As 2022 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on all the joy, surprises, and Pokémon it brought us. Pokémon GO had a big year! We’ve adventured together through countless events, the introduction of Pokémon from three different regions, the arrival of Ultra Beasts, and the game’s very first Pokémon World Championships appearance in London. Here are 10 especially memorable moments from an eventful year.

Highlighting Historical Hisui

Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduced Hisui, an earlier version of the Sinnoh region. Trainers got a chance to add Pokémon first discovered in Hisui to their Pokémon GO Pokédex in January when the electrifying Hisuian Voltorb first appeared alongside its Evolution, Hisuian Electrode. Since then, Trainers have discovered Hisuian Growlithe, Hisuian Arcanine, Hisuian Sneasel, Sneasler, Hisuian Qwilfish, Overqwil, Hisuian Braviary, and Ursaluna! This is just a small taste of the wild and wonderful Hisui region, with many Hisuian Pokémon yet to make their Pokémon GO debuts.

A Tribute to Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver

This year’s Pokémon GO Tour paid homage to the second region Trainers discovered in the world of Pokémon. Pokémon GO Tour: Johto, which took place on February 26, offered players an opportunity to catch every Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver in a single day. With 10 Collection Challenges, rotating habitats inspired by memorable Johto locations such as New Bark Town and Violet City, Special Research, and Masterwork Research, there was plenty of excitement to be had. We can’t wait for Pokémon GO Tour: Hoenn, which is just around the corner.

A Sunny Season

On March 1, Pokémon GO kicked off a new Season: the Season of Alola. Pokémon originally discovered in the tropical Alola region arrived in Pokémon GO en masse. First partner Pokémon Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio appeared, along with their Evolutions. Alola’s guardian deities—Tapu Fini, Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Lele—were found in raids, and Tapu Fini would even go on to stand out in GO Battle League competitive play throughout the year. In addition to giving Trainers an opportunity to fill out their Pokédex, the Season of Alola was a bright spot in a big year for Pokémon GO. 

Mega Evolution Gets Mega Changes

Mega Evolution first arrived in Pokémon GO in August 2020. In April 2022, Niantic announced that Mega Evolution would be going through its own evolution. The update brought big changes to Mega Evolution, making it easier for Trainers to successfully complete Mega Raids, introducing Mega Levels for Pokémon that have Mega Evolved, and allowing Pokémon that have already Mega Evolved to do so again without any Mega Energy cost after a brief cooldown period.

The Arrival of Ultra Beasts

For years, Legendary Pokémon and Mythical Pokémon have appeared in Pokémon GO. But Ultra Beasts—extradimensional life-forms originating from Ultra Space—remained elusive. That changed on June 5, with the mysterious and dramatic appearance of Nihilego. After the Parasite Ultra Beast’s groundbreaking appearance, other Ultra Beasts soon followed, including Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, and Guzzlord. They’re a challenge to battle and catch, but there’s no denying that Ultra Beasts are ultra-fun.

Interesting Incense

In late July, Pokémon GO Trainers were introduced to a new kind of Incense. After completing a Special Research quest titled “A Mysterious Incense Part 1,” Trainers receive Daily Adventure Incense. This Incense can be used once per day, and the duration is 15 minutes. While Daily Adventure Incense is active, Trainers that are on the go can encounter exciting Pokémon they might not otherwise run into. Truly lucky Trainers might even encounter Galarian Zapdos, Galarian Moltres, and Galarian Articuno. Pokémon attracted by Daily Adventure Incense are marked on the map by blue circle swirling around them, and at the end of each 15-minute session Trainers receive a report of the Pokémon they caught.

The Crowning of a Champion

The GO Battle League has been going strong since January 2020, but Pokémon GO Trainers had to wait more than two years for their first opportunity to compete in the World Championships. Trainers were thrilled to discover that the 2022 Pokémon World Championships would see Pokémon GO appear alongside the Pokémon Trading Card Game and other competitive Pokémon titles. From there, it was on. August saw the world’s best Pokémon GO Trainers gather in London for three intense days of battling. On August 21, Germany’s DancingRob earned the coveted title of the first Pokémon GO World Champion.

Best of GO Fest

Pokémon GO Fest is always a blast, and Pokémon GO Fest 2022 was no exception! The exciting global event on August 27 boasted virtual habitats with themed Pokémon appearances, the Pokémon GO debut of the Gratitude Pokémon Shaymin, and special Collection Challenges. In addition to the virtual global festivities, special in-person events in Berlin, Seattle, and Sapporo in July and August brought fans together for unique celebrations of the Pokémon GO community.

Spooktacular Halloween Event

Pokémon GO’s Halloween event took place in two parts. Part I introduced Mega Banette and featured plenty of Candy bonuses, and Part II highlighted adorable costumed Pokémon. PokéStops and Gyms set the scene with festive décor, and Trainers bold enough to play at night were treated to a spooky remix of the iconic Lavender Town theme.

Gimmie That Ghoul

To celebrate the introduction of a new region to the Pokémon world—beautiful Paldea—Pokémon GO Trainers had an opportunity to interact with a newly discovered Pokémon, Gimmighoul. On November 5, some PokéStops turned from blue to gold. Trainers who spun these golden PokéStops received a mysterious coin. Gimmighoul in its Roaming Form appeared to Trainers with one of these treasures, trying to help players find additional coins. What these coins will be used for and when Trainers can catch Gimmighoul remains to be seen—we’re excited to see if there’ll be another installment in this whimsical crossover!

There are even more exciting Pokémon GO events in store for 2023! Check Pokemon.com throughout the new year to keep up to date on Pokémon GO news, events, and competitions.