Pokemon Go Z-A Celebration: Complete Event 2026 Guide

Updated by Garvit Sharma
October 4, 2025
GamingGaming GuidesGaming News

Get ready, trainers! Pokemon Go is celebrating the upcoming release of Pokemon Legends Z-A with an epic five-day event packed with Mega raids, exclusive moves, and fantastic rewards. As someone who’s been covering Pokemon Go events for years, I’m excited to bring you this comprehensive guide that will help you maximize every aspect of this limited-time celebration.

In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Pokemon Legends Z-A Celebration Event, from event timing and bonuses to detailed strategies for Mega raids, Timed Research choices, and which starter Pokemon you should pick for your playstyle. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore enthusiast, this guide has something for everyone.

Quick Overview: Pokemon Go Z-A Celebration Event

Event Feature	Details	Importance
Event Dates	October 16-20, 2025 (10 AM – 8 PM local time)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Main Bonus	Mega Raids appear more frequently	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Featured Pokemon	Chikorita, Totodile, Tepig	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Exclusive Moves	Frenzy Plant, Hydro Cannon, Blast Burn	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Timed Research	Branching paths with starter choice	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Free Avatar Items	Lumiose City themed outfits	⭐⭐⭐

Pokemon Legends Z-A Celebration Event: Complete Details (March 2026)

Event Schedule and Timing

The Pokemon Legends Z-A Celebration Event runs from Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time to Monday, October 20, 2025, at 8:00 PM local time. This five-day window gives you plenty of time to participate, but don’t wait until the last minute – some features like Timed Research expire when the event ends!

This event strategically coincides with the Nintendo Switch release of Pokemon Legends Z-A, creating perfect synergy between the mobile game and the main series title. As someone who’s been following Pokemon Go since launch, I can tell you that these crossover events are always packed with value.

Event Bonuses: What You Get?

During this celebration, you’ll enjoy one major bonus that significantly impacts gameplay:

???? Mega Raids Appear More Frequently

This is the cornerstone bonus of the entire event. With Mega Raids spawning more often, you’ll have unprecedented opportunities to:

Farm Mega Energy for your favorite Pokemon
Catch rare Mega Evolutions you might have missed
Stock up on XL Candy from raid rewards
Build a diverse roster of Mega Pokemon for various content

Pro Tip: I recommend focusing on Mega Raids that give you energy for Pokemon you actually use in raids or PvP. Don’t just raid randomly – have a strategy!

Branching Timed Research: Choose Your Starter Path

One of the most exciting features of this event is the branching Timed Research that lets you choose between three paths, each dedicated to one of the Pokemon Legends Z-A starter Pokemon:

The Three Starter Choices

???? Chikorita Path

Rewards: Chikorita encounters with Seasonal Special Background
Bonus: Increased Chikorita spawns from Daily Adventure Incense
Evolution: Bayleef → Meganium with Frenzy Plant

???? Totodile Path

Rewards: Totodile encounters with Seasonal Special Background
Bonus: Increased Totodile spawns from Daily Adventure Incense
Evolution: Croconaw → Feraligatr with Hydro Cannon

???? Tepig Path

Rewards: Tepig encounters with Seasonal Special Background
Bonus: Increased Tepig spawns from Daily Adventure Incense
Evolution: Pignite → Emboar with Blast Burn

Which Starter Should You Choose?

This is a crucial decision that impacts your event experience. Here’s my detailed breakdown:

Choose Chikorita If:

You need a grass-type attacker for your roster
You enjoy underdog Pokemon (Chikorita is often overlooked)
You want to complete your grass-type Mega Evolution collection
You’re a collector who wants the Seasonal Special Background Chikorita

Choose Totodile If:

You’re serious about PvP (Feraligatr with Hydro Cannon is meta-relevant)
You need a strong water-type attacker
You want the most versatile option for both raids and PvP
You’re looking for the best long-term investment

Choose Tepig If:

You need a fire-type attacker with Blast Burn
You enjoy using less common fire types in PvP
You’re completing your fire-type collection
You want to try something different from the usual water/grass choices

My Personal Recommendation: For most players, I’d suggest the Totodile path. Feraligatr with Hydro Cannon is one of the best budget water-type attackers in the game and performs exceptionally well in PvP, especially in Great League. However, if you already have multiple Hydro Cannon Feraligatr, consider branching out to Chikorita or Tepig for variety.

Exclusive Moves: Game-Changing Attacks

This event gives you access to three of the most powerful Community Day moves in Pokemon Go. These moves are normally locked behind specific Community Days or require expensive Elite TMs, making this event incredibly valuable.

Frenzy Plant (Grass Type)

Base Power: 100 (40 energy cost)
Accuracy: 100%
Best For: Meganium
PvP Relevance: Moderate
Raid Utility: Good against rock, ground, and water types

Hydro Cannon (Water Type)

Base Power: 90 (45 energy cost)
Accuracy: 80%
Best For: Feraligatr
PvP Relevance: Excellent
Raid Utility: Top-tier water attacker

Blast Burn (Fire Type)

Base Power: 120 (34 energy cost)
Accuracy: 110%
Best For: Emboar
PvP Relevance: Good
Raid Utility: Strong fire attacker

How to Get These Moves?

