Pokemon GO Reveals GO Fest 2026 Pokemon

With the return of GO Fest to Pokémon GO In 2026, Niantic revealed some of its plans for the global event, even teasing the return of a rare fan-favorite legendary creature. Niantic's popular annual event will make a comeback in 2026 with 3 arenas hosting in-person events for Pokémon GO player. Additionally, a special Global version is also planned for those around the world, but details are still slim at the moment.

Niantic has been keen to continue expanding the game's already massive PokeDex, which spans all current generations of games, starting from the Kanto region to Paldea. Pokémon GO recently introduced Flamigo to the game through the Carnival of Flamigo limited event. Even with a huge roster of Pokémon to draw from, Niantic is looking back to the past to bring back a fan-favorite later this year.

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Mewtwo returns to Pokemon GO in 2026

During a special Go Fest 2026 press conference that took place in Tokyo, Japan, Niantic revealed new event details and gave fans a first look at the official key art. As expected, the art featured several Pokemon, such as Articuno, Sandile, Lapras, an Aqua Breed Paldean Tauros, and more. However, one figure stands out among the rest as Mewtwo can clearly be seen hovering over the rest of the cast in the artwork.

It appears that each region is set to receive different legendary Kanto Bird Pokemon, with Japan confirming Articuno, Chicago getting Zapdos, and Copenhagen players getting a chance to catch Moltres. With Blanche on the Japanese key art, it is also assumed that Spark will be based in the US, while Candela will be part of the event in Denmark. While the region exclusivity will likely disappoint some fans, the good news is that it appears Mewtwo will be joining each one and is globally available. While not confirmed, an employee strongly indicated that this would be the case, declining to say anything specific, but asking players to “look forward to Pokémon featured in the key art. Especially Mewtwo.”

I can't say anything specific, but looking forward to the Pokemon featured in the key art. Especially Mewtwo… I think it's going to be heartbreaking excitement for people who have been attending GO Fest since the early days.

Fans have been waiting a while for Mewtwo to return to Pokémon GOwhich was last seen about 4 years ago. Although Mewtwo's shadow version returned in 2024, the original Mewtwo was last seen during a Go Tour event in February 2022 and then a few months later as part of a Legendary Battle Raid rotation. Given the powerful and rare nature of this legendary Pokemon, it makes sense that Niantic doesn't want to make it available too often, so this represents a great opportunity for players who may have previously missed out.

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Players are even trying to speculate what Mewtwo's arrival could represent. Some are hoping for a themed raid experience or a possible return to some original Go Fest moment. But many hope it returns to Pokémon GO may finally mean that Mewtwo's special Mega X and Y evolutionary forms may finally arrive as well. It is well known that Mega Victreebell and Malamar from Pokemon Legends: ZA is coming to the mobile game, so maybe Mewtwo will get his too.

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In addition to Mewtwo, fans have begun to speculate that GO Fest may include the debut of another mythical creature. The Thunderclap Pokémon Zeraora, originally introduced in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moonheavily speculated to come to Pokémon GO. Many have come to that conclusion about the colors used in the logo as well as what appear to be mini blue lightning bolts. Although not official, it would be fitting that Zeraora's latest Mega Evolution from Pokemon Legends: ZA can also be included in Pokémon GO.

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Regardless, interested players likely won't have to wait too much longer to find out, as more news could be revealed during Pokemon Day on February 27, likely heralding some sort of Pokemon Presents showcase to reveal the year ahead of the franchise's 30th anniversary. GO Fest kicks off on May 29th in Japan, before heading to Chicago, Illinois on June 5th, then Copenhagen, Denmark on June 12th.