Opening the weekend event early, the Pokémon GO Wild Area: Global event kicks off for U.S. trainers on November 15 and 16, 2025. Players can expect a global-scale update filled with special bonuses, debut Pokémon, and themed spawns.
What is the Wild Area event?
In the mobile game Pokémon GO, the “Wild Area” concept replicates the expansive, open-world portion of the core Pokémon games. The Wild Area: Global event is a two-day worldwide simultaneous event where spawns, raids, and bonuses shift to align with the theme. This year’s iteration features new content that U.S. trainers should be ready for.
Key Features for U.S. Trainers
Here are the major confirmed features for the event:
- Event Dates & Times: November 15–16, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time.
- New Pokémon Debuts:
- Impidimp (wild and from 5 km eggs), evolving into Morgrem and then Grimmsnarl.
- Gigantamax Grimmsnarl appears in six-star Max Battles globally during the event.
- Shadow Raid Debuts:
- Shadow Cresselia appears on Saturday and Shadow Darkrai on Sunday. Shiny versions of both are introduced for the first time.
- Bonus Mechanics & Ticket Benefits:
- Ticket-holding trainers unlock:
- Increased chance of Shiny encounters.
- Half-egg hatch distance on incubators, 2× Candy for catching, up to six special trades per day, and bonus Free Raid Passes for ticket holders.
- Ticket-holding trainers unlock:
- Wild Spawns & Habitat Rotation:
- The event features alternating “Dark Hour” and “Fairy Hour” habitats during the day. For example, the “Lurking Dark Hour” features Dark-type spawns such as Gastly, Sneasel and Deino.
Why this event matters for U.S. players
- These are global debuts for some key Pokémon lines: players in the U.S. now have access to Impidimp → Morgrem → Grimmsnarl for the first time in a worldwide event.
- The shadow raid content offers rare opportunities to capture Shadow Cresselia and Shadow Darkrai including their shiny variants.
- The ticket bonuses significantly enhance the value of play time: 2× Candy, free trades, half-hatch distance and more make this a top event for collectors and casual players alike.
- Due to the hourly habitat changes, location and timing matter — U.S. trainers should plan for when their local time zone hits the event window.
Prep Tips for U.S. Trainers
According to recent guides:
- Clear bag and storage space ahead of the event (especially for Egg slots and Pokémon slots) so you’re ready for the influx.
- Stock up on Great and Ultra Balls; also ensure you have Incense, Star Pieces, Lucky Eggs to maximise the catch volume.
- Decide which “path” you’ll pursue: your Special Research during the event asks you to choose between a “Dark-type” or “Fairy-type” focused route which influences your medal and rewards.
- Prepare for “Mighty Pokémon” encounters: these rarer, higher-stat variants appear during the event (look for “!!!” in encounters). Use the event-specific GO Safari Balls for higher capture chance.
What to Watch Out For
- The event is time-limited: only two days. Missing the window may mean missing key spawns or ticket-bonus mechanics.
- The ticketed bonuses expire when the event ends at 6 p.m. local time on Sunday.
- Even with tickets, Shiny capture is not guaranteed — but the rates are boosted.
- Remote Raids: For this event, there is no limit on Remote Raid invites. Free Raid Passes and unlimited remote participation make this event highly accessible in the U.S.
Quick Event Timeline for U.S. & Bonuses
| Date | Time (Local) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 15 | 10:00 a.m. | Event begins: wild spawns, habitat rotation |
| Nov 15–16 | Throughout | Alternating Dark & Fairy Hour spawn windows |
| Nov 15 | Ticket holders | Exclusive Special Research begins |
| Nov 16 | Up to 6 p.m. | Event ends at 6 p.m. local time |
Ticket holder bonuses include:
- 2× Candy for catches
- ½ Hatch Distance on incubators
- 6 free Raid Passes per day (via Photo Disc spins)
- Up to six Special Trades per day
- ½ Stardust cost for trades (ticket-holders only)
Final Thoughts
If you play Pokémon GO in the U.S., this edition of the Wild Area event offers some of the richest content in recent months: major debuts, high-value bonuses, and unique raid opportunities. Make sure your inventory is cleared, your ticket is purchased if you plan to use one, and you sync your schedule to the local times. The two-day window will go fast, and the spawn windows with alternating habitats add an extra layer of planning.
Stay prepared, dive in when your local timer hits 10:00 a.m., and enjoy the wild adventure waiting in the Wild Area for U.S. trainers!