You have two methods to obtain these exclusive moves during the event:

Evolution Method: Evolve the final stage Pokemon during the event window
- Evolve Bayleef → Meganium for Frenzy Plant
- Evolve Croconaw → Feraligatr for Hydro Cannon
- Evolve Pignite → Emboar for Blast Burn
TM Method: Use a Charged TM on existing Pokemon during the event
- This works even if you already have the Pokemon
- Perfect for giving the move to high-IV or shiny versions

Pro Strategy: I recommend evolving multiple copies of each Pokemon if you have the candy. These moves are valuable for trading and future PvP seasons!

Mega Raid Bonanza: 46 Mega Evolutions Available

With Mega Raids appearing more frequently, you’ll have access to an incredible 46 Mega Evolutions during this event. This is the perfect time to complete your Mega Dex or stock up on Mega Energy for your favorites.

Complete List of Available Mega Pokemon

Kanto Starters & Evolutions:

Mega Venusaur, Mega Charizard X & Y, Mega Blastoise

Kanto Classics:

Mega Beedrill, Mega Pidgeot, Mega Alakazam, Mega Slowbro, Mega Gengar, Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Pinsir, Mega Gyarados, Mega Aerodactyl

Johto Powerhouses:

Mega Ampharos, Mega Steelix, Mega Scizor, Mega Heracross, Mega Houndoom, Mega Tyranitar

Hoenn Champions:

Mega Sceptile, Mega Blaziken, Mega Swampert, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Sableye, Mega Mawile, Mega Aggron, Mega Medicham, Mega Manectric, Mega Sharpedo, Mega Camerupt, Mega Altaria, Mega Banette, Mega Absol, Mega Glalie

Legendary Mega Evolutions:

Mega Salamence, Mega Latias, Mega Latios, Mega Rayquaza

Sinnoh & Unova Stars:

Mega Lopunny, Mega Garchomp, Mega Lucario, Mega Abomasnow

Other Notable Megas:

Mega Gallade, Mega Audino, Mega Diancie, Mega Metagross

Best Mega Raids to Prioritize

Not all Mega Raids are created equal. Here’s my priority list based on usefulness and rarity:

Tier 1 (Must-Do):

Mega Metagross – Just released, excellent steel/psychic attacker
Mega Rayquaza – Top-tier dragon/flying attacker
Mega Garchomp – Incredible ground/dragon type coverage

Tier 2 (High Priority):

Mega Tyranitar – Best dark/rock attacker
Mega Salamence – Excellent dragon/flying coverage
Mega Lucario – Great fighting/steel attacker

Tier 3 (Good for Collection):

Mega Charizard X/Y – Versatile fire/dragon or fire/flying
Mega Venusaur – Solid grass/poison attacker
Mega Blastoise – Good water attacker

Mega Raid Strategy Guide

To maximize your Mega Raid efficiency during this event:

Team Composition: Bring your strongest counters with weather advantage
Mega Boost: Use your own Mega Pokemon for the damage boost
Party Size: Coordinate with friends for larger raids
Timing: Raid during weather that boosts your attackers
Resource Management: Save Premium Raid Passes for Tier 1 raids

Pro Tip: Use the increased Mega Raid spawn rate to farm energy for Pokemon you actually use, not just for collection. Quality over quantity!

Free Avatar Items: Lumiose City Fashion

No Pokemon Go event is complete without free avatar items, and this celebration delivers with six Lumiose City-themed items available for free in the shop:

Available Avatar Items

Lumiose City Collection:

Lumiose City Outfit (Fitted)
Lumiose City Hat (Black)
Lumiose City Shoes (Red)
Lumiose City Outfit (Relaxed)
Lumiose City Hat (White)
Lumiose City Shoes (Blue)

How to Get These Items?

Open the in-game shop during the event
Look for the free items section (they’ll be marked as free)
Claim all items – they’ll remain available after the event ends
Mix and match to create your perfect Lumiose City trainer look

Style Tip: I recommend grabbing both the fitted and relaxed outfits for different occasions. The black and white hat options give you versatility for various team color combinations!

