Pokémon GO 8th Anniversary Event Timed Research Tasks and Rewards

Celebrate eight years of Pokémon GO with the exciting 8th Anniversary Party event, running from June 28 to July 3, 2024! Dive into a festive lineup featuring exclusive Timed Research tasks themed around the number eight, debut Pokémon like Party Hat Grimer and Muk, and special bonuses including increased chances for shiny Meltan and faster friendship level-ups. Whether you’re spinning PokéStops, catching 88 Pokémon, or evolving your favorites, this event promises a treasure trove of rewards and surprises to honor the game’s milestone.

Headlining proceedings is the debut of Grimer and Muk wearing party hats – joining the likes of Pikachu, Eevee, and Kanto starters with their own headwear, who also make an appearance – as well as the return of shiny Meltan (who is otherwise shiny locked outside of events.)

In addition to free and premium Timed Research tasks, there’s the debut of the “Whispers in the Woods” Masterwork Research, as well as a new event bonus and set of wild Pokémon spawns every two days.

There’s a lot going on, in other words – and this “8th Anniversary Party” event guide can help breakdown what to expect, and when to expect it.

’8th Anniversary Party’ Timed Research rewards

The Pokémon Go ’8th Anniversary Party’ Timed Research offers both free and paid questlines with themed tasks celebrating the game’s eighth year. The paid Timed Research, available for $1.99 (or local equivalent), includes completing steps such as earning 8 hearts with your buddy, catching 88 Pokémon, spinning 8 different PokéStops or Gyms, and making 88 curveball throws. Completing these tasks rewards players with valuable items like a Super Incubator, Lucky Egg, Rocket Radar, Star Piece, Poffin, Premium Raid Pass, an Incense, a Meltan encounter, and a substantial amount of XP and Stardust. This paid research must be completed by July 3, 2024, at 8 p.m. local time. Players can also complete the free Timed Research alongside the paid one for additional rewards including encounters with party hat-wearing Pokémon and Meltan.

You have until Wednesday, July 3 at 8 p.m. local time to complete the following steps:

’8th Anniversary Party’ step 1 of 2

• Earn 8 hearts with your buddy (Bulbasaur [party hat] encounter)
• Catch 88 Pokémon (Charmander [party hat] encounter)
• Spin 8 different PokéStops or Gyms (Squirtle [party hat] encounter)
• Earn 8,888 XP (Wurmple [party hat] encounter)
• Make 88 Curveball Throws (Wobbuffet [party hat] encounter)
• Earn 8,888 Stardust (Nidorino [party hat] encounter)
• Evolve 8 Pokémon (Raticate [party hat] encounter)

Rewards: Pikachu [cake hat], 8,888 Stardust, 8,888 XP

’8th Anniversary Party’ step 2 of 2

• Claim reward (Meltan encounter)
• Claim reward (Meltan encounter)
• Claim reward (Meltan encounter)
• Claim reward (Meltan encounter)
• Claim reward (Meltan encounter)
• Claim reward (Meltan encounter)
• Claim reward (Meltan encounter)

Reward: Meltan encounter

Thanks to Twitter for filling in the gaps with the above.

Pokémon Go ’8th Anniversary Party: Premium’ paid Timed Research rewards

The Pokémon Go ’8th Anniversary Party: Premium’ paid Timed Research is available for $1.99 (or local currency equivalent) in the in-game shop and must be completed by July 3, 2024, at 8 p.m. local time. The research tasks include earning 8 hearts with your buddy, catching 88 Pokémon, spinning 8 different PokéStops or Gyms, earning 8,888 XP, making 88 Curveball throws, earning 8,888 Stardust, and evolving 8 Pokémon. Rewards for completing these tasks include a Lucky Egg, Incubator, Rocket Radar, Premium Raid Pass, Poffin, Star Piece, Incense, a Super Incubator, an encounter with Meltan, and 88,888 XP. This paid research offers enhanced rewards compared to the free Timed Research and can be completed alongside it for greater benefits.

