Pokémon GO: August 2025 Event Guide

August Raid Schedule

Throughout August, a fresh roster of powerful raid bosses will be challenging trainers in gyms. Legendary Pokémon Lugia and Ho-Oh are set to return to five-star raids in the first half of the month, with Necrozma making an appearance towards the end. Mega Raids will feature Mega Ampharos, Slowbro, Pidgeot, and Salamence. Additionally, Shadow Regirock will be a formidable foe in special Shadow Raids every weekend. Here`s a detailed look at the full August raid schedule:

Five-Star Raids

August 4-11

• Lugia

August 11-18

• Ho-Oh

August 25-September 2

• Necrozma

Mega Raids

August 4-11

• Mega Ampharos

August 11-18

• Mega Slowbro

August 18-25

• Mega Pidgeot

August 25-September 2

• Mega Salamence

Shadow Raids

Weekends in August

• Shadow Regirock

Max Battles

August 4-10

• Dynamax Omanyte

August 11-17

• Dynamax Trubbish

August 25-31

• Dynamax Chansey

August Spotlight Hours

Pokémon GO will feature a new selection of Pokémon during its Spotlight Hours throughout August.

Every Tuesday evening, from 6 PM to 7 PM local time, a specific Pokémon species will appear more frequently in the wild. This offers a fantastic opportunity to expand your Pokédex and accumulate valuable candy. Additionally, participating in these events will grant you an extra bonus, such as double XP or Stardust for catching Pokémon.

Here`s the complete August Spotlight Hour schedule:

August 5

• Featured Pokémon: Swirlix
• Bonus: 2x Catch Stardust

August 12

• Featured Pokémon: Plusle and Minun
• Bonus: 2x Catch XP

August 19

• Featured Pokémon: Ralts
• Bonus: 2x Catch Candy

August 26

• Featured Pokémon: Lechonk
• Bonus: 2x Transfer Candy

Fossil Research Day

August kicks off with a special Fossil Research Day on August 2.

From 2 PM to 5 PM local time, Fossil Pokémon such as Kabuto, Cranidos, Tirtouga, and Archen will appear more frequently in the wild. You`ll also have the opportunity to encounter the elusive Tyrunt and Amaura by completing specific Field Research tasks during the event.

Featured Pokémon

Wild encounters

• Omanyte
• Kabuto
• Lileep
• Anorith
• Cranidos
• Shieldon
• Tirtouga
• Archen

Research encounters

• Tyrunt
• Amaura

Gigantamax Butterfree Max Battle Day

Gigantamax Butterfree will make its debut in Pokémon GO during a special Max Battle Day on August 3.

This colossal Pokémon will appear as a six-star Max Battle boss from 2 PM to 5 PM local time. Several bonuses will be active during these hours, including Power Spots distributing eight times the usual amount of Max Particles, and the temporary increase of the Max Particle collection limit to 1,600.

Bonuses

• 2x Max Particles from exploring
• 1/4 adventuring distance to receive Max Particles
• Max Particle collection limit increased to 1,600
• All Power Spots will host Gigantamax Battles
• Power Spots will refresh more frequently than usual
• 8x Max Particles from Power Spots
• Daily Remote Raid Pass limit will be increased to 20
• You can make two additional Special Trades

Sweet Swarm

Combee and Swirlix will be featured in the Sweet Swarm event, running from August 3-6.

You`ll have chances to catch these featured Pokémon by completing Timed Research tasks available on different days of the event. Completing these tasks will also reward you with items like Stardust and Pinap Berries. As an extra perk, any Lure Modules activated during this event will last for one hour and are more likely to attract both Combee and Swirlix.

Featured Pokémon

Research encounters

• Combee
• Swirlix

Bonuses

• Lure Modules will last for one hour
• Lure Modules are more likely to attract the event Pokémon
• Increased chance to encounter shiny variants of Combee and Swirlix

Cozy Companions

Despite being summer, two new Ice-type Pokémon will debut during the Cozy Companions event, held from August 6-12.

The snow worm Pokémon Snom is among several species that may hatch from 7 km eggs during this period. To evolve Snom into Frosmoth, you will need to earn 10 hearts with Snom as your buddy and then use 400 Snom candy.

Other Pokémon like Galarian Farfetch`d and Charcadet will also hatch from 7 km eggs, while Abra, Alolan Geodude, and Karrablast will appear more frequently in the wild. New Field and Timed Research tasks will be available, offering additional chances to encounter the featured Pokémon.

Featured Pokémon

Wild encounters

• Abra
• Geodude
• Alolan Geodude
• Karrablast
• Shelmet
• Phantump

7 km eggs

• Galarian Farfetch`d
• Pancham
• Snom
• Charcadet

Bonuses

• 2x XP for hatching eggs
• One extra Special Trade per day
• First chance to encounter shiny Tandemaus
• Increased chance to encounter Tandemaus from Party Play
• Friendship levels with other players will increase faster through opening gifts, trading Pokémon, or battling together

Hatch Day

Pokémon GO will host another Hatch Day event on August 9, centering around the adorable Munchlax.

