Niantic has revealed more details regarding this year's Pokemon Go Fest. This year, the celebration is all about music, and Niantic is inviting you to become a show director. You'll be able to enjoy new raids, music-themed challenges, and more starting from July 17th.
What can we expect from Pokemon Go Fest 2021 on Saturday?
As always, Pokemon Go Fest 2021 will be split into two days. This year, Niantic is marking the fifth anniversary of Pokemon Go, as well as the twenty-fifth anniversary of the franchise as a whole. There will also be extra content available if you pick up an event ticket, but this year, Niantic is dropping the price of the tickets from $14.99 all the way down to just $5. The event still isn't in-person, just like last year, but there's still plenty going on. Ticket-holders and non-ticket holders alike will get access to hourly habitat rotations, new raids, and extra Pokemon-themed around music appearing throughout the day. Everyone can also claim a free T-shirt item for their avatar.
If you're a ticket holder, you'll get access to the main musical event on Saturday, during which you can pick between Pikachu Pop Star and Pikachu Rock Star. Pokemon music head honcho Junichi Masuda has composed two new tracks for each choice, and you'll get to hear them as you play. Additionally, you'll get access to the Global Challenge Arena, which tasks you with completing team challenges for big bonuses, and extra Collection Challenges themed around habitat hours, among other things.
What's coming to Pokemon Go Fest 2021 on Sunday?
Niantic is being more cagey about the details for Pokemon Go Fest 2021 on Sunday. The developer says the gameplay will be "focused on raids", with old favorites returning for an epic celebration. If you're a ticket-holder, you'll also get extra raid battle XP, bonus free Raid Passes for completing certain events, and other benefits, so for the price of $5, it seems pretty worth it if you're a Pokemon Go fanatic.
There's also plenty of stuff happening across both days. You'll be able to see trainer photos featured in the Today View, and eggs will hatch in half the time if they're placed in an incubator during the time of the event. Even if you miss out on Pop Star and Rock Star Pikachu, you'll still hear a brand new track composed by Junichi Masuda for the event, so don't despair. Of course, you'll also be able to enjoy special visual effects, event-exclusive Field Research, and much more.
You can start getting involved in the fun right now. Pokemon Go Fest 2021 is sponsored by Google Play, so from now until May 30th, all Pokemon Go purchases will grant 4x Google Play Points. This includes tickets, so if you know you're going to buy one, it's probably a good idea to go grab it now. You can also avail yourself of other goodies including a print-at-home kit, an exclusive Sponsored Gift if you're on Android, and more. Be sure to take a look at the full Pokemon Go Fest 2021 announcement if you want the full low-down on what's coming this July.
How do you buy a Pokemon Go Fest 2021 ticket?
Buying a ticket really couldn't be easier. All you need to do is head over to the Pokemon Go shop, then tap the Pokemon Go Fest 2021 image. You'll see a Buy button, which you should tap. That's as easy as it is - the ticket will be in your inventory once you've followed the instructions on screen. A few days before Pokemon Go Fest 2021 begins, you'll get a medal, and opening the app during Saturday or Sunday event hours will give you full, unfettered access to all the ticket-holder features we've outlined plus more.
Pokemon Go Fest 2021 begins on July 17th and ends the following day on July 18th. Event hours for both days are 10am to 6pm local time, so make sure you're ready to go for those eight hours. Event bonuses won't apply after 6pm or before 10pm, so stay sharp! Pokemon Go has proven to be a real boon for communities during a time of global uncertainty, so here's hoping the 2021 event gives folks the same sense of comfort and friendship.
Will you be checking out Pokemon Go Fest 2021? Let us know in the comments below!
