In Pokémon GO, the grand finale for the GO Fest 2022 is currently taking place, but it seems like Niantic has a special surprise in store for you. Some trainers are now reporting a mini-event after the event. We at MeinMMO have looked into what it entails and which monsters you will get.
What is happening in Pokémon GO right now? Today, on August 27, 2022, the grand conclusion event for the GO Fest 2022 is taking place in Pokémon GO. After the popular event was celebrated particularly extensively this year and brought along a global event weekend in June and 3 live events, it is now set to have its glorious ending.
However, some trainers are now reporting that a mini-event will start immediately after the finale, speculating that this is a teaser for the upcoming season.
These monsters will be featured in the mini-event
At exactly 6:00 PM local time, the grand GO Fest finale ends. Or does it? According to trainers from earlier time zones on reddit, there should be a special mini-event occurring right after the conclusion of the event.
As idriskitforabiscuit writes in their post, countless spawns of Lunatone and Solrock appeared in New Zealand immediately after the event, at 6:00 PM. But neither of the monsters is listed by Niantic on any of their event pages. For this reason, idriskitforabiscuit asks the community if this could be an unannounced mini-event.
What kind of Pokémon are these? Lunatone and Solrock are two Rock and Psychic Pokémon from the 3rd generation. They visually resemble a moon and a sun. Together, they can only be found in the game during special events.
Outside of these time frames, they spawn in different regions, which they alternate with the summer and winter solstices. They are primarily found during the night. Both Pokémon do not have pre-evolutions or evolutions.
What do other trainers say about the spawns? idriskitforabiscuit is not alone in their suspicion of a mini-event, as other trainers have made similar observations. For them too, countless specimens spawned after the conclusion event, and not just for a few minutes. You can read the following reports in the comments (via reddit.com):
- goodtimes37: “45 minutes and it’s still not over. It’s like they’re punishing me and telling me to take a break.”
- CeratogyrusRSA: “One hour and 5 minutes after the GO Fest and Lunatone and Solrock are still spawning.”
- cable_girl: “A very high number of these spawns continued until about 7:30 PM, then it started to wane a bit. Here it’s now 8:30 PM and we still occasionally have one of each nearby, but mostly it’s back to the normal spawns.”
Therefore, you can already expect a somewhat longer catching experience this evening. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter a Shiny. But why is Niantic bringing such special spawns after the event at all? Some trainers are wondering this as well and have shared their theories on reddit.
This could be the reason for the spawns
Many trainers on reddit are puzzled in the comments as to why Niantic brings such spawns after such an important and large event. Many quickly conclude that this must be an announcement for the next season. The reason for this includes the events of the past few days.
What has happened in the last few days? Anyone who completes the second special research titled “A Shining Reunion” all the way to the end will find a special hint in the texts.
The Pokéminers, a group of dataminers, uncovered this hint in the game code a few days ago, igniting speculation about a possible release of four new legendary Pokémon.
Professor Willow reports his experiences in Ultra Space, according to which he was surrounded by a presence “warm as the sun and calm as the moon.” For many trainers, it was clear from the beginning that this must refer to Solgaleo and Lunala, two legendary monsters from the 7th generation.
With another find of 3 new Mega Evolutions, where space images also played a significant role, the hypothesis of a possible upcoming Ultra Space season got louder.
What does this have to do with the mini-event? Since nothing is known about the new season yet, some players can imagine that Niantic wants to tease the first content with Lunatone and Solrock. Both visually represent a sun and a moon as well. In reddit, you can read the following comments about it (via reddit.com):
- ZekromFPS: “After Willow and Rhi teased Solgaleo and Lunala, I think this is an unannounced thing about what is to come.”
- Tymcc03: “This definitely feels like a teaser.”
- iluvugoldenblue: “Ultra Sun/Moon reference?”
- poppukonvision: “I think it’s great when they do surprise events. I hope it means something.”
- Rethramine: “They are clearly hinting at Lunala and Solgaleo, there is no doubt about that. This is a big hint.”
Moreover, Niantic is not the first to imply the next season with such an unannounced event. Before the start of the Alola season, Pokémon GO spawned Alolan Exeggutor everywhere to provide the first hints for the next season. It would also be conceivable for this mini-event.
However, whether the upcoming season will indeed revolve around the universe as well as the sun and moon remains to be seen for the moment.
How do you like the surprise after the grand GO Fest Finale? Are you excited about Lunatone and Solrock? And do you believe this is a hint about the next season? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments here on MeinMMO and exchange thoughts with other trainers.
In the coming weeks, some events will await you in Pokémon GO. The first dates for the Community Days in September, October, and November are now fixed. We’ll show them to you.
