Pokémon GO Fest is going global — Here’s what you need to know

While the novel coronavirus is turning the world upside-down, you have the COVID-19 pandemic to thank for making Pokémon GO accessible to all.

Due to travel restrictions, lockdown protocols and social distancing and lockdowns, this year’s Pokémon Go Fest is going virtual so anybody can join in the fun. Ready? Here’s what you need to know.

Pokémon GO Fest: All the deets

When will it take place?

Pokémon Go developer Niantic confirmed that the Go Fest will take place on the weekend, from 25 to 26 July 2020. The Pokémon GO Fest event will feature “life-size cut-outs of Professor Willow, Spark, Blanche and Candela”, Niantic said.

Recreate the experience at home

And to hype up the event, Niantic has released a selection of Pokémon-themed decorations. The nice thing here is that you won’t need to a virtual ticket to enter the giveaway, either.

“Bring the adventure of Pokemon GO Fest 2020 home! With the Print at Home kit, you can assemble crafts, decorations, and more to help you re-create the adventure of traditional Pokemon GO Fests, no matter where you are in the world!”

The Pokémon Go Fest download kit includes various cut-outs and foldable decorations based on your favourite items and characters, including life-size cut-outs of Professor Willow, Spark, Blanche, and Candela.

During the traditional events of yore, before the world was ravaged by a global pandemic, fans would typically use these cut-outs for photo opportunities. Now, you’d be able to recreate that experience at home.

Pokémon Go Fest: What to expect

Niantic confirmed that trainers from around the world “are invited to participate in a special two-day Pokemon GO Fest experience”. Participants can get their tickets in the in-app shop.

Among other things, Pokemon Go fans will encounter over 75 species of Pokemon in the wild, as well as in raids, and as Special Research encounters. There will also be five rotating habitats themed after fire, water, grass, battle, and friendship.

According to the organisers, each habitat will feature different Pokemon and challenges. Furthermore, there’ll be a Global Challenge Arena, where players everywhere will work towards a shared goal to get a special reward.

Pokémon Go Fest schedule

The first day is going to be packed to the brim with opportunities to catch sought-after shinies with the rotating habitats. In addition, traditional Ultra Unlock bonuses will be tied to the event as well.

In other words, even if you aren’t participating, you’ll still reap all the Go Fest benefits. The schedule below kicks off on Friday 24 July, all times mentioned are South African Standard Time (SAST).

Rotating habitats schedule:

• 16:00 SAST — Battle 
• 17:00 SAST — Friendship
• 18:00 SAST — Fire
• 19:00 SAST— Water 
• 20:00 SAST — Grass
• 21:00 SAST — Battle
• 22:00 SAST — Friendship
• 23:00 SAST — Fire
• 00:00 SAST, 25 July 2020 — Water
• 1:00 SAST, 25 July 2020 — Grass
• 2:00 SAST, 25 July 2020 — Battle 
• 3:00 SAST, 25 July 2020 — Friendship
• 4:00 SAST, 25 July 2020 — Fire