The Pokémon Company has announced during their June 17th, 2020 Pokémon Presents that another broadcast would take place on June 24th, 2020 at 6 a.m. PDT / 9 a.m. EST. In July 2019, it was announced that China’s Tencent Games and the The Pokémon Company formed a partnership to develop a new game which turned out to be Pokémon UNITE. Images from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Pokémon UNITE Delivers Strategic Team Battles on Nintendo Switch and Mobile Devices

Join other players and develop strategies to defeat your opponents in exciting 5-on-5 battles.

Pokémon UNITE is a strategic team battle game being developed jointly by The Pokémon Company and Tencent Games' TiMi Studios. Pokémon UNITE is planned as a cross-platform game for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices and will be free-to-start.

In this game, players face off against each other in 5-on-5 team battles. During battles, players will cooperate with teammates to catch wild Pokémon, level up and evolve their own Pokémon, and defeat opponents' Pokémon while trying to earn more points than the opposing team within the allotted time.

Pokémon UNITE introduces a new kind of Pokémon battle—one that requires teamwork and strategy. It is simple and yet full of intricacies waiting to be unpacked.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/uk/pokemon-news/pokemon-unite-delivers-strategic-team-battles-on-nintendo-switch-and-mobile-devices/

POKÉMON UNITE ANNNOUNCED FOR NINTENDO SWITCH AND MOBILE DEVICES

New Cross-Platform Game Is Being Developed in Partnership with Tencent Games

Tokyo, JAPAN—June 24, 2020—Today during a Pokémon Presents video presentation, Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company, unveiled Pokémon UNITE, a new game for the Nintendo Switch™ system and mobile devices. Pokémon UNITE is being developed in partnership with Tencent Games’ TiMi Studios.

Pokémon UNITE is the first strategic Pokémon team battle game. Players face off against each other in five-on-five team battles. During these battles, players will cooperate with teammates to catch wild Pokémon, level up and evolve their own Pokémon. They will need to defeat their opponents’ Pokémon while trying to earn more points than the opposing team within the allotted time. Pokémon UNITE will be free-to-start.

About TiMi Studios
TiMi Studios, a subsidiary of Tencent Games, is a leading global video game development team headquartered in Shenzhen, China, with offices in Los Angeles, Shanghai and Chengdu, China. TiMi strives to create high-quality, high-fidelity and highly accessible games across a wide variety of genres. Founded in 2008, TiMi has developed a string of hit titles including Honor of Kings, Speed Drifters, CrossFire: Legends, Arena of Valor and most recently, Call of Duty: Mobile. To learn more about TiMi, follow us on Twitter @timistudios and Facebook @timistudiosofficial.

About Tencent Games
Tencent Games was launched in 2003 and has since grown into the leading global platform for game development, publishing and operations, as well as the operator of the largest online game community in China. It is dedicated to offering engaging, high-quality, interactive entertainment experiences for all players. Tencent Games currently offers more than 140 self-developed and licensed games across 200 countries and regions, which provides hundreds of millions of users with cross-platform interactive entertainment experiences. Honor of Kings, PUBG MOBILE and League of Legends are some of the most popular titles around the world. We are committed to exploring the full potential of games, leveraging the rich IP resources within Tencent, spanning literature, anime, film, and television, to create high-quality interactive entertainment experiences. Furthermore, Tencent Games actively collaborates with overseas game publishers, such as SEA, Netmarble, Supercell and more, to form strategic partnerships and launch new games.

YouTube Downvote Conspiracy

The originally uploaded videos for Pokémon Unite were taken down on July 9th, 2020 officially "Due to inaccuracy in the footage" according to the official Pokémon Singapore YouTube channel. Unofficially, the video had hundreds of thousands of dislikes before it was removed. Many believe that the video was re-uploaded a couple weeks after to quietly remove the down votes that the video had received.

YouTube Clip - Get ready to tune in to Pokémon Presents!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQayUqQh9qE

YouTube Clip - Team Up to Battle in Pokémon UNITE!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPTK1dvr6lg

Niantic has announced the full details for the Solstice-themed event and Bug Out! event taking place from Friday, June 19th, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. until Wednesday, June 24th, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time.

Solstice-themed event and Bug Out! event details

As previously announced, the solstice-themed event and Bug Out! event will be returning this year. Read on for more details!

Shiny Clefairy arrives and Lunatone and Solrock will be changing regions during the solstice-themed event
To celebrate the days getting longer in the northern hemisphere and the nights doing the same in the southern hemisphere, Pokémon GO’s solstice-themed event will be coming back! Get ready for Shiny Clefairy and more.

Date + Time
Friday, June 19, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. to Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time

Features

• Pokémon associated with the sun and moon—including Clefairy, Sunkern, and more—will be appearing more frequently in the wild, hatching from 5 km Eggs, appearing after completing event-exclusive Field Research tasks, and appearing in raids. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Clefairy! Previously, you could get a Shiny Clefairy only by hatching a Shiny Cleffa and evolving it, so this will be the first time you’ll have a chance to encounter Shiny Clefairy in the wild.
• Throughout the event, Lunatone and Solrock will both be appearing in three-star raids and hatching from 5 km Eggs, regardless of your location.
• Lunatone and Solrock will be appearing in the wild in different regions. See the schedule below for details on when Lunatone or Solrock will be appearing in the wild near you.
  • From Friday, June 19, at 8:00 a.m. to Saturday, June 20, at 11:59 p.m. local time, Lunatone will appear more frequently in the wild in the eastern hemisphere and Solrock in the western hemisphere.
  • From Sunday, June 21, at 12:00 a.m. to Monday, June 22, at 11:59 p.m. local time, Lunatone and Solrock will be appearing more frequently in the wild everywhere.
  • From Tuesday, June 23, at 12:00 a.m. to Wednesday, June 24, at 10:00 p.m. local time, Lunatone and Solrock will be swapping hemispheres. Lunatone will be appearing more frequently in the wild in the western hemisphere and Solrock in the eastern hemisphere.
• Once the event is over, Lunatone will stay in the western hemisphere and Solrock will stay in the eastern hemisphere.

