Pokémon Go is rolling out its first Ultra Unlock event following Go Fest, dubbed "Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition." Running from July 21 to July 27, this in-game celebration offers numerous bonuses and perks, with a particular focus on starter Pokémon and a unique Pikachu encounter.
The event commemorates Professor Willow's birthday on July 21, incorporating several day-long activities. A key attraction is the appearance of Pikachu dressed as Professor Willow, obtainable through various means during the event. Players can find this special Pikachu as a reward for the "Win a raid" Field Research task, and exclusively on July 21, from the "Catch 10 Pokémon" Field Research. It's also a reward for each step of the "Willow's Birthday Research" Timed Research and can be found as a tier-one raid target until July 27 at 8 p.m. local time. Additional encounters with this Pikachu are available at specific ranks within the event's Go Pass system.
Throughout the "Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition" event, trainers will experience escalating catch XP bonuses. From July 21-23, catching Pokémon yields 6x XP. This increases to 8x XP from July 23-25, and culminates with 10x XP from July 24-27, all starting at 10 a.m. local time.
A significant perk for players is the opportunity to evolve starter Pokémon and have them learn their powerful legacy moves. This includes Grass-type Frenzy Plant, Fire-type Blast Burn, and Water-type Hydro Cannon for all generations of starter Pokémon. This presents an ideal chance to power up previously acquired high-IV starter Pokémon.
The event also features a Go Pass system with 30 regular ranks and 30 bonus ranks. By participating in activities like winning raids, catching Pokémon, and hatching eggs, players can earn rewards such as Lucky Eggs, Golden Lure Modules, and the Professor Willow's Pikachu. Completing a "Catch 10 Pokémon" daily task awards an additional 100 points per day. Milestone rewards include double catch candy at Rank 10, and an increased chance of obtaining Candy XL from catching Pokémon at Rank 20. A "deluxe" version of the Go Pass is available for $4.99, offering enhanced rewards.
Timed Research and Field Research
Upon opening Pokémon Go on July 21, players will unlock the "Willow's Birthday Research" Timed Research. This three-step research rewards players with XP, Stardust, Poké Balls, Great Balls, Ultra Balls, Fast TMs, Charged TMs, Silver Pinap Berries, a Lucky Egg, a Star Piece, and a Lure Module, with Professor Willow's Pikachu available as a reward at the end of each step.
Field Research tasks obtained by spinning PokéStops during the event can lead to encounters with starter Pokémon or Professor Willow's Pikachu. Specifically, the "Win a raid" task rewards the Pikachu, while the "Catch 10 Pokémon" task can yield various starter Pokémon. Special Field Research tasks available only on July 21 offer further opportunities to earn Professor Willow's Pikachu and other valuable items.
Boosted Spawns and Raid Targets
Certain Pokémon will spawn more frequently during rotating days within the event. From July 21-23, players can expect increased spawns of the first generation of starter Pokémon, followed by the second generation from July 23-25, and the third generation from July 25-27. Additionally, lures used throughout the event have a chance to attract spawns of Beldum, Gible, and Dreepy.
Raid battles have also been updated to feature Pokémon that might be of interest. One-star raids include Professor Willow's Pikachu, Raticate (party hat), Grimer (party hat), and Nidorino (party hat). Three-star raids feature Gengar (party hat) and Wobbuffet (party hat). The event runs until July 27, with specific raid targets and spawns changing at 10 a.m. local time on July 23 and July 25.
