As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the memorable moments and adventures this year brought to Pokémon GO fans. From embarking on the thrilling Road to Sinnoh to gathering friends for epic Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon battles, 2024 was truly unforgettable. Let’s revisit some standout moments from this remarkable year in the world of Pokémon GO.
A Heartfelt Celebration
From February 13 to 15, Pokémon GO’s Carnival of Love brought excitement with the debut of Shiny Oricorio in its regional forms and a special opportunity for Trainers to catch Spinda with a heart pattern and transform their Natural Form Furfrou into a festive Heart Trim Furfrou. Adding to the Valentine’s Day theme, Incarnate Forme Enamorus debuted in Elite Raids on February 14, challenging Trainers to take on in-person battles and rewarding them with appearances of various Flying- and Fairy-type Pokémon. All of it did much to foster a festive spirit and camaraderie among players.
A Sinnoh Journey through Time and Tradition
Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global on February 24 and 25 was a fantastic worldwide celebration that captured the excitement and adventure that are synonymous with the Sinnoh region. Kicking off with the Road to Sinnoh event, Trainers around the world were invited to explore and engage in a myriad of Sinnoh-inspired activities, including the opportunity to catch exciting Legendary Pokémon in five-star raids and participate in Timed Research with rewarding tasks. The experience was kicked up a notch by Sinnoh first partner Pokémon appearing more frequently in the wild, themed avatar items and stickers, and the debut of thrilling space-time anomalies where Origin Forme Dialga and Origin Forme Palkia could be encountered.
New Pokémon on the Horizon
In celebration of the new animated series Pokémon Horizons: The Series, an exciting celebration event took place from March 5 to March 11. The event featured the debut of Pokémon first discovered in the Paldea region, such as Charcadet, Armarouge, and Ceruledge, along with a special costumed Pikachu wearing Cap’s hat. Trainers enjoyed event bonuses, and wild encounters were enriched with both new and familiar Pokémon. Additionally, the release of the series in India and Indonesia brought localized celebrations. Trainers in these regions enjoyed encounters with Pikachu wearing Cap’s hat and special surprise encounters with characters from the animated series.
A Whole New World
The World of Wonders Season in Pokémon GO, which ran from March 1 to June 1, delivered an array of thrilling adventures. This Season introduced the Ultra Beast Poipole and encouraged players to explore and bond with this unique Pokémon. Shadow Raids made a dramatic entrance during the World of Wonders: Taken Over event, in which Trainers battled Team GO Rocket to rescue Shadow Groudon and Shadow Mewtwo. This event offered the chance to encounter Shiny Shadow Raikou, Shadow Entei, and Shadow Suicune in five-star raids. As the Seasons changed, so too did the Pokémon, with diverse encounters in various habitats and an exciting change of Pokémon hatching from Eggs.
Pokémon GO Fest 2024: A Global Adventure
Pokémon GO Fest 2024 was a major highlight of the year, offering thrilling adventures across the globe in July. The series of celebrations began with in-person events in Sendai, Japan, moved to Madrid, Spain, and continued in New York City, USA. A standout feature was the debut of Dusk Mane Necrozma and Dawn Wings Necrozma. Ticket holders at these in-person events had the first opportunity to fuse Necrozma with Solgaleo or Lunala using newly discovered Solar Fusion Energy and Lunar Fusion Energy. The excitement peaked during the global event when these forms made their worldwide debut on July 13 and 14. Trainers could capture Necrozma in raids and participate in Special Research to encounter the Mythical Pokémon Marshadow. From local gatherings to worldwide participation, Pokémon GO Fest 2024 delivered unforgettable experiences and exciting new gameplay.
Aloha to a new Pokémon World Champion!
From August 16 to 18, the 2024 Pokémon World Championships surfed into Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, marking a thrilling chapter in competitive Pokémon GO history. This year, Japan celebrated its first-ever gold medal victory as Yekai0904 emerged as the Pokémon GO World Champion, triumphing with a 3-1 victory in the best-of-five Grand Finals against Inadequance. Yekai0904’s achievement was celebrated with an exclusive avatar pose and outfit, symbolizing his dominance in the competition. The event showcased intense gameplay, with Trainers worldwide captivated by the strategic battles and a new costumed Pokémon debut. As excitement mounts for the 2025 Championships in Anaheim, California, the legacy of Yekai0904’s victory sets a new standard for competitive play.
Max Out Meta Mayhem
The Max Out Season in Pokémon GO kicked off September 3 and revolutionized Trainer vs. Trainer battles with a game-changing update, flipping the meta on its head. Announced at the Pokémon GO World Championships, the news of this Season thrilled players and fans alike. The switch timer reduction from 60 to 50 seconds accelerated the pace of gameplay, making battles in the GO Battle League, Trainer Battles, and Team GO Rocket challenges that much more engaging. Additionally, 31 attacks were updated, broadening the strategic options available. Trainers have also welcomed new Pokémon that were first discovered in the Galar region, including Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble, and both Galarian Corsola and its Evolution, Cursola. These additions have enhanced the game’s ever-evolving landscape with fresh encounters and Special Research opportunities.
Pokémon GO’s Most GIGANTIC Challenge Yet
This year marked a groundbreaking moment in Pokémon GO with the introduction of Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon. Dynamax was introduced in the GO Big event in September, and Gigantamax first occurred during the GO Bigger event on October 26 and 27. For the first time, Trainers could encounter Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon at mysterious Power Spots around the globe. These Max Battles require different tactics than raids or Trainer battles, and also call for large-scale collaboration, with some Gigantamax Pokémon needing up to 40 Trainers to defeat and capture them. As part of this exciting expansion, Max Mondays were introduced—weekly events that feature a different Dynamax Pokémon in Max Battles for an hour. Trainers eagerly joined forces to collect Max Particles and experience these epic challenges.
Battle with a Bite: Morpeko enters Pokémon GO!
Morpeko made its debut in Pokémon GO during the Halloween 2024 Part I event from October 22 to 28, introducing a revolutionary battling mechanic. This unique Pokémon captured the excitement of Trainers by changing forms mid-battle each time it used its Charged Attack, unlocking new strategic possibilities in battles against Team GO Rocket and in the GO Battle League. Its signature attacks, Aura Wheel (Electric) and Aura Wheel (Dark), each deliver a potent attack depending on whether Morpeko is in Full Belly Mode or Hangry Mode, while also boosting its Attack stat. During its debut, Trainers not only enjoyed the thrill of encountering Morpeko more frequently in the GO Battle League, but also indulged in other event-themed treats and bonuses, making the Season one to remember.
Exploring the Unknown: Into the Wild Area
Trainers eagerly participated in the Into the Wild event from November 18 to 22, which unfolded just before the Pokémon GO Wild Area: Global event. Players were thrilled by the debut of Toxel, which could be hatched from 10 km Eggs—and some Trainers even found Shiny ones! The event featured a surge in both Electric- and Poison-type Pokémon, creating thrilling opportunities for exploration and catching. Costumed Pokémon, such as Snorlax with a studded jacket, Pikachu Rock Star, and Pikachu Pop Star, added charm with their unique looks, and raids offered intense battles with formidable Pokémon like Origin Forme Dialga and Tapu Koko. Adding to the excitement, Gigantamax Toxtricity made its electrifying debut in Max Battles, ready to rock Trainers with powerful challenges.
These releases and engaging challenges set an exhilarating tone for adventures throughout the year—but what exciting events and thrilling Pokémon GO debuts will 2025 bring? Stay tuned to Pokemon.com throughout the year to catch all the latest news, events, and competitions.
Adventure awaits, Trainers—let’s GO!
