Pokemon Go Fest 2026 is underway, offering a global celebration that is completely free for all players. This year's event, running on July 10 and 11, introduces significant new content including the debut of Mega Mewtwo's evolved forms in raids and a Special Research story that rewards players with an encounter with the Mythical Pokemon Zeraora.
The event runs from 10 AM to 7 PM local time each day. All participants who log in during the festivities will gain access to the Zeraora Special Research and a suite of event bonuses. These bonuses include an increased chance of encountering shiny Pokemon, Lure Modules lasting for one hour, and special Field Research tasks that change hourly. Players can also receive up to nine free Raid Passes daily from Gyms and benefit from reduced Stardust costs for Special Trades.
Mewtwo's Mega-Evolved forms, Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y, will be featured as Super Mega Raid bosses throughout the weekend. These raids provide the first opportunity for players to battle these powerful forms and collect Mewtwo Mega Energy. Mega Mewtwo Y retains Mewtwo's pure Psychic typing, allowing for similar strategies to its base form. However, Mega Mewtwo X, a Psychic/Fighting type, requires a different approach, with Fairy and Ghost-type Pokemon recommended as strong counters. For Mega Mewtwo X, Pokemon like Mega Gardevoir, Xerneas, and Crowned Sword Zacian are effective. Against Mega Mewtwo Y, Dark and Bug-type Pokemon such as Mega Houndoom, Darkrai, Mega Pinsir, and Volcarona are advisable.
The Mythical Pokemon Zeraora is making its official debut through a Special Research questline available to all players who log in during Go Fest. Completing the tasks within this research will lead to an encounter with Zeraora. While this particular Special Research does not expire, players must log in to the game before the event concludes to secure it.
Pokemon Go Fest 2026 will also feature rotating habitats, which alter the wild spawns and Raid bosses every few hours. These habitats are divided into distinct time blocks, each focusing on specific Pokemon types and legendary encounters. For instance, the Stormfire Peaks habitat on July 11, from 10 AM to 1 PM local time, will feature Ice, Electric, and Fire-type Pokemon, alongside legendary raid bosses like Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, and Mega Ampharos. Later in the day, Astral Tides will bring Psychic, Ghost, and Water-types, while Dragonflight Summit will feature Flying, Rock, and Dragon-types.
July 12 will see the Earthforged Domain habitat with Ground, Steel, and Normal-types, followed by Verdant Anomaly focusing on Poison, Bug, and Grass-types. The event concludes with the Twilight Battlefield habitat, showcasing Dark, Fairy, and Fighting-types, with Mega Tyranitar and Mega Gardevoir available in raids. The event also includes Global Challenges that can unlock additional bonuses and Ultra Unlock events. Further events planned for July include an anniversary Pikachu celebration and a Super Mega Raid Day featuring Mega Raichu.