What was supposed to be an exciting Pokémon GO event turned into a weekend of frustration for many players worldwide. Reports flooded community channels that network errors made the game nearly unplayable throughout the event, with trainers struggling to catch even a handful of Pokémon.
Players described constant interruptions, failed encounters, and endless “Network Error” messages. For some, the experience was so disruptive that participating in raids or taking advantage of event bonuses was impossible. Instead of enjoying the limited-time content, many found themselves restarting the app repeatedly with no success.
Server Overload, Not Player Devices
Although Niantic has not issued an official acknowledgment, the widespread nature of the problem points to server-side issues rather than individual connection failures. Historically, Pokémon GO has seen similar disruptions during peak events, when a surge of players attempting to log in simultaneously strains both servers and local mobile networks.
This time, however, the issue persisted throughout the weekend, leaving players unable to engage with key parts of the event. For many, the frustration was compounded by Niantic’s silence on the matter, as no official statement or apology has been made. ( funny though, as my Pokemon is still in the gym and counting, so where are all those large surge amount of players? XD )
A Missed Opportunity
Events are one of the biggest draws of Pokémon GO, bringing players outside and creating shared community experiences. But when technical failures prevent participation, the damage extends beyond just missed Pokémon. Trust between players and Niantic takes a hit, especially when issues are not openly acknowledged.
For longtime trainers, this weekend felt like a missed opportunity. The excitement of event-exclusive spawns and bonuses was replaced by stalled loading screens, broken battles, and disappointment.
Community Reaction
Across forums and social media, the community’s response has been overwhelmingly negative. Some players reported being unable to play at all, while others barely managed to catch a few Pokémon despite hours of effort. Many are calling for compensation, while others simply want Niantic to be transparent about what went wrong.
As of now, there has been no word from Niantic about whether players can expect make-up events or rewards to offset the disrupted weekend.
