If you’re like many players, you’ve probably had countless memorable moments while catching ’em all. But let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most incredible days in Pokémon GO history.
Get ready for a wild ride through the years of Pokémon GO! Which year do you think had the best events? Let’s find out!
2016: The Halloween Event
Remember 2016? Of course, you do! It was the year Pokémon GO took the world by storm. People were everywhere, parks were filled, and there was an electric buzz in the air. Every day was an adventure, but one day stands out: October 31st. Why? Because this was the first-ever in-game event: Halloween!
During this event, from October 26th to November 1st, Pokémon GO introduced special spawns and candy bonuses. Gengar, Haunter, and Hypno appeared in the wild much more frequently, and double candy bonuses were awarded for every Pokémon caught, hatched, or transferred. This was groundbreaking at the time (especially for candy collectors).
The atmosphere was electric, and for many players, it felt like a mini Pokémon GO Fest. Imagine the excitement of sprinting around a city or beach, tracking every wild Haunter and Gengar, and seeing hundreds of other players doing the same.
2017: Generation 2 Release
Fast forward to February 16th, 2017. This day was a game-changer as Pokémon GO opened the Generation 2 floodgates, releasing 84 new Pokémon. This included the evolutions of existing Pokémon from Generation 1, adding a whole new layer of excitement and strategy to the game. Imagine the thrill of discovering these new additions in the Pokédex!
One vivid memory from this day involved catching a Typhlosion. Picture being in the middle of a busy street and seeing it on the nearby radar. The immediate dash across traffic to catch it (not recommended, but the excitement was real) encapsulated the essence of that day. The sudden influx of new Pokémon to catch, evolve, and battle with brought a fresh wave of enthusiasm to the game.
2018: GO Fest Chicago
July 14th, 2018, marked a redemption year for GO Fest Chicago. The previous year’s event had faced numerous technical difficulties, but this time, everything went smoothly. This event was packed with themed habitat spawns, featuring new Alolan Pokémon, new shinies, and one of the rarest Unowns ever: the question mark Unown.
The gameplay was outstanding, but what made this event truly memorable was the community. Tens of thousands of players, including all the friends and fellow content creators, gathered to celebrate their shared love for the game. Special research tasks rewarded players with incredible Pokémon encounters, like Metagross, and the event concluded with a mythical Pokémon encounter with Celebi. The joy of seeing so many dedicated trainers in one place, all sharing the same passion, was unparalleled.
2019: Ultra Bonus Week 2
September 9th, 2019, was another highlight. This day marked the start of Ultra Bonus Week 2. Team GO Rocket was still fresh, and all the Generation 1 regional Pokémon were available in 7 km eggs globally. Shiny versions of these Pokémon were also introduced, making this event even more exciting. The thrill of hatching a shiny Farfetch’d, for example, added a whole new level of excitement to the game. Additionally, Deoxys in all its forms was available in raids, providing an extra challenge for trainers.
This event not only brought new Pokémon to the game but also revitalized the excitement of hatching eggs and participating in raids.
2020: Global GO Fest
The pandemic might have locked everyone down, but it couldn’t stop the fun. July 25th and 26th, 2020, saw the first-ever global GO Fest. With co-op bonuses, higher spawn rates, and insane shiny odds, this event was a blast. Day one featured rotating habitats, while day two focused on Team Rocket, culminating in epic encounters with Shadow Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, and Mewtwo.
The global nature of this event allowed trainers from all over the world to participate and enjoy the festivities from the safety of their homes. It truly showcased the adaptability of Pokémon GO and its ability to bring joy even during challenging times.
2021: Kanto Tour
February 20th, 2021, brought the Kanto Tour, a global event celebrating Generation 1. For just $12, players could choose between red or green versions, influencing spawns and shiny rates. Shiny Ditto and Mew were the stars of the show, making this day a nostalgic treat for any longtime fan.
The Kanto Tour was like a mini GO Fest dedicated to the original 151 Pokémon, bringing back fond memories for many players. The event was filled with excitement, challenges, and rare Pokémon encounters, making it a day to remember.
2022: Elite Raids
October 16th, 2022, introduced Elite Raids featuring Hoopa Unbound. After defeating the raid boss, legendary birds like Zapdos spawned around the gym. Although there were some issues, the excitement of encountering these legendary Pokémon in the wild was unforgettable.
Despite the technical difficulties, the introduction of Elite Raids brought a new level of excitement and challenge to the game. It was a unique experience that many players cherished.
2023: Hoenn Tour
The Pokémon GO Hoenn Tour on February 25th and 26th, 2023, was a global event packed with fun. With themed spawns, Primal Kyogre and Groudon in raids, and shiny Lati@s in the wild, it was a blast. The introduction of origin forms for Dialga and Palkia with game-changing moves was the icing on the cake.
This event not only brought new challenges but also introduced exciting new features that enhanced gameplay. The Hoenn Tour was a testament to the continuous evolution of Pokémon GO and its ability to keep players engaged and excited.
2024: Sinnoh Tour
And here we are in 2024! This year’s standout event so far has been the Sinnoh Tour. The in-person event in Los Angeles was a vibrant celebration, and the global event on February 24th was just as exciting. With tons of unknowns, new features like the routes spawn, and shiny White Stripe Basculin, it was a day to remember. Plus, those origin forms of Dialga and Palkia with their special moves were game-changers!
The Sinnoh Tour showcased the best of what Pokémon GO has to offer, bringing together players from all over the world to celebrate their love for the game. The introduction of new features and exciting new Pokémon made this event a standout.
These are some of the best days in Pokémon GO history. But what’s your favorite memory?