Bonus

• 2× Catch Stardust

Shiny Dwebble makes its debut and more during the Bug Out! event

Get your Incense ready—the Bug Out! event is coming later this month! This will be the perfect opportunity for you to work on your Bug Catcher medal, and you might even catch a Shiny Dwebble!

Date + Time
Friday, June 26, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. to Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time

Features

• Bug-type Pokémon—including Scyther, Venipede, and Dwebble—will be appearing more frequently in the wild, hatching from 5 km Eggs, appearing in event-exclusive Field Research tasks, and appearing in raids. If you’re lucky, you might encounter Shiny Dwebble!
• More Bug-type Pokémon will be attracted to Incense. Certain Bug-type Pokémon will be appearing more often than others depending on the day you use your Incense!
  • From Friday, June 26, at 8:00 a.m. to Saturday, June 27, at 11:59 p.m. local time, Nincada will be attracted more often to Incense.
  • From Sunday, June 28, at 12:00 a.m. to Monday, June 29, at 11:59 p.m. local time, Wurmple will be attracted more often to Incense.
  • From Tuesday, June 30, at 12:00 a.m. to Wednesday, July 1, at 10:00 p.m. local time, Scyther will be attracted more often to Incense.

Bonus

• 2× Catch XP

Pinsir Raid Day
On Sunday, June 28, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time, three-star raids featuring Pinsir will be occurring more frequently! Be sure to have your Remote Raid Passes stocked—you can buy them in the shop. There will also be a 1 PokéCoin bundle available featuring three Remote Raid Passes!

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/bugout-solstice-2020/

Niantic has announced more details about that Pokémon GO Fest 2020 which takes place from Saturday, July 25th, 2020 until Sunday July 26th, 2020.

Pokémon GO Fest 2020 brings summer adventure to you!

Trainers, Since announcing the dates for Pokémon GO Fest 2020 a couple weeks back, we’ve been so excited to share more details of our first-ever virtual event experience! In the process of developing this new format, we asked ourselves this: What makes Pokémon GO Fest...Pokémon GO Fest? What do Trainers—all of you around the world and us here at Niantic alike—enjoy the most about Pokémon GO live events and, by extension, the game itself? If we had to summarize the answer to these questions in just a few words, we’d have to say community, celebration, and challenge!

Pokémon GO Fest 2020 comes to you
Pokémon GO Fest 2020 will take place over two days. Each day will provide a unique experience as well as a different Special Research story to enjoy. Trainers will be able to participate in both days of the event with one ticket.

• Pokémon GO Fest 2020 Day 1: On Saturday, July 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time, Trainers will enjoy the following.
  • Trainers can access a Special Research story that they can get only on Day 1.
  • Five rotating habitats—themed around fire, water, grass, battle, and friendship—will feature special Pokémon that go along with that habitat’s theme. These habitats will rotate every hour, so each habitat will be featured twice during Day 1.
  • Trainers will be able to work together in the Global Challenge Arena! This GO Fest–exclusive feature will be available only to ticket holders. In the Global Challenge Arena, Trainers will have a chance to join forces in order to complete a collaborative challenge each hour. If Trainers complete a challenge, they will earn a bonus for the remainder of the hour. You can check the Global Challenge Arena screen to keep track of global progress!
  • Trainers will be able to encounter over 75 species of Pokémon in the wild, in raids, and by completing Special Research tasks.
• Pokémon GO Fest 2020 Day 2: On Sunday, July 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time, Trainers will enjoy...something very different! We want the Day 2 experience to be a surprise, so ticket holders will learn what we have in store that very day. There’ll also be another Special Research story for Trainers to enjoy.

And that’s not all! Regardless of whether they have a ticket, Trainers in the US can order a commemorative Pokémon GO Fest 2020 T-shirt, available online from Pokémon Center. Visit PokemonCenter.com now to purchase a T-shirt (while supplies last).

There will also be free downloadable and printable paper crafts and decorations to help bring the Pokémon GO Fest experience to life for every Trainer in your household to enjoy. These will be available to download only for a limited time.

We’re working on a Pokémon GO Fest microsite, which will bring some of our favorite event activities to Trainers around the world. Just like the team lounges at an in-person Pokémon GO Fest, this site will give players a chance to take a break from catching Pokémon and interact with other Trainers, participate in fun giveaways, and get event updates. Stay tuned for more details!

How to purchase a ticket
Tickets to Pokémon GO Fest 2020 are now available in the in-app shop! Tickets are USD $14.99 plus any applicable taxes and fees (or the equivalent in your local currency). Tickets cannot be purchased with PokéCoins.

1. In the shop, tap the Pokémon GO Fest 2020. Tap the Buy button.
2. You’ll then see a pop-up indicating that you’ve received a ticket for Pokémon GO Fest 2020.
3. After you tap OK, you can find the ticket in your Item Bag.
4. A few days before the event, you’ll receive a medal. When you open the app during Day 1, you’ll receive access to the Pokémon GO Fest 2020 experience, including the first Special Research story! Make sure to open the app during Day 2 to receive the second Special Research story.
5. After you’ve obtained the Special Research lines, you can complete them at any time. Tickets to this event are nonrefundable (subject to applicable law and the exceptions set forth in the Terms of Service).

