Why the 10th Anniversary Ultra Unlock Is the Biggest Event of 2026
Pokémon GO is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and Niantic has planned the largest event of the year to mark the occasion. Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition runs from July 21 to July 27, 2026, and features first partner Pokémon from every region, Professor Willow's birthday celebration, and the debut of Gimmighoul with a 10th Anniversary Coin (Pokémon GO, 2026).
Key Takeaways
- Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition is the biggest event of 2026 (Pokémon GO, 2026).
- First partner Pokémon from all regions debut during the event.
- Professor Willow's assistant Pikachu appears in 1-Star Raids.
- The event features escalating XP bonuses up to 10x.
- The 10th Anniversary GO Pass includes Party Hat first partners and Gimmighoul.
The 10th Anniversary Context
Pokémon GO launched in July 2016, and the 10th anniversary is a landmark moment for the game. Niantic has planned a week-long celebration that includes multiple sub-events, special research, and the largest selection of first partner Pokémon ever featured in a single event.
The event coincides with Professor Willow's birthday, adding a personal touch to the celebration. Professor Willow's assistant Pikachu appears in 1-Star Raids through July 27, 2026, and can be encountered through Field Research tasks on July 21.
First Partner Pokémon from Every Region
The event features first partner Pokémon from all regions, divided into three phases:
Phase 1: July 21 – July 23
- Kanto: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle
- Johto: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile
- Hoenn: Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip
Phase 2: July 23 – July 25
- Sinnoh: Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup
- Unova: Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott
- Kalos: Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie
Phase 3: July 25 – July 27
- Alola: Rowlet, Litten, Popplio
- Galar: Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble
- Paldea: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly
This is the largest collection of first partner Pokémon ever featured in a single event. Players who complete all three phases will have encountered 27 different first partner Pokémon.
The Escalating XP Bonuses
The event features escalating XP bonuses that increase each day:
- July 21 – July 23: 6x XP for catching Pokémon
- July 23 – July 25: 8x XP for catching Pokémon
- July 25 – July 27: 10x XP for catching Pokémon
The 10x XP bonus on the final day is the highest multiplier in the game's history. Players should plan to maximize their catching activity on July 25-27 for the best XP returns.
Professor Willow's Birthday
Professor Willow's birthday falls on July 21, 2026, coinciding with the start of the Ultra Unlock event. The celebration includes:
- Assistant Pikachu in raids — appears in 1-Star Raids through July 27.
- Assistant Pikachu in Field Research — catch 10 Pokémon to earn an encounter with Assistant Pikachu.
- Willow's Birthday Timed Research — free Timed Research available to all trainers who log in during the event.
- Special Backgrounds — first partner Pokémon and Assistant Pikachu may have team-specific Special Backgrounds.
The Timed Research rewards include encounters with Assistant Pikachu, a Lucky Egg, a Star Piece, and more.
The 10th Anniversary GO Pass
The GO Pass: 10th Anniversary features Party Hat versions of first partner Pokémon and Gimmighoul with a 10th Anniversary Coin. The GO Pass includes 60 ranks with rewards such as:
- Party Hat Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle
- Gimmighoul (10th Anniversary Coin)
- 10th Anniversary Tee (Yellow)
- Golden Lure Module
- Professor Willow's assistant Pikachu encounters
- Increased Candy XL chances
The GO Pass Deluxe includes additional rewards such as a Premium Battle Pass, more encounters, and increased Stardust bonuses.
Masterwork Research: Glimmers of Gratitude
For US$4.99, trainers can purchase the Masterwork Research story "Glimmers of Gratitude," which leads to an encounter with Shiny Shaymin. The Masterwork Research is available during the Ultra Unlock event and can be completed at any time after purchase (Leek Duck, 2026).
Trainers who have already obtained this Masterwork Research cannot purchase it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Shiny Shaymin from the Masterwork Research?
Yes. The Masterwork Research "Glimmers of Gratitude" leads to an encounter with Shiny Shaymin.
Are all first partner Pokémon available in one event?
Yes. This is the first time all regional first partner Pokémon have been available in a single event.
Does the 10x XP bonus apply to all catching activities?
Yes. The 10x XP bonus applies to all Pokémon catches during Phase 3 (July 25-27).
Can I get Assistant Pikachu without the Timed Research?
Assistant Pikachu can also be encountered through Field Research tasks on July 21 and through GO Pass tasks.
Final Thought
Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition is the biggest event of 2026 for Pokémon GO. The combination of first partner Pokémon from every region, escalating XP bonuses up to 10x, Professor Willow's birthday celebration, and the debut of Shiny Shaymin through Masterwork Research makes this event a landmark celebration. Plan your week around the event phases, maximize your catching during the 10x XP window, and don't miss the opportunity to add 27 first partner Pokémon to your collection.