Pokémon GO Community Update: Forever Forward Season, Shadow Palkia, Ultra Unlock 10th Anniversary & More!
Welcome, Trainers, to another jam-packed community update! The Forever Forward
season is in full swing, bringing fresh challenges, legendary raids, and a wave of excitement across the Pokémon GO world. From the menacing Shadow Palkia to the celestial Solgaleo, and the upcoming Ultra Unlock 10th Anniversary celebration, there’s never been a better time to lace up your walking shoes—or fire up your favorite spoofing tool. In this article, we’ll dive into the hottest community discussions, break down every upcoming event, and share how PGFlyer can help you catch ’em all from the comfort of your home. Let’s jump in!
Community Hot Topics 🔥
Our community never sleeps, and this week is no exception. Reddit and Discord are buzzing with questions, brags, and debates. Here are the most talked-about topics we’ve seen:
Event Mechanics & Legacy Moves
A major topic this week is the ability to evolve starters and automatically obtain their exclusive legacy moves during the current event. u/Classic_Score_5870 was shocked when their Mudkip evolved into a Swampert with Hydro Cannon, asking “Is this normal? I thought you can only get them with an elite charge tm…” The community quickly confirmed: yes, it’s a temporary event bonus! User u/LVL_TuaRua explained, “The event currently running this week allows any starter to learn their legacy move upon their final evolution.” So if you’ve been sitting on a perfect Charmander or a lucky Piplup, now’s the time to evolve and save those Elite TMs.
Another hot topic: background Pokémon. u/faal00x noticed that all their redeemed rewards had a Team Valor background, asking “are they supposed to be Team Valor for everyone or are they just matching the team you've chosen?” Quick reply from u/MagikarpGOD5: “As far as I'm aware, BG matches team choice. All of mine have been Mystic, my team.” So yes, your team’s colors are permanent on those special backgrounds.
Raid Strategy & Duo Viability
With legendary raids rotating weekly, u/KasumiGotoTriss asked a burning question: “Which legendary 5* raids are doable in duo?” The answer was overwhelmingly positive. u/CookieblobRs gave a detailed breakdown: “All of them are duoable and quite easily… Zacian: Primal Groudon 2x + PP2 (easy mode)” and so on. Another user, u/DreadfuryDK, added, “You can quite easily duo everything except maybe Primal Kyogre, and even that’s borderline.” This is great news for small raid groups or spoofers who can coordinate with a single friend.
Login Issues & Spawn Problems
A few players reported technical hiccups. u/Thoughtmonger777 posted: “Suddenly today. Can’t sign-in to Pokemon go. Says ‘403 Forbidden’.” No resolution was posted, but it seems isolated. Meanwhile, u/Tori-lee1997 from r/TheSilphRoad noticed a sharp decline in spawns at home: “I've gone from 4-5 a day ago to 1 to none wtf is going on here?” Many replies echoed the same—spawn points may have been shuffled. u/Ok-Bison441 countered: “my spawnpoints doubled,” so it’s inconsistent. If you’re struggling with local spawns, consider using a location spoofer to reach more active areas.
Brag Central: Shundos, Shiny Backgrounds & Milestones
The brag subreddits are on fire. u/vamsi_official couldn’t contain excitement: “😱Still pinching myself over this unbelievable catch! Never thought I’d see a Shundo Solgaleo.” That’s a true rare gem. u/MommyDave celebrated reaching 1,000 shinies after a year of playing, with top comment asking “1yr?! How much money have you spent?” Meanwhile, u/raIsthesungod named their first shundo “SummaCumLaude” – a classic flex. And let’s not forget u/cpaunov who casually dropped “Got 2 billion XP Today.” We see you, legend.
The Eternal Debate: In-Game Messaging
A concept post by u/novakedy imagining in-app messaging for raid coordination, trades, etc., sparked a massive discussion with 176 upvotes and 94 comments. The general consensus? Safety first. u/swanny246 said, “Yeah, free-for-all messaging will never happen in a Pokemon app. Canned messages - *maybe*.” u/Alpharettaraiders09 bluntly added: “they don't have it bc the safety of children.” Multiple users pointed to Campfire as the existing solution for communication. The idea seems unlikely to ever materialize, but it’s clear the community craves better coordination tools.
Spoofing Advice: Best Mewtwo Raid Locations
With the Makeup Raid Day for Mewtwo, u/KKGamingg asked the million-dollar question: “Best spot for mewtwo raids sunday? Preferably a spot with a lot of raids with a lot of people.” One user replied: “For PST timezone Pier 39 is always filled. For Japan maybe Toshima? For NZ there was that nice pier spot but I unfortunately lost the coords.” This is exactly where PGFlyer comes in—you can instantly teleport to these high-activity zones and join the raid party.