The lead-up to Pokémon GO Fest 2020 will bring weekly challenges
Trainers will enjoy an exciting summer of Pokémon GO events leading up to Pokémon GO Fest 2020! All Trainers globally, regardless whether they have a Pokémon GO Fest 2020 ticket, will be able to enjoy three weeks of weekly challenges in the form of Pokémon GO Fest 2020 Timed Research lines. By completing these Timed Research lines, Trainers will unlock additional Pokémon appearances during Pokémon GO Fest 2020. Stay tuned for more details in a future announcement!

We’ll be donating Niantic proceeds from GO Fest ticket sales, committing a minimum of $5 million. Half of the proceeds donated will be used to fund new projects from Black gaming and AR creators that can live on the Niantic platform, with the goal of increasing content that represents a more diverse view of the world. The other half will go to US nonprofit organizations that are helping local communities rebuild.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/pokemongofest2020-details/

DeNA has announced that a Legendary Arena: Entei has been added, New Main Story Chapters have been added and there is a Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, The Isle of Armor log-in bonus.

Legendary Arena: Entei Newly Added!

Legendary Arena: Entei Available Now! Legendary Arena: Entei is a brand new battle area that has just been added today! You can complete the related missions to earn Medals that can only be obtained here!

Date/Time

June 10, 2020 at 11:00 p.m. - June 24, 2020 at 10:59 p.m.

Legendary Arena Details

The Legendary Arena is a special battle area where you can form multiple teams and take on the challenge using a set number of sync pairs. Each difficulty level has a maximum number of sync pairs that can participate. Sync pairs that have already participated cannot do so again until the challenge has been reset.

Strategically form teams for each Legendary Arena challenge and take on the boss!

Missions

You can earn Medals and other completion rewards that are only available during this Legendary Arena challenge period! Check the Missions screen to learn more!

Note: For more details about missions, tap the Mission Completion Rewards button displayed on the Legendary Arena difficulty selection screen.

Important

• To attempt Legendary Arena missions, you must have completed Main Story Chapter 2: Defeat Team Break! (Normal) in single-player.
• To learn more details about the Legendary Arena, tap the Information button on the main Legendary Arena screen.
• While Legendary Arena missions will also be displayed on the General missions screen, they cannot be attempted outside of the challenge period.
• The time period and featured content are subject to change without notice.

Source: https://pokemonmasters-game.com/en-US/announcements/Event_2055_3W_1

About the Legendary Arena

The Legendary Arena is a special battle area where you can form multiple teams and take on the challenge using a set number of sync pairs. Each difficulty level has a maximum number of sync pairs that can participate. Sync pairs that have already participated cannot do so again until the challenge has been reset.

The Legendary Arena features multiple difficulty levels. Completing a lower difficulty will allow you to attempt the next one. You can earn rewards by dealing a certain amount of damage to a boss during battle, as well as by completing missions. See if you can complete all of the difficulty levels!

Carried-Over Opponent Stats
In the Legendary Arena, your opponent’s remaining HP and status conditions, etc. are carried over until the challenge is reset. A boss’s attack patterns and other moves will change after you deal a certain amount of damage to them.

Special Parameters
There are special parameters for every battle in the Legendary Arena. These special parameters can be found on the Area Details screen.

Arena Rewards
Arena rewards can be obtained from the Legendary Arena and can be viewed by tapping the Arena Rewards icon. Medals and damage rewards are obtainable as arena rewards.

Medals
You can acquire them by completing the specified missions.
Damage Rewards
These can be acquired by dealing a certain amount of damage to a boss. Damage rewards are comprised of first-time rewards and battle rewards. First-time rewards can only be acquired once. Battle rewards can be acquired after each reset.

Mission Completion Rewards
You are rewarded for completing all the missions in the Legendary Arena. Check the Missions screen to learn more!

Reset
Once you have started a Legendary Arena challenge, you cannot attempt any others until the challenge is reset. The information below is reset.

• Current challenge status
• Ally participation count
• Your opponent’s HP and status conditions
• Damage reward progress

Tap the Reset button to reset.

Auto Reset
Your progress will be automatically reset after a week has elapsed since you last attempted the Legendary Arena.

Quitting / Deleting Interrupted Play Data
Deleting play data from a quit game or interrupted play data in Legendary Arena battles will revert you to your status prior to participating in a battle.

Important

• To attempt Legendary Arena missions, you must have completed Main Story Chapter 2: Defeat Team Break! (Normal) in single-player.
• Check out the separate notice for more information about the Legendary Arena challenge period.
• While Legendary Arena missions will also be displayed on the General missions screen, they cannot be attempted outside of the challenge period.
• The time period and featured content are subject to change without notice.

Source: https://pokemonmasters-game.com/en-US/announcements/Event_2055_3W_2

New Main Story Chapters Added!

New chapters have been added to the Main Story! A Main Story Support Log-In Bonus will also be available to celebrate the Main Story additions.

Log-In Bonus Details

• Day 1: Gems ×100
• Day 2: Gems ×100
• Day 3: Gems ×100
• Day 4: Gems ×100
• Day 5: Gems ×100
• Day 6: Gems ×100
• Day 7: Gems ×100

Date/Time

June 10, 2020 at 11:00 p.m. - June 17, 2020 at 10:59 p.m.

Important

• To unlock these new story chapters, you must complete Chapter 24 in the Main Story.
• The sync pairs that appear as opponents in battle have different capabilities than those you can actually obtain.
• The content is subject to change without notice.
• To claim log-in bonuses, you must have completed Main Story Chapter 1: The More the Merrier (Normal) in single-player.
• Log-in bonuses are sent to your Present Box.
• Log-in bonuses can only be claimed during the specified time period.
• Log-in bonuses sent to the Present Box can only be claimed for a limited period of time.
• Log-in bonuses can only be claimed once per day.
• Up to 7 log-in bonuses can be claimed.
• Log-in bonuses are reset each day at 11:00 p.m.
• If you are already logged in, you will need to return to the Pokémon Center and claim them from your Present Box.

