Pokémon GO Forever Forward Season & July 2026 Events: Solgaleo, Kyogre, GO Fest Makeup & Community Buzz

By PGFlyer Team ·

July 2026 is shaping up to be an absolute monster of a month for Pokémon GO! With the arrival of the Forever Forward Forever Forward season, the debut of Shiny Solgaleo in five-star raids, the return of Kyogre, a special GO Fest Sunday Raid Makeup, and the community-driven "Ozone Ascent" event, there is so much to be excited about. The Niantic (now Scopely) train is running at full steam, bringing both new and returning content. As always, the community is buzzing with activity—trainers are flexing their rare catches, debating trade etiquette, solving PvP glitches, and helping each other navigate the ever-changing landscape of the game. Whether you're a seasoned raider, a dedicated PvP battler, or a collector looking for that elusive shiny, this month has a little something for everyone. In this edition, we’re breaking down the hottest community discussions from Reddit and Discord, giving you the full lowdown on every upcoming event, and sharing pro tips on how PGFlyer can help you make the most of it all, no matter where you are in the world.

Community Hot Topics 🔥

💎 The Eternal Hunt for Hundos & Shiny Rarity

The subreddits r/pokemongobrag and r/pokemongo have been flooded with incredible catches this week. One of the most talked-about posts came from user u/Kallen_Drake, who shared a moment of pure marital bliss: "My first shundo from lucky trade with wife." The post racked up major upvotes, with many commenters celebrating the couple’s synergy and others expressing envy over the perfect IV roll. User u/WaywardOath broke down the math for lucky trades: "If they're from the pass, then the minimum is 10/10/10, which leaves 6 different numbers you can get per IV… so a 1:216 chance for a hundo." It’s a beautiful reminder that lucky trades are the best friend of any hardcore collector—especially when you’re trading with someone you trust.

Adding to the bragging rights, u/Lil_Jay14 had what can only be described as a birthday miracle: "Used my masterball on my first bird appearance 3 days before my bday, then the day after my bday I find the shiny ✨" The Galarian bird spawn rate is notoriously low, so catching both a regular and a shiny within days is nothing short of legendary. Meanwhile, u/TxT-Chopper shared a major milestone: "I started playing again back in March at level 35… I’m level 69 now and I feel like I have progressed so much." The thread became a massive show-and-tell of everyone’s GO Fest hauls, from shiny background Mewtwos to hundo Zacians and lucky Groudons. It’s clear that this year’s GO Fest was a huge success for many—though a few unlucky trainers reported walking away with zero shinies.

🤝 Trading Troubles: Why Won't My Friends Initiate?

One of the most upvoted posts this cycle came from u/Texaswatchdude2, who posed a question that clearly struck a chord: "Why do none of my friends initiate remote trades?" The user, sitting on over 600 Pokémon tagged for trade, expressed frustration that they always have to make the first move—even waiting weeks for their best friends to offer something. The comments section became a deep psychological dive into the game's social mechanics. u/ChillBroseph suggested "choice paralysis"—the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. u/br0d30 hit home with a sociological take: "Pokémon as a franchise attracts a LOT of socially anxious people, as well as people who are considerably less interested in the game mechanics than they are in the vibes." The thread has over 19 top-level comments, many echoing the same sentiment. It seems the biggest barrier to remote trading isn't greed—it's indecision and social anxiety. If you’re looking to clear out your trade list, the consensus advice is to be the proactive one and don't take it personally if others don't mirror your enthusiasm.

🛡️ PvP Pitfalls: Kyurem Disabled & the Glaciate Bug

A technical hiccup has been causing chaos in the Master League. User u/Unlucky_keystroke reported: "Why can't I use any of my Kyurem in the master league? They don't show up on my list of options." The answer, as revealed by commenters u/_Tophzilla and u/MoneyAd5542, is that Kyurem (and likely its fusions) have been temporarily banned from all PvP due to a glitch where they could learn Glaciate after fusing—a move that gave them an unfair advantage. Niantic/Scopely acted quickly to disable the Pokémon in battles while a fix is deployed. This has caused a major shake-up in the Master League meta, forcing trainers to rework their teams without one of the most versatile Ice-type attackers. If you were planning to climb the ranks using Kyurem, you’ll need to hold off or pivot to alternatives like Mamoswine or Shadow Mewtwo for Ice-type coverage. Keep an eye on official channels for the unban announcement.

