Trainers,

Happy Year of the Pig! The Pokémon GO Lunar New Year event is happening once again, spotlighting 12 Pokémon and beginning February 4 at 1 p.m. PST. Take a look at the details below:

Event Date + Time

• Feb. 4, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8) to Feb. 13, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8)M

Features

• Rattata, Ekans, Mankey, Ponyta, Electabuzz, Dratini, Mareep, Miltank, Torchic, Poochyena, Spoink, and Buneary will appear more frequently in the wild!
• If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny Spoink!

Bonuses

• 2× Catch XP
• 2× XP when evolving Pokémon
• When you trade a Pokémon, there is an increased chance it will become a Lucky Pokémon!

Wishing you health, wealth, and luck during the Lunar New Year! Stay safe, and happy exploring!

—The Pokémon GO team

Trainers,

In our previous Community Note, we outlined some changes that came to Pokémon GO that affect your Pokémon’s effectiveness in battle. We have similar news to share today, detailing Raid Battle and move balance changes, and move set additions to the game, which you may have seen referred to in our most recent Sinnoh region update.

For the Raid Battle changes, the featured Pokémon will now have an HP increase to offset some of the damage increases made to the attacks of other Pokémon in the last year. We hope this will provide greater overall challenge as well as encourage Trainers to group up to win. When it comes to move balance changes and move set additions, we have been keeping an eye on how well some Pokémon are performing in battle compared to others. This means adjusting the power of some moves in Trainer Battles and giving Pokémon new moves that improve their success in matches.

Raid Battle Rework

• A previous change to the super effective damage multiplier...

Trainers,

Did you know that some Pokémon originally discovered in the Sinnoh region evolve from Pokémon previously discovered in other regions? Starting today, you’ll be able to use a Sinnoh Stone to evolve Lickitung into Lickilicky, Tangela into Tangrowth, and more!

Plus, more Pokémon originally discovered in the Sinnoh region, such as Cranidos and Shieldon, will appear in the wild for the first time! You may also see more Pokémon originally discovered in the Sinnoh region appearing in Eggs.

There are also some big changes coming! You may notice that Pokémon that appear in Raid Battles are more powerful and sturdy when you challenge them. Plus, some moves that certain Pokémon know may be stronger or weaker when used in battle. Finally, certain Pokémon may be able to learn new moves via TM that will help them perform in battle, such as Machamp now being able to know the Rock-type move Rock Slide!

—The Pokémon GO team

Trainers,

A new arrival to raids will test your strength in 2019! The Water- and Dragon-type Spatial Pokémon, Palkia, will join Raid Battles across the world from January 29 at 1:00 p.m. PST to February 28 at 1:00 p.m. PST!

With the ability to warp the very fabric of space and enough power to take on Giratina, Palkia is a Pokémon that shouldn’t be underestimated. Be sure to assemble a team that includes Dragon- and Fairy-type Pokémon to take down this Legendary Pokémon before its special attacks overwhelm your team!

Don’t miss this chance to catch this Legendary Pokémon before it returns to its own spatial dimension! Stay safe, and happy exploring!

—The Pokémon GO team

Trainer,

We’re kicking off the new year with a brand-new celebration! Starting on January 15 at 1 p.m. PST and going until January 29 at 1 p.m. PST, Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region will be appearing more frequently in the wild. Plus, if you evolve Shroomish into Breloom during the event, it will know the exclusive move Grass Knot! See more details below:

Event Date + Time
Jan. 15, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8) to Jan. 29, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8)

Features

• Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region will appear more frequently in the wild.
• Field Research will highlight Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region.
• Raid Battles will include Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region, such as the Legendary Pokémon Kyogre and Groudon.
• Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region will have an increased chance of hatching from 7 km Eggs.
• If you evolve Shroomish into Breloom, it will know the exclusive mo...

Trainers,

It’s time to put your research skills to work and collect Field Research that looks closely at a certain Pokémon species -- let’s do some Limited Research! While the Water-type Pokémon Feebas may not look like much, there’s plenty to learn about the Fish Pokémon! Spin the Photo Disc at nearby PokéStops to obtain Field Research tasks that lead to encounters with Feebas. And, if you’re lucky, you just might find a Shiny Feebas! See more details below:

Event Date + Time

• Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India: Jan. 19, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. UTC (GMT +0)
• The Americas and Greenland: Jan. 19, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8)
• Asia-Pacific: Jan. 20, 2019, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. JST (GMT +9)

Features

• Limited Research tasks will be available when you spin Photo Discs at PokéStops.
• Completing the Limited Research tasks will reward you with encounters with Feebas.
• You may encounter a Shiny Feebas!

Feebas mi...