Source: https://pokemonmasters-game.com/en-US/announcements/Update_2050_3W_1

Double Feature Spotlight Scout

Increased chance to scout Sygna Suit Grimsley and Sygna Suit Elesa! Double Feature Spotlight Scout under way! Featuring 5★ Sygna Suit Grimsley & Sharpedo and 5★ Sygna Suit Elesa & Rotom! Featured sync pairs have a higher chance of appearing than non-featured 5★ sync pairs. The sync grids of 5★ Sygna Suit Grimsley & Sharpedo will be expanded upon their release.

About Sygna Suit Grimsley & Sharpedo

Surf’s up with Grimsley, sporting a new sygna suit, as he overwhelms opponents with fierce attacks!

About Sygna Suit Elesa & Rotom

Elesa serves up a sygna suit look as she lends her teammates a hand with their sync moves!

Date/Time

June 10, 2020 at 11:00 p.m. - June 24, 2020 at 10:59 p.m.

Important

• The sync pairs featured in this sync pair scout may also appear in future sync pair scouts.
• To unlock the sync grid, you must have completed Main Story Chapter 11: Alola’s Rising Stars: Part 2 (Normal) in single-player.
• Sync pairs other than the ones mentioned above may appear.
• Please note that you cannot have two or more sync pairs that include Trainers with the same name in your team. Example: Brock & Onix and Sygna Suit Brock & Tyranitar
• The time period and featured content are subject to change without notice.
• To check the available sync pairs and their respective offering rates, go to the Offering Rate section on the Sync Pair Scout screen.
• Please read the Notes section under Offering Rate on the Sync Pair Scout screen before using the feature.

Source: https://pokemonmasters-game.com/en-US/announcements/Scout_2050_3W_1

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, The Isle of Armor log-in bonus

Part 1 of the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, The Isle of Armor, is coming soon!

To celebrate, #PokemonMasters will have a log-in bonus! This is your chance to stock up on training items like Gym Leader Notes, co-op sync orbs, and more!

Source: https://twitter.com/PokemonMasters/status/1270762655268122624

The Pokémon Company has announced that new information about the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass will be revealed on June 2nd, 2020 at 22:00 JST/9:00 EDT/13:00 UTC.

Source: https://twitter.com/Pokemon_cojp/status/1267440960746766338

The Isle of Armor DLC will be released on June 17th, 2020. High resolution screenshots and artwork from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

LAUNCH DATE UNVEILED FOR PART ONE OF POKÉMON SWORD EXPANSION PASS AND POKÉMON SHIELD EXPANSION PASS

Newly Discovered Pokémon and More Revealed for The Isle of Armor

Today, The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo announced new details for the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, downloadable content for the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games. The first set of content, The Isle of Armor, will launch on June 17, 2020, and the second, The Crown Tundra, launches in the autumn of 2020. The Expansion Pass is available for purchase in Nintendo eShop[1]. Newly discovered Pokémon, new Gigantamax forms, exclusive moves, and more were also revealed.

The Isle of Armor
The first new adventure unlocked by the Expansion Pass will take place on the Isle of Armor, an island of the Galar region. Many Pokémon make this island their home, living freely amid the lush nature. The island is also home to a dojo for Pokémon battles. Players and their Pokémon will train hard to become stronger under Mustard, the master of this dojo.

NEWLY DISCOVERED POKÉMON

Galarian Slowbro
Category: Hermit Crab Pokémon
Type: Poison/Psychic
Height: 5ʹ3″
Weight: 155.4 lbs.
Ability: Quick Draw

A Shellder bite set off a chemical reaction with the spices inside Galarian Slowpoke’s body, causing Galarian Slowbro to gain the Poison type. The Shellder that’s latched onto Slowbro sometimes unconsciously bites down harder on Slowbro’s arm, causing an itch that drives Slowbro to start wildly swinging its arm around and smashing its surroundings. With a speed that puts even the quickest reflexes to shame, Slowbro readies its Shellder and makes poisonous liquid shoot from the Shellder’s tip. This is Shell Side Arm, a Poison-type special move that may poison the target. The move inflicts either physical or special damage depending on which will damage the target more.

NEW GIGANTAMAX FORMS

Gigantamax Venusaur
Type: Grass/Poison
Height: 78ʹ9″+
Weight: ????.? lbs.
Ability: Overgrow

The power of Gigantamaxing has made Venusaur’s flower bloom so large that it covers the Pokémon’s body. During battle, the Pokémon uses these petals as a shield and swings its two thick vines around to thrash its target. Grass-type attacks used by Gigantamax Venusaur will change to G-Max Vine Lash. G-Max Vine Lash doesn’t just deal damage to an opponent when it hits—it will continue to deal damage for four turns to any Pokémon that isn’t Grass type.


Gigantamax Blastoise
Type: Water
Height: 82ʹ+
Weight: ????.? lbs.
Ability: Torrent

Blastoise’s shell has grown to match its body, and it boasts new extra-large water cannons as well. Gigantamax Blastoise can adapt to different situations by using different combinations of its 31 variously sized cannons. Gigantamax Blastoise can also move the 12 large cannons surrounding its central cannon independently, letting it orient its attacks in any direction, whether toward the ground or the sky. Water-type attacks used by Gigantamax Blastoise will change to G-Max Cannonade. G-Max Cannonade doesn’t just deal damage to an opponent when it hits—it will continue to deal damage for four turns to any Pokémon that isn’t Water type.

