander to a confident Charmeleon. In 2021, Niantic's AR title celebrates its fifth anniversary.
To celebrate, they have put together a fantastic event for trainers to get involved with, as well as adding the real-time sky system for everyone. Trainers can also catch starters from all generations.
Five years of evolution in Pokémon GO
In their official blog post, Niantic state that the game has evolved significantly in its five years. Many updates and features have been added to Pokémon GO, with these being the major ones::
- 2016: Buddy Pokémon
- 2017: Raid Battles, AR+
- 2018: Field Research and Special Research, Friends, Adventure Sync, Trainer Battles
- 2019: GO Snapshot, Team GO Rocket, Buddy Adventure
- 2020: The GO Battle League, Today View, Remote Raids, Team GO Rocket balloons, the first-ever global Pokémon GO Fest experience, Mega Evolution, GO Beyond Level 40, Seasons, and more
- 2021: Collection Challenges, Referrals, Together We Raid, real-time sky mechanic, expanded Pokédex classifications
Pokémon GO Anniversary Event: All you need to know
Throughout the event, you'll be able to capture a special flying Pikachu with a 5-shaped balloon. You will also be able to stumble upon shiny forms of Darumaka and Meltan.
The event will take place from Tuesday July 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. to Thursday July 15, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. (local time)
List of bonuses activated during the event
- All Lure Modules will last one hour instead of 30 minutes, including Glacial, Magnetic, Mossy and Rainy Mods.
- New special fifth anniversary stickers,
- Fireworks can be seen in the sky,in-game
- Collectible challenge with Flying Pikachu encounter and his 5-shaped balloon as a reward, as well as Rare Candy and a huge amount of Poké Balls!
- Last year's Special Research will be available for players who missed it,
List of Pokémon appearing more often during the event
Available in shiny form
Available in the wild and in 1-Star Raids
Available in shiny form
Available in the wild and in 1-Star Raids + Collectible Challenge Reward
Available in 1-Star Raids and around PokéStops with Lure Modules + Daily Field Research tasks
Available in 1-Star Raids and around PokéStops with Lure Modules + Daily Field Research tasks
Available in 1-Star Raids and around PokéStops with Lure Modules + Daily Field Research tasks
Available in 1-Star Raids and around PokéStops with Lure Modules + Daily Field Research tasks
Available in the wild and around PokéStops with Lure Modules + Daily Field Research tasks
Available in the wild and around PokéStops with Lure Modules + Daily Field Research tasks
Available around PokéStops with active Lure Modules + Daily Field Research tasks
Available around PokéStops with active Lure Modules + Daily Field Research tasks
Available around PokéStops with active Lure Modules + Daily Field Research tasks
Available in the wild and around PokéStops with active Lure Modules Daily Field Research tasks
Available in the wild and around PokéStops with active Lure Modules Daily Field Research tasks
Available in the wild and around PokéStops with active Lure Modules Daily Field Research tasks
Available around PokéStops with active Lure Modules + Daily Field Research tasks
Available around PokéStops with active Lure Modules + Daily Field Research tasks
Available around PokéStops with active Lure Modules + Daily Field Research tasks
Available in the wild and around PokéStops with active Lure Modules Daily Field Research tasks
Available in the wild and around PokéStops with active Lure Modules Daily Field Research tasks
Available in the wild and around PokéStops with active Lure Modules Daily Field Research tasks
Available after activating the Mystery Box
One final piece of good news: from July 5, it will be possible to increase your Item Bag to 3,500 spaces!
More than 20 cities, including London, Liverpool, San Francisco and Seattle, will have their own in-person events. Trainers in Pokémon GO can check the registration steps below.
