Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Ultra Incursion Raid Schedule

Niantic Announces Ultra Beast Incursions for Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale

Trainers, Brace Yourselves for the Unveiling of Ultra Beasts!

Trainers,
Exciting news awaits you as Niantic announces the upcoming Ultra Beast incursions in Pokemon GO. These mysterious beings have been sighted in every corner of the world, and the incursions are set to begin during the highly-anticipated Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale event. Starting on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. local time, be prepared to encounter these otherworldly creatures in your area. We have prepared some footage for you to watch, but be warned—it may leave you in awe!

Experience the Thrill of Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale

Secure Your Tickets and Get Ready to Go!

The Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale is just around the corner, and it promises to be an event like no other. Ultra Beasts will make their appearance in five-star raids, alongside other event-themed Pokemon appearing in one- and three-star raids. To participate in this thrilling event, grab your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Stay Safe and Stay Informed

Follow Guidelines and Don’t Miss Out on Updates

As you embark on your Pokemon GO adventures, please remember to prioritize your safety and follow the guidelines provided by your local health authorities. Keep an eye on our social media channels, opt in for push notifications, and subscribe to our emails to stay updated on any changes to upcoming events. We want each experience to be enjoyable and safe for all Trainers.

—The Pokemon GO team

Source: Official Pokemon GO blog

Be Prepared for Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale

Important Update: Habitat Times and Ultra Beast Raid Battles

Trainers, remember to plan your time wisely during the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale event. Each habitat will only be available for a two-hour period, so make sure to take note of the habitat times in your Today view. This will ensure you can fully participate in the Collection Challenge and make the most of the event.

Challenge Ultra Beasts in Raid Battles

Exciting Features Await You at the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 27, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time, as the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale unfolds. This one-day event is packed with adventure, including the appearance of Ultra Beasts—Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, and Xurkitree—in five-star raids. Furthermore, various event-themed Pokemon will be present in one- and three-star raids. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this incredible event. Tickets are available for purchase in the in-game shop at a price of US$10.99. If you already attended the global Pokemon GO Fest in June, congratulations! You will automatically have access to the finale event at no additional cost. Additionally, Trainers who have achieved Great Friends or higher can purchase up to three tickets at a discounted rate of US$4.99 each and gift them to friends to share the experience.

Enjoy the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale for Free

Exciting Features for All Trainers

Even if you don’t have an event ticket, there are still plenty of exciting features to enjoy. All Trainers, ticket holders or not, can participate in a short Special Research story. Four unique habitats will be available, each lasting for two hours, and you might even be lucky enough to encounter a Shiny Munna during the event. Different Pokemon will be attracted to each habitat, providing opportunities for diverse encounters. Additionally, the one-, three-, and five-star Raid Bosses will be accessible to all Trainers, including the fearsome Ultra Beasts. Coordinate with friends in different time zones to maximize your chances of encountering and capturing these elusive creatures. Prepare for these challenging raids with our expert tips and strategies for each Pokemon.

A Unique Ticketed Experience

Unlock Extra Special Research Stories and More

Trainers who hold tickets for Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale will have access to exclusive features. In addition to the short Special Research story available to everyone, ticket holders will receive three additional, ticket-exclusive Special Research stories. Completing these stories will earn you in-game items, unique avatar items, and a special encounter with Sky Forme Shaymin—a truly memorable experience. Don’t worry about rushing through these Special Research stories; they can be completed at your own pace once you’ve claimed the first one. Furthermore, ticket holders can potentially encounter Shiny Unown N and Unown X for the first time in Pokemon GO. By spinning Photo Discs at Gyms, you can earn up to nine Daily Raid Passes to use for in-person raids. Winning in-person raids will also earn you an extra 5,000 XP as a reward. Activate incense during the event hours to attract Pokemon such as Unown, Torkoal, Tropius, and more. Egg hatching will be more efficient, with eggs placed in Incubators during the event having halved hatch distance. Lastly, Trainers who have already caught Sky Forme Shaymin will also be able to change its form between Sky Forme and Land Forme.