LEGENDARY POKÉMON URSHIFU’S EXCLUSIVE MOVES

Legendary Pokémon Urshifu has two forms—Single Strike Style and Rapid Strike Style—and each form can learn different moves and G-Max Moves. A Single Strike Style Urshifu that has followed the path of darkness can unleash a single, severe blow—a signature move known as Wicked Blow. This move always results in a critical hit, allowing Urshifu to attack while ignoring the target’s stat changes. A Rapid Strike Style Urshifu that has followed the path of water can unleash a flowing three-hit combo—a signature move known as Surging Strikes. This move always results in critical hits, allowing Urshifu to attack while ignoring the target’s stat changes.

Unseen Fist is a new Ability introduced with these expansions and one that only Single Strike Style Urshifu and Rapid Strike Style Urshifu possess. This Ability lets the Pokémon deal damage when it attacks with moves that make direct contact even if the target defends itself by using moves like Protect.

Dark-type attacks used by Single Strike Style Gigantamax Urshifu will change to G-Max One Blow. Water-type attacks used by Rapid Strike Style Gigantamax Urshifu will change to G-Max Rapid Flow. G-Max One Blow and G-Max Rapid Flow can deal damage even if a target defends itself by using moves like Max Guard or Protect.

NEW ADVENTURING FEATURES INTRODUCED IN THE ISLE OF ARMOR

Cram-o-matic
The dojo on the Isle of Armor houses a unique take on recycling in the form of a device called the Cram-o-matic. If players feed it four items, it will combine them and give out a new item in exchange. Trainers can receive any of a variety of items, including Poké Balls, PP Ups, and more. Some combinations might even produce rare items.

Tutor Moves
Completely new tutor moves will also be available on the Isle of Armor. Trainers can have their Pokémon learn them in exchange for Armorite Ore, a substance that can be found on the Isle of Armor through Max Raid Battles and other means.

Burning Jealousy is a new Fire-type move that can be taught starting with these expansions. When it hits, it deals damage to all opposing Pokémon and burns all opposing Pokémon that have had their stats boosted during the turn.

Grassy Glide is a new Grass-type move that can be taught starting with these expansions. This move has high priority when used on Grassy Terrain.

Max Soup
Max Soup is a special dish made from rare ingredients you can gather on the Isle of Armor. If a Pokémon with great hidden potential drinks Max Soup, it will become a special Pokémon capable of Gigantamaxing. Some Pokémon that Trainers are already traveling with may also gain the ability to Gigantamax.

The Crown Tundra
The second area unlocked by the Expansion Pass is the snow-swept realm of the Crown Tundra. In this frigid yet beautiful landscape—with its jagged winter mountains and shining, silvery landscape—people live in small communities where they support and rely on one another. A man named Peony will appoint the player as the leader of his exploration team in the Crown Tundra and task them with investigating the reaches of this frozen land. Players will also be able to explore the depths of the Pokémon Dens seen during Max Raid Battles. What’s more, it seems several previously unseen Legendary Pokémon make the Crown Tundra their home.

NEWLY DISCOVERED LEGENDARY POKÉMON

Regieleki
Category: Electron Pokémon
Type: Electric
Height: 3ʹ11″
Weight: 319.7 lbs.
Ability: Transistor

Regieleki absorbs electrons to live. Regieleki’s signature Electric-type special move, Thunder Cage, fires furious bolts of electricity from its lower half, trapping opponents directly below it in a cage of lightning. Thunder Cage doesn’t only deal damage to opponents when it lands—the electrified cage will also cause damage every turn for four to five turns and prevent opponents from fleeing or being swapped out.


Regidrago
Category: Dragon Orb Pokémon
Type: Dragon
Height: 6ʹ11″
Weight: 440.9 lbs.
Ability: Dragon’s Maw

Regidrago’s body is composed of crystallized dragon energy. With Regidrago’s signature move, Dragon Energy, the Pokémon assumes a shape similar to a dragon’s head, then fires intense dragon energy from its mouth. The more HP the user has remaining, the higher the move’s power.

Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres?
Legendary Pokémon bearing strong resemblances to Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres have been spotted in the Crown Tundra. These Pokémon seem to bear Ice-type, Electric-type, and Fire-type characteristics, respectively, and were previously thought to be the same as the Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres seen in other regions. Recently gathered data from reported sightings and other sources about the Pokémon have bolstered the theory that they are, in fact, distinct variants.


Galarian Articuno
Category: Cruel Pokémon
Type: Psychic/Flying
Height: 5ʹ7″
Weight: 112.2 lbs.
Ability: Competitive

Once every several decades, this migratory Pokémon appears in the Crown Tundra. Galarian Articuno’s signature move, Freezing Glare, is a Psychic-type special move in which the Pokémon attacks by firing psychic power from both eyes. This move may also leave the target frozen.


Galarian Zapdos
Category: Strong Legs Pokémon
Type: Fighting/Flying
Height: 5ʹ3″
Weight: 128.3 lbs.
Ability: Defiant

Once every several decades, this migratory Pokémon appears in the Crown Tundra. Galarian Zapdos’s signature move, Thunderous Kick, is a Fighting-type physical move that overwhelms the target with lightning-like movement before delivering a kick. This also lowers the target’s Defense stat.


Galarian Moltres
Category: Malevolent Pokémon
Type: Dark/Flying
Height: 6ʹ7″
Weight: 145.5 lbs.
Ability: Berserk

Once every several decades, this migratory Pokémon appears in the Crown Tundra. Galarian Moltres’s signature move, Fiery Wrath, is a Dark-type special move in which the Pokémon transforms its wrath into a fire-like aura to attack. It may also make opposing Pokémon flinch.