🌾 Rural Struggles & Gym Etiquette Advice

A heartfelt post from u/sharkdye highlighted the unique challenges faced by rural players. After using a Gold Bottle Cap on their shiny Zacian, they realized they needed to complete gym battle tasks but lived 20 minutes from the nearest gym. The post—upvoted over 20 times—became a treasure trove of advice. u/General_Secura92 delivered a blunt but helpful kick: "Why do you care about etiquette with random strangers? You need gym battles done, so go attack every gym in sight." Others offered more nuanced tips, like u/EoTN: "Tap a mon in the gym. If it's been there 8 hours+, you can KO them 100% guilt free." The overarching sentiment is that while respecting other players' coin earnings is polite, it shouldn't stand in the way of completing your own tasks—especially if you're rural and opportunities are scarce. Many commenters recommended driving to a larger city for a day of heavy gym battles, or even using a tool like PGFlyer to reach urban areas from home (more on that later).

🕵️ Spoofing Community: Coin Discounts, Time Zone Traps & Support Fears

The spoofing community on r/PokemonGoSpoofing has been buzzing with both cautionary tales and money-saving hacks. User u/Neat-Imagination-858 shared a costly mistake: they bought the paid pass while spoofed to a zone where the event had already ended, locking them out of rewards. "Sounds like you spoofed to a zone where it ended," commented u/darkcloud123456789. "You can contact support but if they look at your logs… it's a terrible idea." The thread serves as a crucial reminder: always check local time zones when spoofing for timed events like the GO Pass or GO Fest raids. Meanwhile, u/Doubled01470 asked about the "Indonesia Coin Guide," a popular method for getting cheaper PokéCoins by spoofing to Indonesia and using the web store. Veteran spoofers directed them to the subreddit’s search bar, noting that the topic has been covered extensively. These discussions highlight the constant balancing act within the spoofing community: maximizing benefits (cheaper coins, exclusive regionals) while always being aware of the risks.

Upcoming Pokémon GO Events 📅

The next few weeks are absolutely packed. Below is every confirmed event, with images, dates, and details on how you can participate—whether you’re playing locally or using PGFlyer to join from anywhere.

🌐 Forever Forward Season

Dates: June 2, 2026 – September 8, 2026 (10:00 AM local time start/end)

Forever Forward Season

The massive Forever Forward season is the umbrella under which all of July’s events fall. Expect rotating spawn pools, exclusive Field Research tasks, and a refreshed GO Battle League format. This season emphasizes the theme of moving ahead—new Pokémon debuts, legacy moves making a return, and a focus on the future of the franchise.

How to participate: Simply log in during the season. All features are part of the standard seasonal update. Use PGFlyer to explore different biomes and catch season-exclusive spawns from around the world.

👻 Shadow Palkia in Shadow Raids

Dates: July 1, 2026 – August 4, 2026 (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM local time)

Shadow Palkia Shadow Raids

For the first time in Shadow Raids, the Spacial Rend Pokémon, Palkia, appears in its menacing Shadow form. This is a Tier 5 Shadow Raid, meaning you’ll need a solid team of counters (think Dragon-, Fairy-, and Ice-types) and a good group of fellow trainers to take it down. Shadow Palkia is an absolute beast in both PvE and PvP, and if you manage to purify it, you’ll get a powerful, cost-effective Dragon-type.

How to participate: Shadow Raids are exclusive to in-person play unless you use location spoofing. With PGFlyer, you can spoof to populated areas where Raid Hour groups coordinate, ensuring you never miss out on this limited-time Shadow Legendary. More info on LeekDuck.

🎟️ GO Pass: July

Dates: July 7, 2026 – August 4, 2026 (10:00 AM to 10:00 AM local time)

GO Pass July 2026

The GO Pass returns for July! This ticketed progression system allows you to earn rewards by completing daily tasks and leveling up your pass rank. For $4.99 (or equivalent in your region), you unlock premium rewards including Rare Candies, an Elite Charged TM, and encounters with event-themed Pokémon. The free track offers decent bonuses as well, but the paid track is where the value lies—especially if you’re after that Gold Bottle Cap at rank 500.

How to participate: Purchase the pass through the in-game shop or web store (web store often has better rates!). If you’re spoofing with PGFlyer, remember the cautionary tale from our community section: ensure you’re in a time zone where the event is still active when claiming your rewards. Learn more on LeekDuck.