Incursions Await and Ultra Beasts Await

Prepare Yourself for Intense Battles

Gear up for intense Raid Battles during the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale. The following Ultra Beasts will be available to challenge in five-star raids: Pheromosa, Buzzwole, Xurkitree, and Nihilego, each with their own optimal strategies for victory. Time your battles correctly, as each Ultra Beast will be available during specific time slots. Pheromosa will grace the raids from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Buzzwole will dominate from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Xurkitree will electrify battles from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Nihilego will make its appearance from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Make sure to adjust for your local time zone and coordinate with friends in different regions to optimize your chances of conquering these formidable opponents.

Unveiling Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale Event Details

Ultra Beasts, Sky Forme Shaymin, and More Await!

Trainers,
What an incredible journey it has been across the globe for all the Pokemon GO Fest events this year! From the global event that kickstarted the celebration back in June to the unique in-person experiences in Berlin, Seattle, and Sapporo, each event has been a testament to the worldwide Pokemon community’s enthusiasm. However, it’s not over yet! We are thrilled to reveal more about the grand finale—the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale!

Mark Your Calendars for Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale

Join Trainers Around the World for the Epic Finale

Set the date and time: Saturday, August 27, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time. Trainers from all corners of the globe are invited to experience the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale. Prepare for a day filled with adventure, challenges, and encounters like never before!

Get Your Tickets Now!

Exciting Ticket Offers and Gifting Options

Secure your tickets for the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale event by purchasing them from the in-game shop. Each ticket is priced at US$10.99*, offering you access to exclusive event gameplay on Saturday, August 27, 2022. And here’s some good news—if you already purchased a ticket to the main Pokemon GO Fest on June 4 and 5, 2022, you automatically have a ticket for the finale event. No additional purchase is necessary!

To encourage group play, we have a special discounted gifting option for ticket holders. If you’ve purchased a standalone ticket for the finale event or attended the global Pokemon GO Fest in June, you can gift up to three tickets for the finale event to your friends. Each gifted ticket is available for the reduced price of US$4.99, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences among Trainers.

Experience the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale for Free

Exciting Features Open to All Trainers

Even without a ticket, all Trainers can still enjoy a range of incredible features during the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale. Engage in a short Special Research story, capture Pokemon that appear in the unique habitats, and embrace the opportunity to encounter a Shiny Munna. Each habitat will showcase different Pokemon during the two-hour period, so make sure to explore and capture as much as you can throughout the day. Additionally, Trainers will have access to one-, three-, and five-star Raid Bosses, including the awe-inspiring Ultra Beasts. This event presents an excellent opportunity to catch Pokemon such as Machop, Snorlax, Meditite, and Stunfisk, who are popular in the GO Battle League. Take advantage of these encounters to bolster your battle roster!

The Thrill of Ultra Beasts Awaits

Battle Strategies for Each Ultra Beast

Prepare yourself for the epic battles that await you during the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale. Each Ultra Beast requires a unique strategy to emerge victorious. Pheromosa will test your skills from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., while Buzzwole will demand your full power from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Take on the electrifying challenge posed by Xurkitree from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and brace yourself for the battle against Nihilego from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Remember to adjust your plans according to your local time zone and gather your friends for an unforgettable raid experience!

Explore Your Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale Experience

Unveiling Ultra Beasts, Sky Forme Shaymin, and More!

Trainers,
Prepare yourselves for the grand finale—the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale is just around the corner! On Saturday, August 27, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time, Trainers worldwide are invited to join this extraordinary global event. Get ready for thrilling encounters, captivating quests, and exciting Pokemon encounters!