This Timed Research is available via a paid ticket in the in-game shop for $1.99 (or the local currency equivalent.) You then have until Wednesday, July 3 at 8 p.m. local time to complete the following steps:

’8th Anniversary Party: Premium’ step 1 of 1

• Earn 8 hearts with your buddy (1 Lucky Egg)
• Catch 88 Pokémon (1 Incubator)
• Spin 8 different PokéStops or Gyms (1 Rocket Radar)
• Earn 8,888 XP (1 Premium Raid Pass)
• Make 88 Curveball Throws (1 Poffin)
• Earn 8,888 Stardust (1 Star Piece)
• Evolve 8 Pokémon (1 Lure)

Rewards: 1x Super Incubator, Meltan encounter, 88,888 XP

Pokémon Go ’8th Anniversary Party’ Raid bosses

During the Pokémon Go 8th Anniversary Party event, players can look forward to special raid bosses appearing as part of the celebration. While specific details on unique raid bosses for this event have not been fully disclosed, the event features Timed Research and rewards themed around party hat-wearing Pokémon like Grimer and Muk, alongside encounters with Meltan. The event runs from June 28 to July 3, 2024, and includes various bonuses and research tasks that complement the raid battles, making it a festive occasion for trainers to engage in raids and earn exclusive rewards.

During the “8th Anniversary Party” event, expect to see the following one-star raids alongside the current ongoing Legendary and Mega raid schedule:

• Bulbasaur [party hat]
• Charmander [party hat]
• Grimer [party hat]
• Pikachu [cake hat]
• Squirtle [party hat]

Event-long ’8th Anniversary Party’ wild spawns

During the Pokémon Go 8th Anniversary Party event, running from June 28 to July 3, 2024, players can encounter a variety of wild Pokémon wearing festive party hats. These include Bulbasaur, Charmander, Eevee, Grimer, Squirtle, and a special Cake Hat Pikachu, alongside starters like Fuecoco, Quaxly, and Sprigatito. Party Hat Grimer and Muk make their debut appearances, and many of these Pokémon have shiny variants available. These event-long wild spawns add a celebratory flair and provide ample opportunities for players to catch unique and festive Pokémon throughout the event duration.

The following wild spawns will be available during event hours from Friday, June 28, to Wednesday, July 3:

• Bulbasaur [party hat]
• Charmander [party hat]
• Eevee [party hat]
• Fuecoco
• Grimer [party hat]
• Pikachu [cake hat]
• Quaxly
• Sprigatito
• Squirtle [party hat]

As well as the above, there are additional daily spawns – see the “daily ’8th Anniversary Party’ event schedule” section at the end of this guide for more details.

Event-long ’8th Anniversary Party’ event bonuses

The event-long bonuses for Pokémon Go’s 8th Anniversary Party include an increased chance to become Lucky Friends and to obtain Lucky Pokémon through trades. Friendship levels will also increase faster than usual when opening Gifts, trading Pokémon, or battling together in raids, Gyms, or Trainer Battles. Additionally, players can find more Gimmighoul coins (8 or 88 or possibly more) by spinning PokéStops with a Golden Lure Module. The event also features doubled durations for Incense, Daily Adventure Incense, and Lucky Eggs throughout its duration from June 28 to July 3, 2024.

The following bonuses will be available during event hours from Friday, June 28, to Wednesday, July 3:

• Meltan has a chance to be shiny when using a Mystery Box
• Mystery Box cooldown is reduced
• An increased chance to become Lucky Friends, and receive Lucky Pokémon when trading
• Friendship levels increase faster than normal
• A “chance” of finding eight or 88 Gimmighoul Coins when spinning yellow / golden PokéStops with a Golden Lure active

As well as the above, there are additional daily bonuses – see the ’daily ’8th Anniversary Party’ event schedule’ section at the end of this guide for more details.

Daily ’8th Anniversary Party’ event schedule

The Daily ’8th Anniversary Party’ event schedule in Pokémon Go runs from June 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM to July 3, 2024, at 8:00 PM local time, featuring rotating bonuses and special timed research tasks. The event is divided into three main bonus periods: June 28-29 with half-distance egg hatching, June 30-July 1 offering double XP for catches, and July 2-3 providing double Stardust from catches. Players can enjoy new costume debuts like Party Hat Grimer and Muk, increased Mystery Box usage with chances for Shiny Meltan, and a variety of Timed Research quests-both free and paid-that reward encounters, XP, Stardust, and special items. The event also includes Field Research with starter-themed tasks and rewards, making each day packed with activities to celebrate Pokémon Go’s eighth anniversary.

Finally, there is an additional bonus and set of wild Pokémon spawns every two days.