From 11 AM to 5 PM local time, Munchlax will hatch more frequently from 2 km eggs, and trainers will have an increased chance of hatching a shiny variant. Event-themed Timed Research tasks will also be available, rewarding an Incubator and 5,000 XP upon completion.

Bonuses

• 2x candy from hatching eggs
• Increased chance of hatching shiny Munchlax
• Increased chance of receiving 2 km eggs from PokéStops

Ultra Unlock: Origin Raid Day

Origin Form Dialga and Palkia are making a return for a special Raid Day on August 10.

These two legendary Pokémon will appear as five-star raid bosses from 11 AM to 5 PM local time. Furthermore, trainers will have an increased chance of encountering their shiny versions during this event.

Bonuses

• Remote Raid Pass limit increased to 20
• Receive up to five additional free Raid Passes from Gyms
• Increased chance of encountering shiny variants of Dialga and Palkia
• 1.5 XP from raids
• Increased chance to get Rare Candy XL from in-person raids (for players level 31 and above)

Delightful Days: Taken Over

Team GO Rocket is staging another disruption during the `Delightful Days: Taken Over` event, running from August 11-17.

Throughout the event, Team GO Rocket Grunts will appear more frequently at PokéStops and in balloons, commanding a new lineup of Shadow Pokémon including Shadow Staryu, Shadow Fletchling, and Shadow Grubbin.

Additionally, Shadow Pokémon will feature in various raids, notably the debut of Shadow Kyogre. A new Special Research story will culminate in a battle with Giovanni, offering a chance to rescue Shadow Giratina upon his defeat.

Featured Pokémon

One-star raids

• Shadow Bellsprout
• Shadow Aipom
• Shadow Teddiursa
• Shadow Seedot

Three-star raids

• Shadow Girafarig
• Shadow Absol
• Shadow Whirlipede

Five-star raids

August 16-17

• Shadow Kyogre

Bonuses

• Team GO Rocket Grunts will appear more frequently in balloons and at PokéStops
• You can use a Charged TM to make a Shadow Pokémon forget Frustration
• First chance to hatch shiny Salandit

Pokémon World Championships GO Battle Weekend

Coinciding with the 2025 Pokémon World Championships, Pokémon GO will host a GO Battle Weekend from August 15-17.

This event introduces a new costumed Pikachu, sporting a varsity jacket, which can be encountered in one-star raids and by completing Field Research tasks.

Other Pokémon like Paldean Wooper, Frillish, and Fuecoco will appear more frequently in the wild, while Honedge, Lapras, and Dusclops can be found in raids. An additional bonus allows trainers to make up to five Special Trades each day of the event.

Featured Pokémon

Wild encounters

• Nidoran (F)
• Mankey
• Marill
• Paldean Wooper
• Spoink
• Frillish (M)
• Vullaby
• Inkay
• Rookidee
• Fuecoco

Field Research encounters

• Pikachu wearing a varsity jacket
• Marill
• Paldean Wooper
• Honedge

One-star raids

• Pikachu wearing a varsity jacket
• Honedge

Three-star raids

• Lapras
• Dusclops
• Diggersby

Bonuses

• Up to five Special Trades can be made each day
• Earn additional Pokémon encounters through the GO Battle League reward track
• Increased chance to encounter a shiny Pikachu wearing a varsity jacket

Shadow Raid Weekend

In conjunction with the Pokémon World Championships, Pokémon GO will also host a Shadow Raid Weekend on August 16-17.

Throughout this weekend, Shadow Kyogre will appear as a five-star Shadow Raid boss, marking the first opportunity for trainers to catch this powerful Pokémon. Additionally, you`ll receive one extra free Raid Pass each day by spinning the Photo Disc at Gyms.

Dark Skies

Leading up to the GO Fest Max Finale, Pokémon GO will hold the Dark Skies event from August 18-23.

This event will feature numerous Dynamax legendaries in Max Battles, providing a chance to acquire powerful Pokémon before the confrontation with Eternatus. Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta will also return as five-star raid bosses on different days.

Finally, several bonuses will be active throughout the event: Power Spots will refresh daily, and more will be active than usual. The temporary limit for Remote Raid Passes will also be increased to 30, allowing for more remote raid participation.

Featured Pokémon

Dynamax Battles

August 18

• Dynamax Latios
• Dynamax Latias

August 19-20

• Dynamax Articuno
• Dynamax Zapdos
• Dynamax Moltres

August 21-22

• Dynamax Entei
• Dynamax Raikou
• Dynamax Suicune

Five-star raids

August 18-20

• Zacian
• Zamazenta

August 21

• Zacian

August 22

• Zamazenta

Three-star raids

• Galarian Farfetch`d
• Galarian Weezing

One-star raids

• Sinistea

Bonuses

• More Power Spots will be active than usual
• Power Spots will refresh daily
• Max Particle collection limit will increase
• Remote Raid Pass limit will be increased to 30 (from August 18-22)

Pokémon GO Fest 2025: Max Finale

This year`s Pokémon GO Fest officially concludes with the Max Finale event on August 23-24.