⚔️ Master League & Retro Cup: Great League Edition

Dates: July 14, 2026 – July 21, 2026 (8:00 PM to 8:00 PM local time)

GO Battle League Master League and Retro Cup

Two leagues are active in GO Battle League this week: Master League (all Pokémon, no CP limit) and the Retro Cup: Great League Edition (only Pokémon from Kanto to Sinnoh, up to 1500 CP, and excluding Fairy, Steel, and Dark types). This is a great week for PvP enthusiasts who enjoy both the ultra-competitive open Master League and the more restricted, tactical Retro Cup format. Note: Kyurem is still banned from Master League due to the Glaciate bug, so plan your teams accordingly.

How to participate: Battle sets are available for free each day. Hit the Battle tab and start queuing. Use PGFlyer to spoof to regions where the GBL battle hour timing works best for your schedule, or where you can test your team against a diverse pool of opponents. Full details on LeekDuck.

🌊 Kyogre in 5-star Raid Battles

Dates: July 15, 2026 – July 21, 2026 (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM local time)

Kyogre 5-star Raid

The Alpha Pokémon returns! Kyogre is one of the most iconic Water-type legendaries in the game, and its Shiny form is highly sought after. As a primal candidate (Primal Kyogre is one of the top Water-type attackers in the game), this is a must-raid for any serious trainer. Bring your best Electric and Grass types—like Zekrom, Magnezone, or Kartana—to take it down quickly.

How to participate: Use PGFlyer to spoof to high-density urban areas, parks, or popular raid hubs like Tokyo, New York, or London to maximize your raid count and your chances at a Shiny Kyogre. Remote raiding from home is also an option if you’ve got friends inviting you—but nothing beats being "there" for the full experience. LeekDuck event page.

🌿 Mega Sceptile in Mega Raids

Dates: July 15, 2026 – July 21, 2026 (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM local time)

Mega Sceptile Raid

Alongside Kyogre, Mega Sceptile is taking over Mega Raids. While Mega Sceptile isn't the absolute top Grass-type attacker (Mega Venusaur and Kartana generally outperform it), it’s still a fantastic addition to your team and a favorite for many due to its sleek design. More importantly, raiding Mega Sceptile earns you Mega Energy, which allows you to Mega Evolve any Sceptile you have.

How to participate: Find a local raid group, or use PGFlyer to teleport to any city with an active Mega Raid lobby. Since Mega Raids are Tier 4, they’re duoable with strong counters, but having a full group makes it a breeze. Check LeekDuck for tips.

🎂 Happy Birthday, Professor Willow!

Dates: July 21, 2026 (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM local time)

Happy Birthday Professor Willow 2026

A heartwarming one-day event celebrating the professor’s birthday! Expect special spawns of Pokémon that are "helpful" in nature (like Chansey, Pikachu wearing a party hat, and maybe some starter Pokémon). There will also be a special Timed Research line rewarding you with Stardust, Rare Candies, and possibly an encounter with a Pokémon that has a birthday-theme (such as Happiny or Togepi). This is a fun, low-pressure event ideal for casual players.

How to participate: Log in anytime during the 10-hour window and complete the Timed Research. Use PGFlyer to extend your play time by spoofing to time zones where the event is still active—because who doesn’t want more hours of birthday fun? More info on LeekDuck.

🎉 Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition

Dates: July 21, 2026 – July 27, 2026 (10:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time)

Ultra Unlock 10th Anniversary Edition

This is the big one! As an Ultra Unlock reward for the community’s efforts during GO Fest 2026, Niantic/Scopely is giving us an anniversary-themed event filled with rare spawns, increased Shiny rates, and special bonuses. While the exact pool hasn't been fully detailed, past Ultra Unlocks have featured regionals breaking out of their normal habitats, increased spawns of rare Pokémon like Gible and Deino, and boosted Shiny rates for certain species. The 10-year anniversary theme suggests we might see a return of the original Kanto starters with exclusive moves, or perhaps a nod to the legendary birds. Keep an eye on official announcements as the date approaches.

How to participate: Simply explore your local area—or use PGFlyer to travel to a region during its daytime hours to maximize spawns. If you're hunting Shiny regionals, this is your best chance all season. Follow LeekDuck for updates.

⚡ Great League, Ultra League, and Master League | Split 2

Dates: July 21, 2026 – July 28, 2026 (8:00 PM to 8:00 PM local time)

GO Battle League Season 27 Forever Forward

All three standard leagues become available simultaneously! This is a fantastic time for PvP players who want to climb the ranks using their favorite format. Whether you specialize in the CP-capped Great League, the mid-range Ultra League, or the no-holds-barred Master League, you can queue up and earn rewards. The split lasts one week, giving you ample time to push for the Ace, Veteran, or even Legend rank.

