Pokemon GO first launched in the summer of 2016, becoming a worldwide sensation overnight. Pokemon GO had such a profound impact that it literally led to laws being made to regulate how people were playing the game. Five years later, Pokemon GO is still one of the most popular mobile games in the entire world, earning record profits for developer Niantic and maintaining a massive fan base. July 6 marks Pokemon GO's fifth anniversary, and the game will be celebrating with a special event.
From Tuesday, July 6 at 10:00am local time until Thursday, July 15 at 8:00pm local time, Pokemon GO fans can partake in the game's fifth anniversary celebration. This will include the chance to catch a special Flying Pikachu variant with a 5-shaped balloon, plus Darumaka will be appearing more frequently in the wild, with the chance to catch Shiny Darumaka. The starter Pokemon from Generations 1 through 6 will also be making appearances, available at PokeStops with Lure Modules, in the wild, and as Field Research rewards.
Meanwhile, Darumaka, Chespin, Fennekin, and Flying Pikachu with a 5-shaped balloon will also be appearing more frequently in one-star raids. A Collection Challenge will also be available for Pokemon GO players to complete, which will reward them with more Flying Pikachu encounters, Rare Candy, and Poke Balls.
The Pokemon GO 5 year anniversary event will also be used to introduce the real-time sky mechanics that were previously announced for the game, plus players can look forward to fireworks as well. There's a chance for Pokemon GO fans to catch Shiny Meltan from the Mystery Box while the event is live, special anniversary stickers will be available, and players will also be able to expand their Item Bag to 3,500 items.
Meanwhile, Pokemon GO players who weren't around for the Jump-Start Special Research a couple of years ago will be able to complete it this time around. According to Niantic, the Pokemon GO Jump-Start Special Research will only be available to players who haven't already completed it, so it doesn't seem as though the Pokemon GO 5 year anniversary is going to have any new Special Research for dedicated players to complete.
Regardless, all Pokemon GO players can look forward to a special bonus during the event, as Lure Modules will last for one hour for the duration of the 5 year anniversary celebration. Pokemon GO fans who want to take advantage of these bonuses and perhaps better-complete their Pokedex should definitely make it a point to play the game while the event is live.
Pokemon GO is out now for Android and iOS mobile devices.