Pokémon Go is launching its "Ultra Unlock: Water Festival" event, which will run from August 18 to August 24, 2026. This in-game celebration introduces several water-type Pokémon, including the debut of Arrokuda, its evolution Barraskewda, and the distinct Cramorant. The event will also feature a Go Pass with tiered rewards and special Field Research tasks.
Event Bonuses and Schedule
The "Ultra Unlock: Water Festival" event offers escalating bonuses that increase throughout its duration. From August 18 to 20, players will receive 2x catch XP and 3x catch Stardust. This will be followed by 3x catch XP and 4x catch Stardust from August 20 to 22. The event culminates with the highest bonuses from August 22 to 24, offering 4x catch XP and 5x catch Stardust. Players are advised to maximize their playtime during the weekend to take advantage of these increased rewards.
New Pokémon Encounters
Arrokuda can be encountered through several methods: it is guaranteed at ranks 13 and 28 of the Go Pass, obtainable from "catch 15 water-type Pokémon" Field Research tasks, and can also be found via Rainy Lure Modules. Evolving Arrokuda into Barraskewda requires 50 Arrokuda Candy.
Cramorant can be acquired by hatching it from 5 km eggs obtained during the event, receiving a guaranteed encounter at rank 30 of the Go Pass, or through a daily photo snapshot photobomb. Additionally, Cramorant is a potential reward from the Go Battle League starting at rank 16. In trainer battles, Cramorant can change its form based on the moves used, incorporating either a Pikachu or an Arrokuda into its appearance. This form change is exclusive to trainer battles and does not affect raids or gym battles.
Go Pass and Research Tasks
The event's Go Pass system includes 30 standard ranks and an additional 30 bonus ranks. Progress is made by winning raids, hatching eggs, and catching Pokémon. A daily task of catching 10 water-type Pokémon awards an additional 100 points, equivalent to one rank. The Go Pass offers bonuses such as 2x catch candy at rank 10 and halved hatch distance at rank 20. A deluxe version of the pass is available for $4.99, unlocking further rewards, including a Starmie backpack.
Field Research tasks obtained by spinning PokéStops may include "Catch 5 water-type Pokémon" for item rewards, "Catch 10 water-type Pokémon" for Dewpider or Ducklett encounters, and "Catch 15 water-type Pokémon" for Clamperl, Feebas, or Arrokuda encounters.
Boosted Spawns and Egg Hatches
During the event, Psyduck, Goldeen, Feebas, Clamperl, Mareanie, and Wimpod will appear more frequently. Wiglett will also spawn in its natural biomes. Player reports indicate increased spawns of Magikarp, Marill, Wailmer, Ducklett, and Dewpider. Both Ducklett and Dewpider have an increased chance of appearing in their shiny forms.
Any 5 km eggs obtained during the event have a chance to hatch Azurill, Mantyke, Frillish, or Cramorant.
Raid Schedule Changes
The raid schedule will be updated to include Psyduck (swim ring), Lapras (scarf), and Tatsugiri forms (Curly, Droopy, and Stretchy) in one-star raids. Three-star raids will feature Hisuian Samurott and Dondozo.