Tickets Now Available

Join the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale at an Incredible Value

You don’t want to miss out on the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale, and tickets are now available for purchase in the in-game shop. For US$10.99*, you can secure your spot in this grand event on Saturday, August 27, 2022. If you previously purchased a Pokemon GO Fest ticket for the main event on June 4 and 5, 2022, you already have access to the finale event—there is no need for an additional purchase!

Pokemon GO Fest is best experienced with friends and family, and to encourage group play, we are thrilled to offer a special discounted gifting option for ticket holders. If you purchased a standalone ticket for the finale event or attended the global Pokemon GO Fest in June, you can now gift up to three tickets for the finale event to your friends at the reduced price of US$4.99 each.

Enjoy the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale for Free

Exciting Features for Trainers of All Backgrounds

Even if you don’t have a ticket for Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale, there are still plenty of amazing features available for you to enjoy. All Trainers can partake in a short Special Research story, capturing the essence of the event. Additionally, four unique habitats will be open throughout the day, each showcasing different Pokemon for a two-hour period. There is even a chance to encounter a Shiny Munna during the event, so keep your eyes peeled! Whether you have a ticket or not, this event guarantees an engaging and memorable experience for all.

A Unique Ticketed Experience

Unlock Exclusive Features and Stories

Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale ticket holders will gain access to three exclusive Special Research stories, adding depth and excitement to the event. Completing these stories will reward you with in-game items, unique avatar items, and a special encounter with Sky Forme Shaymin—a truly unique experience you won’t want to miss. In addition, ticket holders will have a chance to encounter Shiny Unown N and Unown X for the first time in Pokemon GO. By spinning Photo Discs at Gyms, you can earn up to nine Daily Raid Passes for in-person raids, providing extended opportunities for thrilling battles. Win in-person raids and earn an extra 5,000 XP as a reward. Make the most of your incense, which will last for two hours during the event and attract Pokemon such as Unown, Torkoal, Tropius, and more. You’ll also enjoy hatching your eggs, as placing them in Incubators during the event will reduce their hatch distance by half. Finally, for Trainers who caught Sky Forme Shaymin, you’ll have the ability to change its form between Sky Forme and Land Forme starting at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Prepare for Ultra Beasts and More

Optimal Strategies to Conquer Raid Battles

Gear up for epic Raid Battles during the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale. The five-star raids will feature the powerful Ultra Beasts—Pheromosa, Buzzwole, Xurkitree, and Nihilego. Each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and crafting the perfect battle strategy is key to emerging victorious. Coordinate with friends in different time zones to maximize your chances of encountering these formidable opponents.

Stay Informed About Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale

Be Ready for Ultra Beasts and Exciting Encounters!

Trainers,
The countdown to Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale has begun! This event promises to be the culmination of an incredible journey that Trainers around the world have embarked on. Get ready to embrace adventure, unlock unique content, and encounter Ultra Beasts that will test your skills to their limits.

Tickets Are Available Now!

Don’t Miss Out on Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale

To be a part of the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale, purchase your tickets from the in-game shop now. For US$10.99*, you can secure your place in this global event, taking place on Saturday, August 27, 2022. And here’s some great news—if you participated in the global Pokemon GO Fest event in June, you already have a ticket for the grand finale at no extra cost. Grab your tickets today and let the adventure begin!

We understand the joy of playing together with friends and loved ones, and as a special treat, ticket holders have the option to purchase up to three additional tickets for the finale event. These extra tickets are available at the discounted rate of US$4.99 each. Share the magic of Pokemon GO with those who have achieved Great Friends or higher and make this experience unforgettable for everyone.

Experience the Finale for Free

Engage in Special Research and Encounter Shiny Pokemon

Even without a ticket, all Trainers can immerse themselves in the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale experience. Engage in a short Special Research story that is accessible to everyone, capturing the essence of the event. Explore four unique habitats, each lasting for two hours and offering different Pokemon encounters. Keep an eye out for the elusive Shiny Munna throughout the day. This event provides an opportunity for Trainers of all backgrounds to enjoy the festivities and make memorable Pokemon encounters.

