Pokémon GO is introducing the “Forever Forward” season, featuring a specialized “Water Festival” Ultrabonus from August 18 to August 24. According to reports from Alberto Millán, the event debuts Cramorant, Arrokuda, and Barraskewda in the game while offering escalating XP and Stardust multipliers that peak at 4x XP and 5x Stardust by the final days of the event.
New Pokémon Debuts and Acquisition Methods
The Water Festival focuses on expanding the aquatic roster. Cramorant enters the game via Eggs, the GO Ticket, and as a reward in the GO Battle League starting at rank 16. Arrokuda and Barraskewda are available through Field Research, the GO Ticket, and Rainy Lure Modules.
Wild spawns will shift to favor water-types. Players will see more frequent appearances of Psyduck, Goldeen, Mareanie, Wimpod, Feebas, and Clamperl. Wiglett will appear more often within its specific biome. For those hunting shiny variants, Ducklett and Dewpider will have increased shiny probabilities during the window.
Escalating Rewards and Ticket Tiers
Niantic is utilizing a tiered reward system for this event. Capture bonuses increase every 48 hours, creating a surge in incentive toward the end of the festival:
- August 18–20: 2x XP and 3x Stardust per capture.
- August 20–22: 3x XP and 4x Stardust per capture.
- August 22–24: 4x XP and 5x Stardust per capture.
The event also introduces a multi-level GO Ticket. Level 1 provides 2x Candy per capture. Level 2 reduces the hatch distance for Eggs by 50%. A “Deluxe” version of the ticket adds a Starmie-themed backpack, Silver Pinap Berries, XL Rare Candies, and an additional Incubator.
Raid Bosses and Combat Encounters
The Water Festival modifies the raid lineup to include specific themed Pokémon. 1-Star raids will feature Tatsugiri and Psyduck wearing a floaty. 3-Star raids will bring in Hisuian Samurott, Dondozo, and Lapras wearing a scarf.
These additions align with the broader “Forever Forward” season, which runs from June 2 through September 8, 2026. This season follows a period of transition for Niantic, coinciding with reports of staff layoffs and the sale of various game assets.
Did you know?
Comparing Ticket Value: Standard vs. Deluxe
The choice between the basic GO Ticket and the Deluxe version depends on the player’s current resource needs. While the standard ticket focuses on immediate encounter rewards and Lure Modules, the Deluxe version targets long-term account growth with XL Rare Candies and permanent cosmetic items like the Starmie backpack.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Water Festival event?
The event runs from August 18 at 10:00 AM to August 24 at 8:00 PM local time.
Which new Pokémon are being added?
Cramorant, Arrokuda, and Barraskewda are making their debut in Pokémon GO.
How do the XP and Stardust bonuses work?
Bonuses increase every two days, starting at 2x XP/3x Stardust and ending at 4x XP/5x Stardust on August 24.
What is the “Forever Forward” season?
It is the overarching season that encompasses the Water Festival, lasting from June 2 to September 8, 2026.
Are you planning to go for the Deluxe Ticket or stick to the free rewards? Let us know in the comments below or share your most anticipated catch from the Water Festival!
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