Trainers,

The first Pokémon GO Safari Zone event in South America is coming soon! Mark your calendars for a Safari Zone event in Porto Alegre, Brazil, which is a free, ticketed event taking place from Friday, January 25, to Sunday, January 27 Trainers who attend will be able to spot Pokémon such as Psyduck, Unown, and Relicanth along the recently revitalized Guaíba riverbank! Founded in 1769, Porto Alegre is Brazil’s fifth-largest metropolitan area and a center for Brazil’s gaucho history and culture.

Unable to make it to Porto Alegre? Trainers all around Brazil will still encounter many of the Pokémon featured at the Safari Zone in the wild. Additionally, Psyduck appearances will be increased globally over the weekend!

This is a free event, but tickets are limited. Trainers can register for a chance to receive a ticket at this link. And don’t forget to make plans early to make sure you obtain transportation and accommodations for the event.

We can’t wait to ...

Trainers,

Welcome a brand-new year with the Adventure Sync Hatchathon! To celebrate new beginnings, Trainers will enjoy bonuses for hatching Eggs from January 2 at 1:00 p.m. PST to January 15 at 1:00 p.m. PST. Make sure your shoes are tightly laced for a long journey, as you’re more likely to receive 5 km and 10 km Eggs from PokéStops and Gyms.

Don’t forget to activate Adventure Sync to make your steps count toward hatching Eggs while you’re on the go! Enjoy more ways to stay on top of your well-being for the New Year while working toward rewards with a weekly fitness summary as you start your New Year’s resolutions off on the right foot. See details for the event below:

Date + Time

• Jan. 2, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8) to Jan. 15, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8)

Bonuses

• 2× Hatch Candy
• 2× Hatch Stardust
• Higher chance of receiving 5 km and 10 km Eggs from PokéStops and Gyms

It’s time to hatch a plan to make the most of your Pokémon Eggs, Train...

Trainers,

One more legendary surprise is coming to Pokémon GO in 2018! The Fire- and Steel-type Lava Dome Pokémon, Heatran, will join Raid Battles across the world from December 18 at 1:00 p.m. PST to January 15 at 1:00 p.m. PST!

Be sure to assemble a team that includes Water-, Fighting-, and Ground-type Pokémon to take down this Legendary Pokémon before it overpowers your team with its massive strength!

Don’t miss this chance to catch this Legendary Pokémon before it returns to its mountain home! Stay safe, and happy exploring!

—The Pokémon GO team

Trainers,

The DNA Pokémon, Deoxys, has tested the strength of Trainers in EX Raids and has now changed form! Attack Forme Deoxys will be in EX Raid Battles, with more power than previously seen, so make sure your team is prepared. This Psychic-type Mythical Pokémon will be available to challenge beginning with the next cycle of EX Raid invitations, after December 20.

Are you new to EX Raids? You can become eligible to receive an EX Raid Pass when you win a Raid Battle at a qualifying Gym. You’ll be able to see which Gyms can host an EX Raid through a handy tag when you look at the Gym details. EX Raid Passes will give you the date and time when you’ll be able to challenge Attack Forme Deoxys, so mark your calendar and prepare your Pokémon for an epic battle!

Battling Attack Forme Deoxys will be a difficult challenge that requires Trainers to take advantage of every opportunity—so don’t forget to invite a friend to go along with you! Remember: invites can only...

Trainers,

The cheer and joy of the holidays is coming to the world of Pokémon GO, as the Delivery Pokémon, Delibird, returns for Pokémon GO Holidays 2018!

Starting on December 18, Ice-type Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild, including Jynx, Sneasel, Swinub, Snorunt, Spheal, and Snover! Certain other Pokémon are also getting into the festivities—you might see holiday-ready Pokémon, such as a Pikachu wearing a festive hat, until January 2!

What’s celebrating the holidays without gifts? Pokémon such as Smoochum, Azurill, and Munchlax will have a greater chance of hatching from 7 km Eggs, so show your friends you care by sending them special Gifts! In order to help with hatching during the holiday season, Trainers will also earn a free single-use Incubator once per day via spinning a Photo Disc on a PokéStop until January 2.

To keep the celebrations coming, there will be plenty of bonuses throughout the event! From December 18 to December 22, Trainer...

Trainers,

Are you ready for a legendary challenge? From Friday, December 14, to Monday, December 17, there will be a Special Raid Weekend! Both the Psychic- and Flying-type Legendary Pokémon Lugia and the Fire- and Flying-type Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh will be available in Raid Battles! Take a look at the details below:

Date + Time
- Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, at 1 p.m. PST (GMT −8) to Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at 1 p.m. PST (GMT −8)

Features
- Legendary Pokémon Lugia and Ho-Oh will be joining Raid Battles!
- If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny Lugia or Shiny Ho-Oh!

Do you have what it takes? Get ready to GO, Trainer—and best of luck!

Stay safe, and happy exploring!

