Pokémon GO Fest Global 2026 brings Mega Mewtwo X and Y to Super Mega Raids
Niantic celebrates the game's tenth anniversary with a free global event featuring Mega Mewtwo, Ultra Beasts, and the Mythical Zeraora.
Pokémon GO Fest Global 2026 brings Mega Mewtwo X and Y to Super Mega Raids
Niantic has launched the first-ever free edition of Pokémon GO Fest Global, taking place on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, 2026. The event serves as a celebration of the game's tenth anniversary, introducing a massive roster of legendary Pokémon and the debut of Mega Mewtwo X and Y in Super Mega Raids.
The event's primary attractions are the Super Mega Raids, which run all day in gyms. Mega Mewtwo X is available on Saturday, July 11, while Mega Mewtwo Y appears on Sunday, July 12. Pokémon captured from these raids come with Mega Level 1 unlocked and a special move. Because both forms share a Ghost weakness, a single team of high-damage Psychic, Ghost, and Dark attackers can be used for both days.
The Raid and Habitat Structure
The weekend is organized around rotating habitat hours. There are six Habitat Hours in total—three per day—each lasting three hours. Unlike previous years, these windows focus on three specific types rather than a dedicated list of Pokémon. While the specific wild species are not officially announced, trainers are encouraged to be online when their target type's window occurs.
The raid schedule is extensive, featuring nearly every single-five star raid boss, including various Ultra Beasts. These are split across the two days, with some Pokémon appearing in multiple formes, such as Genesect, Deoxys, Giratina, and the Forces of Nature trio.
Regional locks apply to several legendary encounters:
- Asia-Pacific: Uxie and Xurkitree
- Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India: Mesprit and Pheromosa
- Americas and Greenland: Azelf and Buzzwole
- Southern Hemisphere: Celesteela
- Northern Hemisphere: Kartana
- Eastern Hemisphere: Stakataka
- Western Hemisphere: Blacephalon
Special Rewards and Research
Trainers can acquire the Mythical Zeraora through the Special Research An Electric Finale
. Those who previously encountered Zeraora at live events in Copenhagen, Chicago, or Tokyo will receive Zeraora Candy instead.
The event also features two quests: A Thunderous Discovery
and Genetic Mastery
. The latter involves branching Timed Research where trainers must choose between the X and Y paths. Some analysis suggests that if a trainer is undecided, the X path is the preferred choice.
For those seeking rare additions to their Pokédex, using Incense during the event provides a chance to encounter the regionally exclusive Bouffalant and Tropius. However, Daily Adventure Incense is excluded from this bonus.
Player Bonuses and Logistics
As a free event, all trainers receive specific bonuses. This includes the ability to collect up to 9 free Raid Passes each day from Gym Photo Discs between 0:00 and 23:59. In the lead-up week from July 6 through July 12, there is no limit on Remote Raid Passes, with a different Legendary raid rotation occurring daily.
The event overlaps with the Road of Legends, specifically regarding the Gold Bottle Cap usage deadline, which runs through the day before and extends into GO Fest Sunday.
Trainers are advised to prioritize Mega Mewtwo, Zeraora, and the two Origin Formes, using Remote Raids to secure any region-exclusive Pokémon not available in their local area.
