Pokemon GO players have another major event to look forward to this August. The Ultra Unlock: Water Festival introduces three Pokemon from the Galar region, new raid bosses, increased Shiny chances, and several bonuses that reward active players throughout the week.
The event runs from August 18 through August 24, 2026, and focuses entirely on Water-type Pokemon.
Arrokuda, Barraskewda, and Cramorant Make Their Debut
The biggest highlight of the event is the arrival of three Pokemon from the Galar region.
Arrokuda can be encountered through Field Research, Rainy Lure Modules, and the GO Pass. Players can evolve it into Barraskewda using 50 Arrokuda Candy.
Cramorant also joins Pokemon GO during the event. Trainers can obtain it from Eggs, GO Pass rewards, and the GO Battle League. In battle, Cramorant features its signature form-changing mechanic, giving it unique strategic potential. However, it will not be eligible for the Competitors Cup.
Water Festival Raids Feature Returning Favorites
The event also refreshes the raid rotation with several themed encounters.
One-Star Raids
Players can battle:
- Psyduck wearing a swimming ring, with a chance to appear Shiny.
- Regional Tatsugiri forms, which vary depending on location.
Three-Star Raids
The higher-tier raids include:
- Lapras wearing a scarf.
- Hisuian Samurott.
- Dondozo.
The combination offers both collectible costume Pokemon and powerful Water-type additions for many teams.
Shiny Pokemon and Event Bonuses
Several event bonuses will help players earn more rewards during the festival.
Ducklett and Dewpider both receive increased Shiny encounter rates throughout the event.
Catch XP also increases on select days:
- August 18: 2× Catch XP.
- August 20: 3× Catch XP.
- August 22: 4× Catch XP.
These rotating bonuses make certain days especially valuable for players looking to level up quickly.
GO Pass Rewards Add Extra Value
The GO Pass also includes useful progression bonuses during the Water Festival.
Players who reach Rank 10 unlock double Candy from Pokemon catches.
Reaching Rank 20 reduces Egg hatch distance by 50%, making it much easier to hatch Eggs while the event is active.
Pokemon GO Continues Its Busy Summer
The Ultra Unlock: Water Festival arrives as the Forever Forward season enters its final weeks before ending on September 8.
The season has already introduced several notable additions, including Mega Skarmory, Squawkabilly, and limited opportunities to battle Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y during GO Fest 2026: Global.
At the same time, the ongoing Pikachu celebration continues to feature costume variants from throughout the franchise’s history. Some appear in the wild, while others, including Pop Star Pikachu and Rock Star Pikachu, remain exclusive GO Pass rewards.
With three new Galar Pokemon, multiple collectible raid bosses, boosted Shiny odds, and generous XP bonuses, the Water Festival looks set to become one of Pokemon GO’s biggest events of the summer.