—The Pokémon GO team

Alongside catching Pokémon and trading them with friends, there’s perhaps no greater hallmark of the core Pokémon experience than battling other Trainers. While Trainers have been able to participate competitively in Gym battles and cooperatively in Raid Battles thus far, we’re proud that Trainer Battles will be available to Trainers starting today.

When it comes to creating a fun and engaging Trainer Battle experience, we had to strike a careful balance. On one hand, we wanted the system to be easy and straightforward enough for any Trainer—even someone relatively unfamiliar with the mechanics of Pokémon video games. At the same time, we wanted to create a unique competitive experience that gave Trainers who are passionate about battle an avenue to create complex strategies. We accomplished this balance by implementing Trainer Battle Leagues and creating even more opportunities for Trainers to build battle strategies.

Even if you’re a casual Trainer who hasn...

Trainers,

From encountering and catching your first Pokémon to assembling a powerful team to take on a Legendary Pokémon in Raid Battles, you have certainly built incredible skills as a Trainer over the last two years. Are you ready for the next big challenge? Show off your skills against others with Trainer Battles, coming soon to Pokémon GO!

Beginning this month, Trainer Battles will allow you to challenge a friend or another Trainer at any time! Challenge another Trainer using a Battle Code, assemble a team of three Pokémon, and see who comes out on top! When Trainer Battles are completed, both participants will receive great rewards, including a chance at rare Evolution items.

In order to ensure an even playing field, Trainers must compete in the same Trainer Battle League, which determines the CP limit for the participating Pokémon. Strength alone will not en...

It’s getting closer. It’s been sort of like making a big meal for your friends or family. We have been sweating the details in the kitchen and now we are anxious and excited to share our creation with you.

Some of you have been in the kitchen with us. You’ve have done a great job of guiding us so far. Across Japan, Australia and New Zealand, Pokémon GO field testers have been collecting and battling with impressive regularity and we’re learning a lot from them. And today, we’re expanding that field test to the United States to get more feedback to improve the game.

It’s been exciting to hear stories from our testers as they explore the world around them in their quest to collect Pokémon and recently we’ve added a ton of new features to expand gameplay even further. Trainers can now help Pokémon evolve, opening up a whole new area of gameplay. Trainers can also find and collect Pokémon Eggs in addition to fully grown Pokémon. Trainers will get a good workout as you...

Our team has been making the most of the sunny California weather by walking long distances and enthusiastically testing all of the refinement and new features in Pokémon GO. Many of these refinements have been inspired by feedback received from our field testers in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and United States. Thank you for testing the app and for giving us such great feedback.

We have a few exciting updates to share. We’ve added a new Camera feature that enables Trainers to take photographs of their wild Pokémon encounters. Now you can take a photo of Squirtle next to that scenic lake or Ivysaur hanging out by the park. The photos will be saved to your phone’s camera roll to share with whomever you’d like. We can’t wait to see the varied environments in which trainers will find wild Pokémon.

We’re also thrilled to announce that Pokémon GO’s all-new music track is composed by GAME FREAK’s Junichi Masuda. We've been working closely with Masuda-san on several of the...

Five years ago, Niantic set out on a path to change the way people interact with the world around them by creating the world’s first “real world gaming” platform. By exploiting the capabilities of smartphones and location technology and through building a unique massively scalable server and global location dataset, we have helped users all around the world have fun, socialize, and get more fit as they play and explore. Ingress, our first “real world” game, has given millions of players an entirely new way to see the world around them.

Those players have coalesced into an amazing global community where players compete, collaborate, and celebrate in more than 200 countries around the world. Some have literally traveled to the ends of the earth in their quest to help their faction control the world. It’s the passion of this community that inspires us to come to work every day to create new experiences.

Which brings us to our next adventure together. We are pleased to ...

As of tonight, Trainers living in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland are able to download Pokémon GO from the Play Store or App Store.

Trainers,

We are excited to share a few more details with you regarding Pokémon GO:

1. Central and South America - Break out the sneakers and Poké Balls, and get ready to explore the world around you. We are excited to officially be putting Pokémon GO in the hands of our Latin American fans, visitors, and the athletes in Rio!

2. We have been hearing the feedback loud and clear about the removal of the Battery Saver mode on iOS devices. We had removed this feature as several users were experiencing it to be buggy, but we are fairly confident that a fix for this should roll out within the next several days.

3. A few of our Legendary Pokémon had erroneously been granted to some Trainers. Thanks to the help of several of our Trainers, we were able to locate them and bring them home safely.

We have been working long hours to fix many other bugs and bring some exciting new features to Pokémon GO in the future. However, next up for us is the continued roll-out of Pokémon GO to more...

Trainers,

Some iOS users might experience difficulties updating Pokémon GO from version 1.1.0 or earlier. Upon opening the Pokémon GO app, users prompted to update within the app may be redirected to an incorrect web address.

Please visit the Help Center for information on how to resolve this issue.