Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Free vs Paid Features Explained

Pokemon GO Fest is the next big Pokemon GO event. As the Pokemon GO Water Festival wraps up, it is time to start looking at what is to come. Pokemon GO Fest is the biggest event of the year and because of that, there will be a free and paid version of the event. There are some special events happening in select cities like Berlin and Sapporo, but this is a worldwide event. Here are the major differences between the free and paid versions of Pokemon GO Fest.

Pokemon GO Fest Details

For starters, if you’re looking for all of the general details about Pokemon GO Fest, check out our guide. The festival will start on Saturday, June 4, at 10:00 a.m. local time and end on Sunday, June 5, at 6:00 p.m. local time. Though the event is free, Trainers can pay US$14.99 to get access to many bonus content. Now, let’s get into the free vs. paid ticket differences.

Pokemon GO Fest Free Version Features

Pokemon GO Fest is split up between two days. On the first day, players that want to enjoy the free version of Pokemon GO Fest will only get access to all of the new shiny Pokemon and the four rotating habitats that feature different wild Pokemon spawns. On the second day, the Global Challenge Arena will become available. Also, a yet-to-be-announced Pokemon will debut in the 5-Star Raid. Lastly, Trainers who don’t buy a ticket will be able to catch the same Pokemon from Day 1 on Day 2 and they can participate in a short Research story.

On both days, Costumed Pikachu who will be wearing a Shaymin-inspired flower costume will appear in the wild and in 1-Star Raids, Axew will appear in the 1-Star Raids, and taking a snapshot during the event will give you a surprise.

Pokemon GO Fest Day 1 Paid Features

Players who purchase the Pokemon GO Fest ticket will receive everything the free Trainers get. On top of that, Day 1 will feature a Special Research storyline centered on Shaymin, the Gratitude Pokemon, and will give Trainers an encounter with Land Forme Shaymin. There will be a Customizable Special Research with Relaxed, Standard, and Master difficulty options and Catch, Explore, or Battle focus.

The paid Pokemon GO Fest experience gives Trainers an increased chance to encounter shiny Pokemon. Also, the Global Challenge Arena will be open both days for paid Trainers. Event ticket holders will also attract special Pokemon with Incense in the four rotating habitats, including the four featured Unown, Galarian Weezing, and Axew.

Pokemon GO Fest Day 2 Paid Features

On Day 2, all of the special Pokemon attracted to the Incense on Day 1 will cross over to Day 2. There will be an additional Special Research story with new rewards and encounters. On top of everything, Team GO Rocket balloons will appear more frequently, and completing Rocket Grunt fights will award double the Mysterious Components. On both days, event ticket holders can spin Gym Photo Discs to earn up to nine Raid Passes.

And that is everything there is to know about the main differences between the free and paid Pokemon GO Fest experience. As more information becomes available, we will let you know on our Pokemon GO guides page.

Pokemon GO is available on all mobile devices.