Summary: At Go Fest 2025, Niantic teases Pokémon GO’s 10th anniversary in 2026, describing it as “a Pokémon fan’s dream come true.” Expect more social gameplay, large-scale events, and balanced content for players of all levels, with local teams worldwide getting involved.
Niantic previews Pokémon GO's 10th anniversary at Go Fest 2025: social upgrades, global events, and major fan celebrations coming in 2026. Stay ready!
In This Article
- Anniversary Tease
- Focus on Social Features
- Anniversary Scale & Collaboration
- Global Team Effort
- Long-Term Vision
- Community Growth
Niantic Teases Big Plans for Pokémon GO’s 10th Anniversary
“A Pokémon fan’s dream come true”
Pokémon GO is turning 10 next year, and Niantic is already gearing up for a celebration that aims to be unforgettable. At GO Fest 2025 in Paris, Michael Steranka, Director of Product at Niantic, hinted at “something big” coming for both the game’s 10th anniversary and the Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary. While specifics are under wraps, fans should expect a mix of nostalgia, surprises, and fresh content designed to honor a decade of real-world adventure.
Focus on Social Features
Bringing Trainers Together
One major goal for Niantic going forward is building stronger social experiences. Whether through raids, in-person events, or friend-based interactions, the team wants to make Pokémon GO more than a solo game. Steranka mentioned that new features are in development to deepen cooperative play and give players more meaningful reasons to team up, regardless of location.
Anniversary Scale & Collaboration
“Biggest event ever” still in planning
While Niantic hasn’t confirmed details, Steranka noted that the anniversary content is being developed in close collaboration with The Pokémon Company. That means we can expect a global-scale rollout, possibly with rare or returning Pokémon, special Research lines, and themed events across multiple cities or even continents. If it follows past anniversaries, there may also be limited-time shinies, avatar items, and more.
Global Team Effort
More than just a US-based celebration
Niantic emphasized that the 10th anniversary won’t be a localized celebration—it’s designed to reach players in every region. The company’s international teams are working closely to ensure that Trainers worldwide get equal access to new content, live events, and digital rewards. From Tokyo to Berlin to São Paulo, expect synchronized festivities.
Long-Term Vision
“We’re just getting started”
Steranka made it clear that Niantic sees Pokémon GO not as a game that’s peaked, but as one that’s still evolving. Future plans include new technologies like AR glasses, deeper integrations with other Pokémon media, and more personalized gameplay. The idea is to keep expanding the game’s universe while staying true to what makes it special: going outside, meeting others, and catching Pokémon in the real world.
Community Growth
Celebrating players, not just the game
According to Niantic, the 10th anniversary won’t just be about content drops—it’ll be a celebration of the people who kept Pokémon GO alive and thriving. Expect spotlight stories, community events, and Trainer-focused shoutouts that honor the dedication of millions of players around the world.
