Niantic is launching a special in-game event in Pokémon Go, "PokémonXP & 2026 Worlds," running from August 25 to August 30. This event coincides with the first-ever PokémonXP convention and the Pokémon 2026 World Championships, bringing themed Pokémon and exclusive rewards to players.
The event will feature two distinct costumed Pikachu: one in a Cosmog spacesuit and another in a lavish crown and cape outfit commemorating the 2026 World Championships. Both of these special Pikachu can be acquired through various means during the event.
Obtaining Costumed Pikachu
The Pikachu in the Cosmog spacesuit can be found in one-star raids from August 25 to 28. Additionally, players can encounter this Pikachu as rewards at rank 28 and 59 of the event's Go Pass. Completing specific Field Research tasks, such as "Spin 26 PokéStops or gyms" or "Explore 5 km," will also offer a chance to find it. Watching at least 30 minutes of the PokémonXP Twitch stream on Saturday, August 29, and completing associated Timed Research will also grant encounters.
The World Championships 2026 Pikachu, adorned in a crown and cape, will be available in one-star raids from August 28 to 30. Similar to its Cosmog counterpart, this Pikachu can be obtained at rank 29 and 60 of the event's Go Pass. Players who tune into "official Pokémon Go co-streamers" during the World Championships for at least 45 minutes can earn Timed Research that rewards this Pikachu.
While neither of these costumed Pikachu can evolve, they both have an increased chance of being shiny. These special costumed Pokémon are typically rare, making this event a prime opportunity for collectors.
Event Go Pass and Perks
The "PokémonXP & 2026 Worlds" event includes a tiered Go Pass system with 30 standard ranks and an additional 30 bonus ranks for deluxe pass owners. Players earn points through regular gameplay, such as catching Pokémon, winning raids, and hatching eggs, with a daily limit of 100 points attainable through a "Catch 10 Pokémon" task.
Key event perks unlocked through the Go Pass include double Stardust for catches at Rank 10, and an additional 3,000 XP for successful raids at Rank 20. Deluxe pass owners at Rank 20 receive three free raid passes by spinning photo discs at gyms. The deluxe version of the pass, available for $4.99, also offers a Zapdos encounter and a cosmetic backpack themed after the event.
Field Research and Boosted Spawns
Spinning PokéStops during the event may yield Field Research tasks that reward items or encounters with the Cosmog spacesuit Pikachu. The event also features boosted spawns for specific Pokémon across two periods: August 25-28 and August 28-30. Some featured Pokémon have an increased chance of appearing as shiny in the wild.
Raid Targets and Special Moves
One-star raids will feature the Cosmog spacesuit Pikachu from August 25-28, and will be joined by the World Championships 2026 Pikachu and Honedge from August 28-30. These raid encounters have an increased chance of yielding shiny Pokémon.
Furthermore, Pokémon caught or evolved during the event will learn special legacy moves. This includes Alolan Sandshrew evolving into Alolan Sandslash with Shadow Claw, Mankey evolving into Primeape with Rage Fist, and Lickitung learning Body Slam, among others.