NEW CHARACTERS
Upon arriving in the Crown Tundra, players will encounter Peony, who has brought his daughter along on an adventure to find the truth behind tales of Legendary Pokémon in the area. Listening isn’t his strong suit, and his bold behaviour draws plenty of attention, but he has a kind side and plenty of affection for his daughter.

DYNAMAX ADVENTURE
Trainers can team up with three other players to go on a Dynamax Adventure, where they will be able to venture into Pokémon Dens and even encounter Dynamax Pokémon. If Trainers do encounter a Dynamax Pokémon during their exploration, they’ll need to work together in a Max Raid Battle. Trainers will get a chance to catch the Dynamax Pokémon for their team if they triumph in the battle, but they’ll be kicked out of the den should they lose.

GALARIAN STAR TOURNAMENT
Once Trainers progress far enough in their adventure in the Crown Tundra, they’ll be able to participate in the Galarian Star Tournament, held in the city of Wyndon. In this tournament, Trainers will battle with various characters they met in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield—but not just as opponents. They can also pick a teammate and tackle the tournament together.

TRANSFER BONUS IN POKÉMON HOME
Starting Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. BST, if Trainers transfer one or more Pokémon from Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield to the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME, they will be able to receive a Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble with their Hidden Abilities as Mystery Gifts in the mobile device version of Pokémon HOME.[2][3]

Grookey
Grookey’s Hidden Ability is Grassy Surge. It’s a rare Ability that normally wouldn’t be available.
Level: 5
Ability: Grassy Surge
Moves: Scratch, Growl

Scorbunny
Scorbunny’s Hidden Ability is Libero. It’s a rare Ability that makes its first appearance in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
Level: 5
Ability: Libero
Moves: Tackle, Growl

Sobble
Sobble’s Hidden Ability is Sniper. It’s a rare Ability that normally wouldn’t be available.
Level: 5
Ability: Sniper
Moves: Pound, Growl

GIGANTAMAX FESTIVAL

From Monday, June 1 PDT until Monday, June 30, at 00:59 a.m. BST, many different Gigantamax Pokémon can be encountered in Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Some different Gigantamax Pokémon will appear depending on the version of the game being played.

The following Gigantamax Pokémon will appear in both versions of the game: Snorlax

Gigantamax Pokémon that will appear only in Pokémon Sword: Gengar, Kingler, Lapras, Garbodor, Corviknight, Appletun, Amped Form Toxtricity, Centiskorch, Grimmsnarl, Alcremie, Duraludon
Gigantamax Pokémon that will appear only in Pokémon Shield: Charizard, Butterfree, Machamp, Orbeetle, Drednaw, Coalossal, Flapple, Sandaconda, Low Key Form Toxtricity, Hatterene, Copperajah

YouTube Clip - Pokémon Sword Shield Expansion Pass Promotional Video

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK0e03X9txs

YouTube Clip - Explore the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra with the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QZIuug-Am0

The Pokémon Company International has announced the Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy, the first-ever board game adaptation of the Pokémon TCG, one of the most beloved and best-selling trading card games in the world. High resolution images from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Pokémon Debuts New Board Game with Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy

Iconic Pokémon Trading Card Game from The Pokémon Company International Reimagined as First-Ever Easy-to-Learn and Fun-to-Play Family Game, Releasing Worldwide on July 31, 2020


Today, The Pokémon Company International has announced the Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy, the first-ever board game adaptation of the Pokémon TCG, one of the most beloved and best-selling trading card games in the world. Providing everything a “Trainer” needs to master the basics of the Pokémon TCG, Battle Academy offers fun family entertainment, combining strategic Pokémon TCG gameplay within a classic, easy-to-learn family game experience.


Known for its beautifully illustrated cards that are fun to collect, trade, and play with, the Pokémon TCG features a vast assortment of product offerings with something for every Trainer—from casual collector to avid competitor. Now, with the introduction of Battle Academy, there are even more accessible options for aspiring players.

“Battle Academy is designed to be easy to learn and fun to play for all types of Trainers, including children and parents that may be new to the Pokémon TCG,” said J.C. Smith, senior director of consumer marketing at The Pokémon Company International. “Pokémon has a unique ability to bring people together, and we look forward to seeing families enjoy Battle Academy at their next game night, as parents bond with their kids over one of their favorite entertainment brands and collectible Pokémon TCG cards.”


Each Battle Academy box comes with a two-player game board, three 60-card decks, tutorial guides, and gameplay accessories. It also comes with a code card that allows Trainers to enjoy the Pokémon TCG digitally through the free-to-play Pokémon Trading Card Game Online app on iOS and Android, as well as on Pokemon.com.


Launching around the world on July 31, 2020, Battle Academy will be available widely at participating mass and hobby retailers, as well as online retailers including PokemonCenter.com, the premier destination for official, high-quality Pokémon merchandise in the US. In addition, Trainers in the US will be able to grab Battle Academy early on June 21, 2020, exclusively at Target stores and online at Target.com.

Source: https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/battle-academy/

Niantic has announced the details of what players can look forward to during the month of June 2020. Zekrom’s will make its Pokémon GO debut.

Zekrom’s Pokémon GO debut and more in June!

Trainers, Here’s what you can look forward to during the month of June.

June’s Research Breakthrough encounter: Trapinch with bonus Trapinch Candies
From Monday, June 1, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. PDT (GMT −7), Trapinch, the Ant Pit Pokémon, will be available as a Research Breakthrough encounter.