How to participate: The GBL is accessible globally. If you’re using PGFlyer, you can spoof to a location with a stable connection for a lag-free experience—especially helpful during critical matches. Details on LeekDuck.

🐉 Mega Salamence in Mega Raids

Dates: July 22, 2026 – July 28, 2026 (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM local time)

Mega Salamence Raid

Mega Salamence takes the stage as the premier Dragon- and Flying-type Mega Evolution. With a sky-high Attack stat, Mega Salamence is the top Dragon-type attacker in the game, and it’s also an excellent Flying-type attacker. If you missed out on Mega Salamence during its previous stint, this is your chance to grind Mega Energy and add this beast to your collection. Its Shiny form (green body) is one of the most visually striking in the game.

How to participate: Mega Raids are available at local gyms. Use PGFlyer to spoof to busy city centers with ample gyms and active raiders—especially during lunch hours when raid lobbies are fullest. LeekDuck event page.

☀️ Solgaleo in 5-star Raid Battles

Dates: July 22, 2026 – July 28, 2026 (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM local time)

Solgaleo 5-star Raid

This is the highlight of the month for many players: Shiny Solgaleo makes its worldwide debut! As the sunne Pokémon from Alola, Solgaleo is a Psychic/Steel-type with a massive CP and a powerful moveset. This is a Tier 5 raid that requires a solid team of Dark-, Ghost-, Fire-, and Ground-type attackers. Solgaleo is also a key component for those interested in the lore—it’s the counterpart to Lunala and serves as a potent PvE attacker and a decent option in Master League. The Shiny version features a striking gold and red color scheme.

How to participate: Gather a raid party or use remote raid passes. With PGFlyer, you can spoof to any city worldwide and coordinate with local raid groups via Campfire or Discord. Given the massive hype around its Shiny debut, expect queues to be long—but with PGFlyer’s smooth teleportation, you can jump from lobby to lobby, maximizing your chances. Full guide on LeekDuck.

⏰ Solgaleo Raid Hour

Dates: July 22, 2026 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM local time)

Raid Hour Solgaleo

A dedicated Raid Hour focusing exclusively on Solgaleo! For one hour on July 22, almost every gym will feature a Solgaleo raid, giving you a concentrated window to farm the raid for Shiny chances and Rare Candies. This is the perfect time to use those premium raid passes and grind hard.

How to participate: You must be physically near gyms or use a location spoofer. PGFlyer users can spoof to a dense area like Tokyo’s Shibuya or New York’s Central Park right at 6:00 PM local time and hop from raid to raid. With one hour, you can easily complete 10+ raids. Don’t miss it! LeekDuck Raid Hour info.

⭐ Eevee Spotlight Hour

Dates: July 23, 2026 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM local time)

Eevee Spotlight Hour

Eevee takes the spotlight for a full hour! Expect massive spawns of Eevee and its various evolutions (maybe even in the wild you can find some rarer ones). The bonus for this Spotlight Hour is likely to be 2x Catch XP or 2x Candy, which pairs perfectly with Eevee’s low catch rate and high evolution potential. If you’re looking to stock up on Eevee candy for future Sylveon, Umbreon, or Glaceon builds, this is the hour.

How to participate: Use a Lucky Egg (if XP bonus) or a Pinap Berry (for extra candy) and start catching. With PGFlyer, you can spoof to a park with dense spawns—like Central Park—to maximize your catch rate. Spotlight Hour page on LeekDuck.

🦅 Ozone Ascent

Dates: July 25, 2026 – July 26, 2026 (10:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time)

Ozone Ascent 2026

A special weekend event! "Ozone Ascent" likely focuses on the Legendary Bird Trio or Flying-type Pokémon in general. Past events with similar names have introduced Sky Forme Shaymin, increased spawns of Flying-types like Pidgey, Spearow, and Murkrow, and featured research tasks that lead to an encounter with a rare Pokémon—perhaps a Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, or Moltres, given their recent popularity. Expect Incense to be highly effective during this event, drawing in rare Flying-types.

How to participate: Use Incense and walk around—or use PGFlyer to simulate movement and get the most out of your Incense from home. This is also a great time to use the Adventure Incense and see if you can attract a Galarian bird. LeekDuck event details.

