A complete guide to Pokémon GO events in May 2021. May looks to be another exciting month, with an array of different events and new Pokémon being introduced!
Shadow Moltres
Moltres (Shadow)
This month, Giovanni will have Shadow Moltres in his grasp! If you haven’t already, complete the latest Team GO Rocket Special Research – The Higher They Fly… – to earn a Super Rocket Radar.
This will help you track down the Team GO Rocket Boss and save Shadow Moltres!
You can also receive a Super Rocket Radar from Timed Research that’ll be available during the Luminous Legends X event.
May Research Breakthrough Encounters
Ponyta (Galarian)
From Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. to Monday, May 31, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. PDT (GMT −7), you’ll encounter Galarian Ponyta in Research Breakthrough encounters.
Raids in May 2021
Five Star Raids
Incarnate Forme Tornadus, Incarnate Forme Thundurus, and Incarnate Forme Landorus will continue to appear in five-star raids until Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
Xerneas Raid Debut
Xerneas
From Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time, Xerneas, the Life Pokémon, will be making its Pokémon GO debut!
Yveltal Raid Debut
Yveltal
From Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time, Yveltal, the Destruction Pokémon, will be making its Pokémon GO debut!
Mega Raids
- Mega Venusaur, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Abomasnow will continue to appear in Mega Raids until Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
- From Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Saturday, May 15, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. local time, Mega Venusaur, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Lopunny will appear in Mega Raids.
- From Saturday, May 15, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. to Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time, Mega Ampharos, Mega Houndoom, and a surprise Mega-Evolved Pokémon will appear in Mega Raids.
Weekly Raid Hour
Every Wednesday in May, a Raid Hour event featuring the Pokémon appearing in five-star raids that week will occur from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. As a reminder, you’ll gain extra XP for completing five-star raids throughout the Season of Legends!
Pokémon Spotlight Hours
In the month of May, Pokémon Spotlight Hour will take place every Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time, and each of these hours will spotlight a different Pokémon and special bonus!
| Date | Pokémon | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2021 |
Cottonee
|
2x Candy for catching Pokémon |
| May 11, 2021 |
Dratini
|
2x Candy for transferring Pokémon |
| May 18, 2021 |
Rattata (Alola)
|
2x XP for evolving Pokémon |
| May 25, 2021 |
Marill
|
2x Stardust for catching Pokémon |
May Community Day
Join us on Saturday, May 15, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time for a Community Day event! More details—including which Pokémon will be featured—will be revealed in an upcoming blog post.
Upcoming new events
Stay tuned for details about these upcoming events:
New Pokémon Snap Celebration
From Thursday, April 29, 2021, to Sunday, May 2, 2021, celebrate the release of the much-anticipated New Pokémon Snap with us. You can read our New Pokémon Snap Celebration Event for more information.
Luminous Legends X
Xerneas
From Tuesday, May 4, 2021, to Monday, May 17, 2021, the Legendary Pokémon Xerneas will be making its Pokémon GO debut!
With it, various Dragon and Fairy type Pokémon will be appearing more often in the wild, including some that will be appearing in Pokémon GO for the first time.
Our research also shows that you can complete challenges to unlock rewards during the second week of this legendary event.
Luminous Legends Y
Yveltal
From Tuesday, May 18, 2021, to Monday, May 31, 2021, the Legendary Pokémon Yveltal will be making its Pokémon GO debut!
We’ve also received word that Team GO Rocket could be planning on causing some trouble around then, and also that Dark type Pokémon will be appearing more often in the wild.
Sounds like the perfect opportunity to put your newly caught Dragon and [firy] type Pokémon to use!
Like the Luminous Legends X event, you’ll be able to unlock rewards during the second week of the Luminous Legends Y event by completing select challenges.
Additional Weekend Events
Keep an eye out for more details on additional weekend events occurring throughout May, and get ready for a new season starting in June!
Weekly free bundles
Every Monday in May, a free one-time bundle containing a Remote Raid Pass and other items will be available in the shop.
