Pokémon GO Anniversary Event kicks off today with even more bonuses

Roughly six years ago, Pokémon GO hit mobile downloads with a fury. Debuting in July 2016, the game had 28 million players at that time. Every year, Niantic releases an anniversary event of some kind. Last year, a Pikachu floating with a “five” balloon for the five-year anniversary was released.

This year, for the sixth anniversary, they’re focusing on Charizard, the sixth Pokémon in the Pokédex. Trainers can find Charmander and Charmeleon with a party hat on during this event. Recently, the Pokémon GO Fest: Berlin completed Ultra Unlock challenges that will mold the upcoming event.

Ultra Unlock adds more features to upcoming Pokémon GO anniversary

Niantic announced that several different starter Pokémon will be able to learn their special Community Day move if they’re fully evolved during the event. The following starters can learn the Charged Attack Frenzy Plant:

• Bulbasaur
• Chikorita
• Treecko
• Turtwig
• Snivy

Fire starters Charmander, Cyndaquil, Torchic, Chimchar, and Tepig can learn the Charged Attack Blast Burn if they reach their final forms during the event. Charmander can also learn the Fast Attack Dragon Breath when fully evolved to Charizard.

Finally, Squirtle, Totodile, Mudkip, Piplup, and Oshawott can learn the Charged Attack Hydro Cannon. Those Pokémon do not typically have these moves, so this is an opportunity for players to get a leg up on their PvP competition.

Additionally, Pansear, which is typically only found in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India, will be spawning worldwide, so Pokémon trainers from everywhere will have the chance to get it and its evolution, Pansage. It will spawn in both raids and the wild.

Unown E will also be spawning in the wild during the sixth anniversary event. Most recently, several different forms of Unown were available during Pokémon GO Fest.

Pokémon GO Battle Weekend

Battle Weekend will also take place during the event, starting Friday. During this, Team GO Rocket balloons will appear more frequently and offer better rewards. Shadow Latios will make its Pokémon GO debut as well. During the weekend, trainers can earn two Mysterious Components from grunts, 50% more stardust and the opportunity to catch Legendary Pokémon at Rank 16 instead of 20. They’ll also see a large increase in stardust earned from battles. Finally, players can earn more XP from Raids.

This is the time to kick off your Pokemon GO esports grind and preparations. The event kicks off Wednesday at 10 am local time and goes through July 12 at 8 pm local time. For more information, check out the news section on the Pokémon GO app.