Pokémon GO Fest 2025 Confirms Zacian & Zamazenta Alongside A Fan-Favorite Mythical Pokémon From Gen 6

Pokémon GO has announced new details about its upcoming Pokémon GO Fest events, including which powerful new Pokémon will appear for the first time in the game. Every year, Pokémon GO hosts a Pokémon GO Fest that combines in-person experiences at a handful of locations around the world with a global event that all players can enjoy. These global Pokémon GO events and others like them are some of the highlights of Pokémon GO, with thousands of attendees at the official events and even more at unofficial events organized by players.

On the official Pokémon GO website, Niantic revealed first details about this year's Pokémon GO Fest events. This year, Niantic will host Pokémon GO Fest events in Osaka, Japan (May 29–June 1), Jersey City, New Jersey (June 6–8), and Paris, France (June 13–15). Each of these events will feature increased spawns of various Pokémon species, including some regional-exclusive species and Zacian and Zamazenta in their Crowned Sword and Crowned Shield forms.A global event will take place on June 28 and June 29, with players able to encounter the Mythical Pokémon Volcanion for the first time.

What Do You Get With A Pokémon GO Fest Ticket?

Tickets Can Be Enhanced With Add-Ons, Granting Access To In-Person Events

This year's Pokémon GO Fest in-person events are being split into morning and afternoon sessions. Those who buy a ticket will choose a day and session to attend. When not attending their session, players can continue their Pokémon GO event through city-wide experiences that include event-themed Pokémon appearing throughout the city and increased Shiny chances while encountering Pokémon.

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Players can also choose to purchase several add-on experiences to "enhance" their in-person experiences. This includes an Egg-thusiast add-on that increases buffs related to hatching eggs, a Raid Lover add-on that adds extra XP and other bonuses when battling in raids, and a Citywide Gameplay experience that allows players to enjoy the citywide experience for an extra day. These are all optional add-ons and aren't necessary to participate in an in-person event.

Our Take: Add-Ons Are Disappointing, But Volcanion Will Be Fun

The Monetization Of These Events Is A Little Much, But Volcanion Is A Very Rare Mythical Pokémon

We're disappointed that Niantic is offering several add-ons that greatly increase the cost for players to enjoy the event fully. While optional, I'm sure that some players will feel obligated to buy the tickets to get the most out of their in-person experience.

Worrisome monetization aside, I'm looking forward to the chance to obtain Volcanion, a Pokémon that hasn't been obtainable since 2022 and has only had two total giveaways in the US in Pokémon history. This marks the first time that Pokémon GO players can enjoy catching this powerful Mythical Pokémon previously missing from the game.