🏆 GO Fest 2026 Sunday Raid Makeup

Dates: July 26, 2026 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM local time)

GO Fest 2026 Sunday Raid Makeup

If you missed out on the GO Fest 2026 Sunday raids due to technical issues or scheduling conflicts, this is your makeup day! Details are still emerging, but based on community chatter (especially on r/TheSilphRoad), this make-up day will feature the same raid lineup as the original GO Fest Sunday—likely including Mewtwo with Psystrike, Rayquaza, and other legendary heavy hitters. u/SadOats00 asked on the Road: "Do we think that Mewtwo and co. will be in Raids starting at 5am during the GO Fest make up like how they were last week?" The answer from most beta testers is likely no—makeup events typically stick to the advertised 10 AM start. However, it’s worth checking Campfire for any early bird groups.

How to participate: This is an in-person raiding event, meaning you need to be at a gym or have a remote raid pass—but with PGFlyer, you can spoof directly to the busiest raid locations. Use the Campfire app to see which gyms have the most attendees and drop in. Make sure your schedule aligns with the local time zone of your chosen location! LeekDuck makeup event page.

💧 Dynamax Feebas during Max Monday

Dates: July 27, 2026 (6:00 AM – 9:00 PM local time)

Dynamax Feebas Max Monday

Max Monday returns with a special Dynamax Pokémon: Feebas! Feebas is notoriously rare in the wild, and its evolution Milotic is a fan favorite for both its beauty and its performance in the Great League. As a Dynamax Pokémon, Feebas will be available in Max Battles at Power Spots. This is a fantastic opportunity to stock up on Feebas candy—or even find a Shiny one to evolve into a Shiny Milotic (which has a gorgeous purple and blue palette).

How to participate: Visit Power Spots near you. If you live in a rural area, PGFlyer can help you spoof to a city where Power Spots are abundant. Use your Max Particles wisely—each Feebas battle costs 400 MP, so plan to do as many as possible during the 15-hour window. LeekDuck Max Monday info.

Pro Tips with PGFlyer 💡

July 2026 is one of the most densely packed months in recent Pokémon GO history. Between a Shiny Solgaleo debut, Kyogre raids, the GO Fest Sunday makeup, and the Ozone Ascent event, there’s an overwhelming amount of content—especially for those who live in suburban or rural areas with limited gyms and spawn points. That’s where PGFlyer comes in. As the leading iOS GPS spoofer for Pokémon GO, PGFlyer gives you the freedom to explore the entire world of Pokémon GO without leaving your couch. Here’s how you can leverage it for the events ahead:

1. Raid Anywhere, Anytime. Shadow Palkia, Kyogre, Mega Salamence, and Solgaleo all require you to be near a gym. With PGFlyer, you can ’fly’ to any city in the world—New York, Tokyo, London, Sydney—and join raid lobbies that are active at that moment. This is especially useful for Raid Hours (like Solgaleo’s on July 22) where you can teleport from one five-star raid to another in seconds, completing dozens of raids in a single hour. No more waiting for people to join your lobby; just drop into a hotspot where the raid is already full.

2. Access Region-Exclusive Pokémon. The Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition often brings regionals outside their normal habitats, but with PGFlyer, you don’t even need to wait for that. Fancy a Tropius for your Great League team? Spoof to Cape Town. Need a Heracross for Master League? Jump to Florida. During the Ozone Ascent event, you can even spoof to the southern hemisphere where Flying-type spawns are boosted, giving you a head start on collecting rare birds.

3. Never Miss a Timed Event Again. The Happy Birthday Professor Willow event and the Max Monday Feebas are time-bound. If you work during the day, you can use PGFlyer to spoof to a time zone where the event is still going on—turning a 10-hour event into a 24-hour one if you’re strategic. Just be careful with day passes and coin purchases, as our community cautionary tales show. Always double-check the local time in your spoofed location before spending real money.

4. Stay Connected with the Community. The best part about spoofing is that you can join the biggest raid parties in the world. Use PGFlyer’s built-in joystick to walk around popular spots like Pier 39 in San Francisco or the Mall of America, and you’ll never have to worry about a lack of raid partners. Our Discord community even has channels dedicated to helping you find active raids and trade partners, so you’re never truly playing alone.

This July is going to be unforgettable—Shiny Solgaleo, Kyogre’s return, the GO Fest makeup, and a ton of community-driven fun. Whether you’re a dedicated PvP battler, a shiny hunter, or a collector filling out your Pokédex, there’s something here for you. And if you want to maximize every minute of every event without being limited by your real-world location, PGFlyer is your ticket.

Don’t wait—download PGFlyer today and start exploring the world of Pokémon GO like never before. Join our Discord community for real-time event coordination and spoofing strategies. Plus, check out PGFlyer.com for the latest updates, guides, and app releases. Happy hunting, trainers! 🌟