Upcoming Pokémon GO Events 📅
The next few weeks are stacked with events. Mark your calendars and prepare your PokéBalls! All times are local unless noted.
Forever Forward Season
Date: June 2 – September 8, 2026 (10:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
The season of Forever Forward is here! This overarching event sets the stage for all the raids, research, and bonuses we’ll enjoy over the summer. Expect themed spawns, new Timed Research, and a refreshed GO Battle League season. How to participate: Simply log in and explore—special spawns and field research tasks will be available worldwide.
Shadow Palkia in Shadow Raids
Date: July 1 – August 4, 2026 (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
The spatial distortion Pokémon appears as a Shadow in 5-star Shadow Raids. Defeat Team GO Rocket and capture the powerful Shadow Palkia—with its signature move Spacial Rend, this is a must-have for Dragon- and Water-type teams. How to participate: Look for Shadow Raid eggs at gyms, gather friends (or spoof to busy areas), and defeat the boss to get an encounter. Remember to use Purified Gems to weaken Shadow Palkia.
GO Pass: July
Date: July 7 – August 4, 2026 (10:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
The paid GO Pass returns for July! By completing daily tasks, you’ll earn rewards such as Rare Candies, Stardust, and encounter with featured Pokémon. Premium Pass holders get extra bonuses. How to participate: Purchase the GO Pass from the shop and complete the daily streak tasks. Stack those rewards!
Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition
Date: July 21 – July 27, 2026 (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
Celebrate a decade of Pokémon GO! This special event features increased spawns of costumed Pokémon, bonus XP for spinning new PokéStops, and the return of popular Ultra Beasts in raids. Timed Research will offer encounters with rare Pokémon. How to participate: Play as usual—everything is boosted during this event. Don’t forget to use Lucky Eggs and Star Pieces for maximum gains.
Great League, Ultra League, and Master League | Forever Forward
Date: July 21 (8:00 PM) – July 28, 2026 (8:00 PM)
All three core leagues are open simultaneously in GO Battle League! This is the perfect time to climb the ranks using your best Great, Ultra, and Master League teams. How to participate: Battle using the standard GBL interface. Adjust your team for each league and try to reach Ace, Veteran, or even Legend rank.
Mega Salamence in Mega Raids
Date: July 22 – July 28, 2026 (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
The Dragon-type mega evolution returns! Mega Salamence is one of the most powerful Dragon-type attackers in the game. Gather a raid party to take it down and earn Mega Energy. How to participate: Raid at any gym hosting a Mega Raid. Weather boost (Windy) makes it even stronger, so bring Ice-type counters like Mamoswine or Galarian Darmanitan.
Solgaleo in 5-star Raid Battles
Date: July 22 – July 28, 2026 (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
The legendary Sun Pokémon Solgaleo appears in 5-star raids. With its high CP and resistance to many types, it’s a formidable opponent. Bring Dark- and Ghost-type attackers (like Hydreigon or Giratina-O) to exploit its Psychic/Steel typing. How to participate: Use a Remote Raid Pass or spoof to a location with active raiders. Solgaleo can be shiny if you’re lucky!
Ozone Ascent - Rayquaza Timed Research
Date: July 25 – July 26, 2026 (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
A limited-time event featuring Rayquaza! Complete Timed Research tasks to earn encounters with Rayquaza, Mega Energy, and maybe even a shiny. This is your chance to stock up on Rayquaza candy and unlock its signature move. How to participate: Log in during the event window and complete the research. Tasks likely involve catching Dragon-types, winning raids, and spinning stops.
GO Fest 2026 Sunday Raid Makeup
Date: July 26, 2026 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
If you missed the GO Fest Global raids, here’s your makeup day! Expect Mewtwo (likely with Psystrike) appearing in 5-star raids all day. This is the perfect opportunity to snag a high-IV Mewtwo or even a shiny. How to participate: Join raids at any gym. Raid lobbies should be crowded—especially if you spoof to hotspots like Pier 39 or Central Park.
Dynamax Feebas during Max Monday
Date: July 27, 2026 (6:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
Max Monday features Dynamax Feebas in Power Spots. Feebas evolves into Milotic, a beautiful and capable Water-type. This is a great chance to rack up candy and maybe find a shiny. How to participate: Visit Power Spots near you (or use PGFlyer to navigate to a cluster of Power Spots). Bring your best Max Pokémon to defeat Dynamax Feebas.