Zekrom makes its electrifying Pokémon GO debut
Starting Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. PDT (GMT −7), Zekrom, the Deep Black Pokémon, will be waiting for you to challenge it in five-star raids. In addition, there will be Raid Hour events featuring Zekrom every Wednesday while it’s in five-star raids.

• Wednesday, June 17, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
• Wednesday, June 24, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
• Wednesday, July 1, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time

Be sure to have your Remote Raid Passes stocked and Ground-, Ice-, Dragon-, and Fairy-type Pokémon ready for battle.

Throwback Challenge 2020 Special Research
Congratulations to Trainers who completed all four Timed Research lines! You’ve earned access to the Throwback Challenge Champion 2020 Special Research. Join Professor Willow as you rediscover Pokémon originally found in the Unova region and meet Pokémon originally discovered in the Galar region as they make their Pokémon GO debut. Complete all four sets of tasks in this Special Research to earn five Rare Candies; reward encounters with Galarian Meowth, Galarian Stunfisk, and Genesect; and Professor Willow’s glasses as an exclusive avatar item! Unlike the previous sets of Timed Research, this Special Research isn’t time-limited and can be unlocked and completed at any time.

Don’t worry if you couldn’t complete all Timed Research lines—you’ll be able to purchase a ticket for the Throwback Challenge Celebration 2020 Special Research in the shop, which will grant you the same tasks and rewards as the Throwback Challenge Champion 2020 Special Research. If you already have access to the Throwback Challenge Champion 2020 Special Research and purchase a ticket for the Throwback Challenge Celebration 2020 Special Research in the shop, you’ll receive a version of the Throwback Challenge Celebration 2020 Special Research with the following changes: each time you would’ve earned a reward encounter with a Pokémon, you instead will earn 10 Candies for that specific Pokémon, and you’ll earn Stardust instead of Professor Willow’s glasses.

All Trainers can still enjoy an event taking place during the same time period. In this event, Galarian Stunfisk will be appearing in the wild, and you can hatch Galarian Meowth, Galarian Zigzagoon, Galarian Darumaka, and Galarian Stunfisk from 7 km Eggs. Plus, try evolving Galarian Meowth, Galarian Zigzagoon, and Galarian Darumaka!

The solstice-themed event and the Bug Out event return to Pokémon GO
Some familiar events are coming back later this month.

• The solstice-themed event will run from Friday, June 19, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. to Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time
• The Bug Out event will run from Friday, June 26, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. to Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time

We’ll share more details as we get closer to the event dates. Upcoming Pokémon Spotlight Hours In the month of June, Pokémon Spotlight Hour will take place every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. local time except for June 2, and each hour will spotlight a different Pokémon and special bonus!

• Tuesday, June 2, 2020: There will be no Pokémon Spotlight Hour.
• Tuesday, June 9, 2020: Patrat will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the XP for evolving Pokémon.
• Tuesday, June 16, 2020: Numel will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the Stardust for catching Pokémon.
• Tuesday, June 23, 2020: Clefairy will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the XP for catching Pokémon. If you’re lucky, you might encounter Shiny Clefairy!
• Tuesday, June 30, 2020: Kricketot will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the Candy for catching Pokémon.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/jun2020-events/

The Pokémon Company International unveiled the newest expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Sword & Shield Darkness Ablaze on May 29th, 2020 and it was released around the world on August 14th, 2020. High resolution press release images have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Charizard and Eternatus Make Their Pokémon VMAX Debut in the New Pokémon Trading Card Game: Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze Expansion

​​​​​​​Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze introduces highly collectible cards including Charizard VMAX, as the fan favorite Charizard makes its Gigantamax form debut in the Pokémon TCG—just like in the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games. In addition, Trainers will be able to pull more Pokémon from the Galar region as Pokémon VMAX, such as Centiskorch VMAX and Grimmsnarl VMAX in their Gigantamax forms, and the Legendary Pokémon Eternatus VMAX in its unique Eternamax form.


The full expansion includes the following:

• Seven Pokémon VMAX
• 14 powerful Pokémon V—plus nine full-art Pokémon V
• 17 Trainer cards and four full-art Supporter cards
• Three new Special Energy cards

Fans interested in playing with cards from the expansion before launch can do so by picking up the Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze Build & Battle Box, available through their local participating Pokémon TCG retailer starting August 1. Each box contains four Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze booster packs; a 23-card Evolution pack featuring key cards from current and prior sets, including one of four alternate-art promo cards; and a deck-building tip sheet.

Darkness Ablaze Elite Trainer Box

Get ready for all new V and V-MAX Pokemon to join your roster! This all new set from The Pokemon Company introduces new cards such as Eternatus V and the highly anticipated Charizard V-MAX!

Each Elite Trainer Box comes with:

• 8 Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze booster packs
• 65 card sleeves
• 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
• A player’s guide to the Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze Expansion
• A Pokémon TCG rulebook

Source: https://press.pokemon.com/en/releases/MEDIA-ALERT-Charizard-and-Eternatus-Make-Their-Pokemon-VMAX-Debut-in-t

Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze Build & Battle Box

The Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze Build & Battle Box was available in the Pokémon Center and where Pokémon TCG products are sold starting on August 28th, 2020.

If you’re burning to play a quick Pokémon TCG battle, then the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze Build & Battle Box will get you started. Each box contains a selection of cards to let you easily build a playable deck in the fast-paced Prerelease format, where each player has a 40-card deck and sets aside four Prize cards at the start of play. The Build & Battle Box contains a 23-card Evolution pack, which includes a red-hot alternative-art promo card. This selection of cards is designed to give you a strong foundation for building a new deck. To fill out the rest of your deck, there are also four 10-card booster packs from the Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze expansion.

The Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze Build & Battle Box includes:

• A 23-card Evolution pack featuring key cards from current and prior sets, including 1 of 4 alternate-art promo cards
• 4 Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze booster packs
• 1 deck-building tip sheet

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/sword-shield-darkness-ablaze-build-battle-box

Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield-Darkness Ablaze Galarian Darmanitan and Galarian Sirfetch'd Theme Deck

Galarian Darmanitan Puts Foes on Ice! Cold as the north wind—or blazing with fiery determination—Galarian Darmanitan shows off deep composure and immense strength in battle! Professor’s Research keeps your hand full of options, and Pelipper keeps an eye out from the sky. Suicune, Kangaskhan, and Beartic add strong offense to keep the Galarian Darmanitan theme deck extra frosty!

The Smashing Power of Galarian Sirfetch’d! Brave and strong, the chivalrous Galarian Sirfetch’d fights fair and fights hard! With Stonjourner throwing rocky kicks and Professor’s Research keeping your options open, you can follow the knight’s path to an honorable victory. Hippowdon and Passimian add extra muscle to keep the Galarian Sirfetch’d theme deck steadfast and ready to strike!

The Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze Galarian Darmanitan and Galarian Sirfetch'd Theme Decks include:

• 60-card deck
• 1 metallic coin
• Single-player playmat
• 1 deck box
• Damage counters
• 1 rules booklet
• 3 reference cards
• 1 code card to play this deck online

DeNA has announced that the Story Event The Star of the Contest and the Dawn Spotlight Scout will take place from May 27th, 2020 at 11:00 p.m. until June 10th, 2020 at 10:59 p.m.

Story Event The Star of the Contest

Story Event: The Star of the Contest under way! You can collect Prize Coins by completing battles in Single-Player, then try making pulls from the Prize Box!


If you pull from the Prize Box and get the grand prize, you can move on to the next Prize Box pool. Rewards include new area info, as well as items for training.


You can progress through the event to collect various items and strengthen your sync pairs!


Also, Reward Boosts can be used in the areas listed below! You can use Reward Boosts to get 3x the completion rewards and battle rewards.

• Friendly Competition: Part 1
• Friendly Competition: Part 2
• Friendly Competition: Part 3
• Friendly Competition: Part 4

Note: First-time rewards are not increased, even when a Reward Boost is used. One Reward Boost is replenished every 4 hours, up to a maximum quantity of 3. Your total Reward Boost quantity will not exceed 3 regardless of how much time has elapsed.

Event Missions

You can take on special missions during the event period. Check the Missions screen to learn more!

Log-In Bonus Under Way!

The Star of the Contest Log-In Bonus is currently under way to mark the start of Story Event: The Star of the Contest.

Log-In Bonus Details

• Day 1: Reward Boost Ticket ×3
• Day 2: Gems ×100
• Day 3: Gems ×100
• Day 4: Co-op Sync Orb ×100
• Day 5: Gems ×100
• Day 6: Gems ×100
• Day 7: Co-op Sync Orb ×100
• Day 8: Gems ×100
• Day 9: Gems ×100
• Day 10: Co-op Sync Orb ×100
• Day 11: Gems ×100
• Day 12: Gems ×100
• Day 13: Co-op Sync Orb ×100
• Day 14: Gems ×100

Date/Time

May 27, 2020 at 11:00 p.m. - June 10, 2020 at 10:59 p.m.

Important

• To participate, you must have completed Main Story Chapter 1: The More the Merrier (Normal) in single-player.
• The sync pairs that appear as opponents in battle have different capabilities than those you can actually obtain.
• When the event ends, leftover Prize Coins will be converted into coins (10 coins per Prize Coins) and sent to your Present Box.
• All mission completion rewards must be claimed within three days of the mission period ending.
• To claim log-in bonuses, you must have completed Main Story Chapter 1: The More the Merrier (Normal) in single-player.
• Log-in bonuses are sent to your Present Box.
• Log-in bonuses can only be claimed during the specified time period.
• Log-in bonuses sent to the Present Box can only be claimed for a limited period of time.
• Log-in bonuses can only be claimed once per day.
• Up to 14 log-in bonuses can be claimed.
• Log-in bonuses are reset each day at 11:00 p.m.
• If you are already logged in, you will need to return to the Pokémon Center and claim them from your Present Box.
• The content is subject to change without notice.

Source: https://pokemonmasters-game.com/en-US/announcements/Event_2050_1W_1

Dawn Spotlight Scout

Increased chance to scout newly released Dawn & Turtwig! Dawn Spotlight Scout under way! Featuring 5★ Dawn & Turtwig! Featured sync pairs have a higher chance of appearing than non-featured 5★ sync pairs. The sync grids of 5★ Dawn & Turtwig will be expanded upon their release.

About Dawn & Turtwig

This confident Trainer from Sinnoh supports her team by taking attacks and offering an ally full recovery!

Date/Time

May 27, 2020 at 11:00 p.m. - June 10, 2020 at 10:59 p.m.

Important

• The sync pairs featured in this sync pair scout may also appear in future sync pair scouts.
• Sync pairs other than the ones mentioned above may appear.
• Please note that you cannot have two or more sync pairs that include Trainers with the same name in your team. Example: Brock & Onix and Sygna Suit Brock & Tyranitar
• To unlock the sync grid, you must have completed Main Story Chapter 11: Alola’s Rising Stars: Part 2 (Normal) in single-player.
• To check the available sync pairs and their respective offering rates, go to the Offering Rate section on the Sync Pair Scout screen.
• Please read the Notes section under Offering Rate on the Sync Pair Scout screen before using the feature.
• The time period and featured content are subject to change without notice.

Source: https://pokemonmasters-game.com/en-US/announcements/Scout_2050_1W_1