Embrace the Exclusive Ticketed Experience

Unlock Additional Special Research Stories and More

For ticket holders, Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale offers an exclusive experience. In addition to the Special Research story available to all Trainers, ticket holders will have access to three additional Special Research stories. Completing these stories will reward you with in-game items, exclusive avatar items, and a special encounter with Sky Forme Shaymin. Claim the first Special Research story whenever you are ready, and complete it and the subsequent stories at your own pace. Additionally, ticket holders have the chance to encounter Shiny Unown N and Unown X for the first time in Pokemon GO. Spin Photo Discs at Gyms to earn up to nine Daily Raid Passes for in-person raids, and win in-person raids for an extra 5,000 XP. Activate incense during the event to extend its duration to two hours and potentially attract Pokemon such as Unown, Torkoal, Tropius, and more. Take advantage of the reduced hatch distance of eggs placed in Incubators during the event, making hatching more efficient. Furthermore, Trainers who have captured Sky Forme Shaymin can transform it into Land Forme Shaymin starting from 10:00 a.m. local time. Finally, the chances of encountering Shiny Pokemon are increased throughout the event, adding an extra touch of excitement.

A New Era Begins with Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale

Stay Connected and Be Part of the Adventure

The Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale marks the end of an era, and we are grateful for the incredible support and enthusiasm shown by Trainers worldwide. As we bid farewell to this outstanding series of events, let’s make the grand finale the most unforgettable experience of all. Join us on August 27th, and let the adventure continue!

—The Pokemon GO team

*Tickets for the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale event are available for purchase in the in-game shop for US$10.99 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency, plus any applicable taxes and fees). Tickets cannot be purchased with PokéCoins. Tickets to this event are nonrefundable (subject to applicable law and the exceptions set forth in the Terms of Service). Once a ticket has been purchased, up to three additional tickets can be gifted to others for the reduced price of US$4.99 each (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency, plus any applicable taxes and fees).

Gift Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale tickets to your friends for only US $5.00 each!
Make someone’s day by gifting them a ticket to the Pokemon GO Fest 2022: Finale event—for just US$5.00!

*CONFIDENTIAL* REPORT: Ultra Beast Sightings
ULTRA BEAST INCURSION
8.27.2022
File 04: UB-03 LIGHTING
File 03: UB-02 ABSORPTION
UB02 BEAUTY
UB02 EXPANSION
UB03 LIGHTNING
UB01 PARASITE
File 04: UB-03 LIGHTING
File 03: UB-02 ABSORPTION
File 03: UB-02 ABSORPTION
File 02: UB-02 BEAUTY
File 01: UB-01 SYMBIONT

Source: Official Pokemon GO blog

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But it depends on what those lands do and what the rest of the hand asks of you. A two-land hand with cheap spells and a smooth curve is normal. A two-land hand where your third color matters on turn three and your first real spell costs four is not nearly as cute as it looks. This is also why beginners tend to learn good habits faster in formats like Standard. Mulligans, curve, and sequencing all matter in a more obvious way. Bad keeps get punished. Good keeps feel stable. The lesson arrives fast. For that bigger format question, Which Magic: The Gathering Format Should You Start With Right Now? helps sort out where those mulligan decisions matter most. The Biggest Mulligan Mistakes New Players Make The first mistake is keeping a bad seven because going to six feels scary. That fear is understandable. It is also wrong