2026 Advanced Strategies for Maximum Rewards

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let me share some advanced strategies I’ve developed from years of Pokemon Go event experience:

Timed Research Optimization

Complete Research Early: Don’t procrastinate – Timed Research expires!
Plan Your Evolution Path: Have enough candy saved before starting
Use Lucky Eggs: Time your research completion with Lucky Egg activation
Save Star Pieces: Use them during research completion for bonus stardust

Mega Energy Farming Strategy

Focus on One Mega at a Time: Don’t spread yourself too thin
Raid in Groups: Larger raids give more energy per person
Weather Boost: Raid in weather that benefits your Mega Pokemon
Track Your Progress: Use apps or spreadsheets to monitor energy collection

PvP Preparation

Great League Focus: Aim for Pokemon under 1500 CP
Ultra League Backup: Keep some higher CP options ready
Move Sets Matter: Ensure you have the right charged moves
Shadow Pokemon: Consider using shadow versions for extra damage

Resource Management

Save Premium Items: Don’t waste Premium Raid Passes on easy raids
Candy Management: Use Pinap Berries on Pokemon you want to evolve
Stardust Strategy: Save dust for Pokemon that will see competitive use
TM Conservation: Don’t waste TMs on Pokemon you won’t use

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Based on my experience covering dozens of Pokemon Go events, here are the most common mistakes players make during celebration events:

❌ Waiting Until the Last Minute
- Timed Research expires, and you’ll miss out on rewards if you procrastinate.
❌ Spreading Resources Too Thin
- Trying to collect everything often results in having nothing useful.
❌ Ignoring PvP Potential
- Some of these Pokemon with exclusive moves are PvP powerhouses.
❌ Forgetting About Weather
- Weather boosts can make or break your raid performance.
❌ Not Planning Evolution Chains
- Running out of candy mid-evolution is frustrating and avoidable.
❌ Missing Free Items
- The avatar items are free and limited – don’t forget to claim them!

Platform-Specific Information

Android Users

Ensure your app is updated to the latest version
Check battery optimization settings to prevent background issues
Consider using Adventure Sync for automatic step counting

iOS Users

Enable location services and background app refresh
Check storage space – events often require additional downloads
Use Low Power Mode if you’re playing for extended periods

All Platforms

Stable internet connection is crucial for raid battles
Consider playing with friends for better raid coordination
Keep your device charged during extended play sessions

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

When does the Pokemon Legends Z-A Celebration Event start and end?

The event runs from October 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time to October 20, 2025, at 8:00 PM local time. This gives you five full days to participate in all event activities.

What are the main bonuses during this event?

The primary bonus is that Mega Raids appear more frequently throughout the event. This gives you increased opportunities to farm Mega Energy and catch rare Mega Evolutions.

Which starter should I choose in the Timed Research?

I recommend Totodile for most players, as Feraligatr with Hydro Cannon is excellent in both raids and PvP. However, choose based on your personal needs and collection goals.

Can I get the exclusive moves after the event ends?

No, you can only obtain Frenzy Plant, Hydro Cannon, and Blast Burn during the event window. Make sure to evolve your Pokemon or use Charged TMs before October 20 at 8:00 PM.

Do the avatar items cost real money?

No, all six Lumiose City-themed avatar items are completely free during the event and will remain available in the shop after the event ends.

What happens if I don’t complete the Timed Research in time?

Timed Research expires when the event ends, and you’ll lose access to any uncompleted tasks and rewards. Make sure to finish all research before the deadline.

Can I participate if I’m a free-to-play player?

Absolutely! This event is completely free-to-play friendly. The Timed Research, avatar items, and event bonuses are all available without spending any money.

Will there be Shiny Pokemon available during this event?

Yes, according to official sources, Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig encountered through Timed Research have a chance to be Shiny.

How many Mega Raids should I focus on?

Focus on quality over quantity. Prioritize Mega Evolutions that you’ll actually use in raids or PvP, rather than trying to collect everything.

Can I transfer Pokemon from Pokemon Go to Pokemon Legends Z-A?

No, Pokemon Go and Pokemon Legends Z-A are separate games, and Pokemon cannot be transferred between them.

Final Thoughts and 2026 Pro Tips

As we wrap up this comprehensive guide, I want to leave you with some final thoughts and pro tips that will help you make the most of the Pokemon Legends Z-A Celebration Event:

???? Set Clear Goals

Before the event starts, decide what you want to accomplish. Are you focusing on PvP, completing your Mega Dex, or collecting exclusive moves? Having clear goals will help you prioritize your time and resources.

???? Stay Connected

Follow official Pokemon Go social media channels and join community Discord servers for real-time updates and coordination opportunities. Community makes these events much more enjoyable!

⏰ Time Management

With only five days for the event, time management is crucial. Set aside specific times for raiding, research completion, and evolution chains.

???? Have Fun!

Remember that Pokemon Go is ultimately about having fun. While it’s great to be strategic and efficient, don’t forget to enjoy the celebration atmosphere and community aspects of the event.

???? Bookmark This Guide

Events like this often have last-minute updates or changes. I recommend bookmarking this guide and checking back for any updates or additional tips as the event progresses.

The Pokemon Legends Z-A Celebration Event is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of 2026, with unprecedented access to Mega raids, exclusive moves, and fantastic rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newer player, this event has something incredible to offer everyone.

Remember: The key to success in Pokemon Go events is preparation, strategy, and community engagement. Use this guide as your roadmap, adapt the strategies to your playstyle, and most importantly – have fun celebrating the upcoming release of Pokemon Legends Z-A!

Happy hunting, trainers, and may your raid balls be ever in your favor!