Here’s the schedule of what to expect throughout the event, with all start and end times all in your local time zone:

Pokémon Go 8th Anniversary Party event schedule

The Pokémon Go 8th Anniversary Party event runs from June 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM to July 3, 2024, at 8:00 PM local time. The celebration features special bonuses on specific days, including reduced egg hatch distances, double XP, and double Stardust. Key highlights include the debut of Grimer and Muk wearing party hats, increased chances to encounter shiny Meltan when using the Mystery Box, and the ability to open the Mystery Box more frequently. Players can participate in free and paid Timed Research tasks themed around the number eight, with rewards such as encounters with party hat Pokémon, Meltan, Stardust, XP, and special items. Additionally, Field Research tasks offer encounters with various starter Pokémon and Mega Energy rewards. The event also includes a Masterwork Research storyline and rotating wild Pokémon spawns every two days, making it a packed celebration of Pokémon Go’s eighth anniversary.

How can I maximize my rewards during Pokémon Go’s anniversary event

To maximize your rewards during Pokémon GO’s 8th Anniversary Party event, follow these key strategies:

• Prioritize Friendship Interactions: Engage frequently with friends by opening gifts, trading Pokémon, and battling together to rapidly increase friendship levels and boost your chances of becoming Lucky Friends and obtaining Lucky Pokémon from trades.

• Take Advantage of Daily Rotating Bonuses: Plan your gameplay around the event’s specific bonus days:

  • June 28-29: Half egg hatch distance to quickly hatch more eggs.

  • June 30-July 1: Double XP for catching Pokémon to level up faster.

  • July 2-3: Double Stardust for catching Pokémon to stockpile Stardust efficiently.

• Complete Timed Research Tasks: Engage with both free and paid Timed Research tasks that reward valuable items such as Incubators, Lucky Eggs, Premium Battle Passes, and a chance to encounter Meltan, plus a large XP boost (88,888 XP).

• Use Golden Lure Modules at PokéStops: Spin PokéStops with Golden Lure Modules to earn increased Gimmighoul Coins (often 8 or 88 coins), which can be used for in-game purchases.

• Maximize Catching Efficiency: Focus on catching as many Pokémon as possible during double XP and Stardust days, using curveballs and aiming for high catch combos to further increase rewards.

• Invest in the Masterwork Research Story: If you want extra bonuses like doubled incense and Lucky Egg durations, consider purchasing the Masterwork Research story for a Shiny Celebi encounter and extended event benefits.

By aligning your play sessions with these tips, you can efficiently gather XP, Stardust, and exclusive rewards throughout the anniversary event.

What are the best strategies to earn double XP and Stardust during the event

To maximize double XP and Stardust gains during Pokémon GO’s anniversary event, use these best strategies:

• Focus on Catching Pokémon Efficiently: Since the event offers 2x XP and Stardust for catching Pokémon, prioritize mass catching. Use curveballs and aim for excellent throws to maximize XP per catch. Consider using Lucky Eggs to further double XP gains during catch sessions.

• Activate Star Pieces: Use Star Pieces to boost Stardust earned by 50% on top of the event’s double Stardust bonus. This stacking effect significantly increases Stardust accumulation during catch sprees.

• Complete Research Tasks and Raids: Engage with both free and paid Timed Research tasks and participate in raids, as these often reward large XP and Stardust bonuses. Raids especially provide high Stardust rewards and can be done efficiently with friends or groups.

• Spin PokéStops and Open Gifts: Spinning PokéStops and opening gifts grants Stardust. During the event, this Stardust is doubled, so make sure to spin as many stops as possible and open up to 30 gifts per day from friends to maximize Stardust intake.

• Hatch Eggs: Eggs grant XP and Stardust when hatched, and during the event, these rewards are doubled. With the event’s half egg hatch distance bonus on certain days, you can hatch more eggs faster, increasing your overall rewards.

• Use Incense and Lures: These attract more Pokémon, increasing catch opportunities and thus XP and Stardust gains. Combining these with the event’s bonuses optimizes your catch rate.

• Plan Around Bonus Days: The event features specific days with half egg hatch distance, double catch XP, and double catch Stardust. Align your most intensive gameplay during these days to maximize gains.

By combining these tactics-mass catching with XP boosts, completing research and raids, spinning stops, hatching eggs efficiently, and leveraging event-specific bonuses-you can significantly amplify your XP and Stardust earnings during the anniversary event.