Commander Brackets Explained for Regular Players

Commander brackets explained in plain English is something a lot of regular players needed way sooner than they got it. For years, pregame power conversations in Commander were built on vibes, optimism, and the famous “this is probably like a seven” line, which usually meant absolutely nothing. Then the game starts, one player is casting a goofy tribal deck, another player is tutoring on turn two, and now everybody is pretending they are still having a good time. That is the problem Commander brackets are trying to fix. Not rules confusion. Not deck legality in the usual banned-list sense. Just the very human problem of four people sitting down with wildly different expectations and calling it a match anyway. The short version is that the system is meant to give regular players better language. Not perfect language. Better language. And honestly, that already makes it more useful than the old 1-to-10 power scale. What Commander Brackets Are Actually Trying to Do If you strip away the rollout drama, Commander brackets are a matchmaking tool for expectations. That matters because Commander has always had a weird identity problem. It is casual, but people tune their decks hard. It is social, but people still want to win. It is full of splashy nonsense, but some nonsense is fun and some nonsense means three players stop participating while one player takes a five-minute turn. The bracket system gives that mess some shared vocabulary. Wizards has been pretty direct that this is not supposed to replace Rule Zero. It is supposed to make Rule Zero conversations less useless. That is a big difference. The brackets are not a judge call, and they are not a magic lie detector. If somebody wants to mislabel a deck, the system cannot stop them. But for regular players trying in good faith to find a fair pod, the brackets are a real improvement. And as of the February 2026 update, Wizards said adoption keeps growing in actual pregame conversations. That tracks with what a lot of players are seeing. Even if people do not remember every detail, they at least now have a more useful way to say, “this deck is basically a precon plus upgrades” or “this thing is not cEDH, but it is still coming for your throat.” The Five Brackets in Plain English Here is the version regular players actually need. Exhibition This is the super casual lane. Theme decks, flavor decks, goofy deckbuilding restrictions, and games where the point is more “look what i built” than “watch me assemble the cleanest win line.” If your deck is trying to tell a story more than optimize every slot, you are probably here. Core Core is the average modern precon neighborhood. This is where a lot of regular Commander lives. Decks function, have a plan, produce big turns, and absolutely try to win, but they are not built like a machine looking for the shortest route to the table’s misery. Upgraded This is where a lot of people actually sit, even if they do not love admitting it. These decks are stronger than average precons, more tuned, and more intentional. Your mana is better. Your card quality is tighter. Your deck is doing the thing on purpose. But you are not fully in no-restraints territory. Optimized Now we are in high-power Commander. Faster starts, stronger tutors, cheap combos, and much less patience for clunky pet cards. If your deck is built to fire on all cylinders and you are not really making sentimental cuts anymore, this is probably your lane. cEDH This is not just “very strong Commander.” It is Commander with a competitive mindset. The metagame matters. Card choices are ruthlessly defended. The game is being approached like an actual competitive environment, not just a spicy casual pod. That last distinction matters more than people think. One of the best things the system did was admit that “high power” and “cEDH” are not automatically the same thing. cEDH is a great place to use mtg proxies by the way. What Game Changers Actually Mean Game Changers are the part people obsess over because they are easy to count. The idea is simple. Some cards have such a strong effect on the shape of a Commander game that they deserve special attention even if they are not banned. These are not just “good cards.” They are cards that warp expectations, accelerate too hard, tutor too cleanly, or create play patterns a lot of casual tables actively do not enjoy. That is why the list matters. In practice, the easiest way to think about it is this: Brackets 1 and 2 do not want them. Bracket 3 can include a small number of them. Brackets 4 and 5 are where they stop being a special warning and start being part of the furniture. What catches people off guard is that Game Changers are not the whole system. You cannot just count them and call it a day. Wizards was explicit about that. A deck with zero Game Changers can still belong in a higher bracket if the deck is obviously built to run hot. And a weird theme deck with one unusual card might still belong lower if the table is fine with it and the intent is casual. That is why the brackets work best as language, not math homework. How to Use Commander Brackets at a Real Table This is the part that matters most, because regular players are not writing policy documents. They are trying to start a game. A good bracket conversation does not need to be long. It just needs to be honest. “This is Core, basically a precon with a cleaner mana base.” “This is Upgraded, no fast combo but definitely stronger than a stock precon.” “This is Optimized, lots of tutors, game can end fast.” That is already more useful than “it is like a seven, maybe a seven-and-a-half if i draw well.” You also do not need to