Pokemon GO March 7-9 2026 event brings back old Pokemon for 30th anniversary

Almost all Pokemon ever released in Pokemon GO will return for a special 30th anniversary event from March 7th to March 9th, 2026. This is a huge chance to catch rare Pokemon.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Mobile Games |

Event Dates & Core Offerings

The 'Pokémon 30th Anniversary: All Out' event in Pokémon GO is scheduled to run from March 7th to March 9th, 2026. A central feature of this limited-time event is the unprecedented return of nearly all Pokémon that have debuted in the game since its inception. This broad reintroduction aims to bring back a significant portion of the game's history into the active game environment.

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Wild Encounters and Notable Exclusions

During the 'All Out' event, players can expect to encounter a vast array of Pokémon in their natural habitats. This includes almost all Pokémon that have ever been introduced to Pokémon GO, with specific exceptions. Notably absent from the wild spawns are Pokémon such as Mewtwo, Smeargle, Shedinja, Kecleon, Giratina, Zoroark, Larvesta, Volcarona, Scatterbug, Spewpa, Vivillon, Zygarde, Mudbray, Mudsdale, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Morpeko, Eternatus, Kubfu, Urshifu, Maushold, Dudunsparce, Gimmighoul, and Gholdengo. Mythical and Ultra Beast Pokémon are also explicitly stated as not spawning in the wild.

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Special Raid Battles and Costumed Pikachu

The event will feature a series of special raid battles, particularly focusing on Pikachu variations in trainer-themed hats. These include Pikachu wearing hats modeled after trainers like Red, Leaf, Ethan, Lyra, Brendan, May, Lucas, Dawn, Rei, Akari, Hilbert, Hilda, Nate, and Rosa. In addition to these costumed Pikachus, Buzzwole will appear in Five-Star Raids exclusively in the Americas and Greenland. Other raid encounters are listed with regional restrictions, such as Pheromosa for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India; Xurkitree for the Asia-Pacific region; Celesteela for the Southern Hemisphere; Kartana for the Northern Hemisphere; Stakataka for the Eastern Hemisphere; and Blacephalon for the Western Hemisphere. Deoxys (Normal Forme), Genesect (No Drive), and other regional raid-exclusive Pokémon are also part of the raid pool.

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Field Research Tasks and Egg Hatches

Specific Field Research tasks will be available throughout the event. These tasks offer rewards such as encounters with basic Pokémon like Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, Eevee, and Magikarp, along with valuable items like Rare Candy, Golden Razz Berry, and Silver Pinap Berry. Additionally, any 2km eggs collected during this mini-event have a chance to hatch a selection of baby Pokémon, including Cleffa, Igglybuff, Togepi, Tyrogue, Smoochum, Elekid, Azurill, Wynaut, Chingling, Bonsly, Mime Jr., Happiny, Munchlax, and Mantyke.

GO Pass System and Bonuses

A GO Pass system, with free and deluxe upgrade options, is integrated into the event. Completing pass tasks allows players to rank up and claim rewards. The 'All Out' version of the event, active during the primary dates, offers additional perks, including potential legendary Pokémon encounters from Incense, "if you're very lucky." The event officially begins on March 7th at 10 a.m. and concludes on March 9th at 8 p.m. local time.

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Background: The Franchise's Third Decade

The 'Pokémon 30th Anniversary: All Out' event coincides with the 30th birthday of the Pokémon franchise. This celebration aims to leverage the long-standing popularity of the series by reintroducing a wide spectrum of its digital creatures into the augmented reality gameplay of Pokémon GO. The focus on historical content underscores a broader trend in digital entertainment to tap into established fanbases through anniversary celebrations and nostalgia-driven releases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Pokemon GO '30th Anniversary: All Out' event and when does it happen?
The 'Pokemon 30th Anniversary: All Out' event is a special celebration in Pokemon GO for the franchise's 30th birthday. It runs from March 7th to March 9th, 2026, and brings back many past Pokemon.
Q: Which Pokemon can players catch during the 'All Out' event in Pokemon GO?
Players can catch almost all Pokemon that have ever been in Pokemon GO. However, some rare Pokemon like Mewtwo, Giratina, and Mythical Pokemon will not appear in the wild.
Q: What special raids will be available in Pokemon GO during the March 2026 event?
Special raids will feature Pikachu wearing hats from famous trainers. Also, powerful Pokemon like Buzzwole, Pheromosa, and Xurkitree will appear in raids, but they are limited to certain regions around the world.
Q: What rewards can players get from Field Research and eggs during the Pokemon GO event?
Field Research tasks will give chances to find basic Pokemon like Bulbasaur and Eevee, plus useful items. Eggs collected during the event can hatch into baby Pokemon like Cleffa and Togepi.
Q: Are there any extra bonuses or systems for the Pokemon GO 'All Out' event?
Yes, there is a GO Pass system with free and paid options for rewards. The event runs from March 7th at 10 a.m. to March 9th at 8 p.m. local time, and players might get legendary Pokemon from Incense.