Choose Your Path: Fairy Trail
Date: July 28 – August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
Choose Your Path events allow you to select a research path that dictates which Pokémon you’ll encounter. The Fairy Trail likely features Fairy-type spawns like Clefairy, Togepi, and maybe even Galarian Ponyta. How to participate: At the start of the event, pick your path from the research menu. Complete tasks to encounter the featured Pokémon and earn Fairy-type bonuses.
Great League and Master Premier | Forever Forward
Date: July 28 – August 4, 2026 (8:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
GO Battle League enters a new split: Great League and Master Premier (no legendaries/mythicals). This format is perfect for trainers who want competitive battles without relying on legendary Pokémon. How to participate: Use the GBL battle menu. Build teams from the allowed CP caps—Great League (1500 CP) and Master Premier (no CP cap, but no legendaries).
Kyurem in 5-star Raid Battles
Date: July 29 – August 4, 2026 (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
The Boundary Pokémon Kyurem takes over 5-star raids. Kyurem has a powerful signature move, Glaciate, and can be fused with Reshiram or Zekrom to form White/Black Kyurem. Catch as many as you can! How to participate: Raid using passes. Kyurem is weak to Fighting, Steel, Rock, and Dragon types – bring Metagross, Terrakion, or Garchomp. Shiny can be encountered from raids.
Mega Aggron in Mega Raids
Date: July 29 – August 4, 2026 (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
Mega Aggron returns to Mega Raids. While not the most powerful Mega, Aggron’s Steel typing makes it a decent defender and an option for those lacking Steel-type mega energy. How to participate: Raid at Mega Raid gyms. Bring Fire- and Fighting-types to counter its Steel typing.
Kyurem Raid Hour
Date: July 29, 2026 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Every Wednesday, raid bosses get a spotlight. This week, Kyurem will be appearing more frequently in 5-star raids for one hour. Perfect for squeezing in a few extra passes. How to participate: Be at a gym during this hour—or spoof to a dense urban area to maximize raid opportunities.
Bidoof Spotlight Hour
Date: July 30, 2026 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
It’s Bidoof time! The meme Pokémon takes over spawns for an hour. While many will skip this, it’s a great opportunity to grab candy for a future evolution or just to catch a shiny Bidoof. How to participate: Open the app during that hour and catch every Bidoof you see. Bonus: you might get a 2x catch XP bonus if active.
Gigantamax Rillaboom Max Battle Day
Date: August 1, 2026 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
The first-ever Gigantamax Battle Day! Gigantamax Rillaboom appears in special Power Spots. This massive Grass-type requires high-level cooperation (around 4+ trainers) with proper Max moves to defeat. How to participate: Form a group or use spoofing to meet up with a large raiding community. Prioritize bringing Fire- and Bug-type Max Pokémon, like Charizard or Scizor.
Pro Tips with PGFlyer 💡
With so many events happening simultaneously—especially raids that require large groups—it can be tough to participate from rural areas or during off-hours. That’s where PGFlyer, the premier iOS location spoofer for Pokémon GO, comes into play. With PGFlyer, you can instantly teleport to high-density raid locations like Pier 39, Times Square, or even the famous Tokyo Power Spot clusters. Never again miss a Shadow Palkia or a Mewtwo raid because you’re stuck at home.
PGFlyer also helps you complete Timed Research tasks that require spinning unique PokéStops or catching specific Pokémon. For example, during the Ultra Unlock 10th Anniversary, you can jump to different cities to spin new stops for that bonus XP. And if you’re hunting region-exclusive Pokémon like the ones appearing in Select Your Path events, PGFlyer lets you explore the globe without leaving your couch. It’s completely safe and easy to use—just set your desired coordinates and go!
Another huge advantage: Max Battles. The Gigantamax Rillaboom event requires fighting in Power Spots with other players. With PGFlyer, you can teleport to a park where dozens of trainers are already gathering, ensuring you always have a full lobby. Whether you’re chasing a Shundo Solgaleo or simply want to complete your Pokédex, PGFlyer makes every event accessible. Remember to use the cooldown system responsibly and enjoy the game your way.
The Pokémon GO world is vast, and the Forever Forward season is just getting started. We hope this community update helps you plan your next moves. If you want to take your gameplay to the next level, visit PGFlyer.com to learn more about how our iOS location spoofer can enhance your experience. And don’t forget to join our Discord community for real-time raid coordination, tips, and giveaways. See you in the game, Trainers!