The event`s highlight is Eternamax Eternatus, appearing at Power Spots as an exceptionally challenging Max Battle boss. While you won`t be able to catch this specific Eternatus after defeating it, you will earn a substantial amount of Eternatus candy, useful for powering up the one obtained through Go Pass: Max Finale.

To assist in challenging Eternatus, all Gigantamax Pokémon will return to Max Battles. Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta will also be available in five-star raids, offering another opportunity to catch them if previously missed.

Additionally, various bonuses will be active throughout the event: Power Spots will refresh more frequently, and more will be active simultaneously. Trainers will also receive double candy and candy XL for catching Pokémon, and there will be no limit on the number of Remote Raids that can be joined.

Featured Pokémon

Wild encounters

• Bulbasaur
• Charmander
• Squirtle
• Caterpie
• Gastly
• Chansey
• Shuckle
• Sableye
• Beldum
• Darumaka
• Trubbish
• Grookey
• Scorbunny
• Sobble
• Skwovet
• Wooloo
• Falinks

Six-star Max Battles

Five-star raids

• Crowned Sword Zacian
• Crowned Shield Zamazenta

Three-star raids

• Falinks wearing a train costume

One-star raids

• Dapper Pikachu with red accents
• Dapper Pikachu with blue accents
• Dapper Pikachu with yellow accents

Bonuses

• Additional Power Spots will be active
• Power Spots will refresh more frequently
• Max Particle collection limit increased
• 2x candy for catching Pokémon
• 2x candy XL for catching Pokémon
• No limit on Remote Raids

Sunkissed Shores

Pokémon GO will host a final summer-themed event called Sunkissed Shores from August 25-31.

The large catfish Pokémon Dondozo makes its debut during this event and can be encountered in three-star raids. Other summery Pokémon like Shellder, Bounsweet, Sandygast, and Alolan Exeggutor will appear in the wild.

As usual, free and paid Research tasks will be available, offering additional rewards, including extra encounters with featured Pokémon. As an added bonus, you`ll earn double XP for successfully completing raids.

Featured Pokémon

Wild encounters

• Psyduck
• Shellder
• Marill
• Shuckle
• Wingull
• Tepig
• Helioptile
• Baile Style Oricorio (Europe, Middle East, Africa)
• Pom-Pom Style Oricorio (Americas)
• Pa`u Style Oricorio (African, Asian, Pacific, and Caribbean islands)
• Sensu Style Oricorio (Asia-Pacific)
• Bounsweet
• Sandygast
• Lechonk
• Alolan Exeggutor

One-star raids

• Slakoth wearing a visor
• Curly Form Tatsugiri (Europe, Middle East, Africa)
• Droopy Form Tatsugiri (Americas)
• Stretchy Form Tatsugiri (Asia-Pacific)

Three-star raids

• Alolan Raichu
• Alolan Marowak
• Dondozo

Bonuses

• 2x XP for winning raid battles

Rookidee Community Day

Concluding the month is August`s Community Day, scheduled for August 30 and featuring the bird Pokémon Rookidee.

From 2 PM to 5 PM local time, Rookidee will appear more frequently in the wild, providing an excellent opportunity to gather Rookidee candy. Thanks to the increased spawn rate, trainers will also have better odds of encountering a shiny Rookidee.

Furthermore, Rookidee`s final evolution, Corviknight, can learn a Community Day-exclusive attack. Any Corvisquire evolved from August 30 through September 6 will know the Flying-type Charged Attack `Air Cutter` upon evolving into Corviknight.

Additional bonuses will also be available during August`s Community Day: Eggs placed in incubators will hatch at a quarter of their usual distance, and you`ll earn double the standard amount of candy for catching Pokémon. Any Incense and Lure Modules activated during the event will last for three hours.

Bonuses

• 1/4 egg hatching distance
• 2x candy for catching Pokémon
• 2x chance to receive Candy XL for catching Pokémon (for players level 31 and up)
• Lure Modules and Incense will last for three hours
• One additional Special Trade can be made
• Trades will cost 50 percent less Stardust

Mega Gyarados Raid Day

Pokémon GO will cap off August with a Mega Gyarados Raid Day on August 31.

From 2 PM to 5 PM local time, Mega Gyarados will appear in gyms as a Mega Raid boss. Each one encountered will know the Water-type Charged Attack `Aqua Tail,` and trainers will have increased odds of encountering a shiny version.

Furthermore, several bonuses will be available throughout the event: The Remote Raid Pass limit will be temporarily increased to 20, and you`ll be able to obtain up to five additional free Raid Passes by spinning the Photo Disc at gyms.

Bonuses

• Remote Raid Pass limit increased to 20 (from August 30-31)
• Receive up to five additional free Raid Passes from gyms
• Increased chance to encounter shiny Gyarados