Pokemon GO August Event Adding Three Gen 8 Pokemon Debuts
Diana has been playing games since forever and still remembers her first time finishing Guitar Hero 3 on PC and the Wii she got for Christmas.
Her favorites are usually RPGs, but any game with a good story will catch her eye. These days, she’s been a little too invested in Genshin Impact while waiting for The Wolf Among Us to finally make a comeback.
Pokemon GO has confirmed the debut of Arrokuda, Barraskewda, and Cramorant as part of its upcoming Ultra Unlock: Water Festival in August. Additionally, Pokemon GO is bringing back a fan-favorite costumed Psyduck and several other limited bonuses.
The ongoing Forever Forward season has been a historic one for Pokemon GO. The anniversary-themed season has debuted some long-requested Pokemon like Mega-Skarmory and Squawkabilly. Moreover, GO Fest 2026: Global gave players the chance to catch three of Pokemon GO's rarest Pokemon, including Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y, for one weekend only. The yearly event has come to an end, but it seems the game still has more exciting releases planned for the upcoming months.
Pokemon GO Ultra Unlock: Water Festival Is Adding Three New Galar Pokemon
Pokemon GO has announced that the Galarian Pokemon Arrokuda, Barraskewda, and Cramorant will be making their in-game debuts on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during the Ultra Unlock: Water Festival. The event will run until Monday, August 24, and will center around Water-type creatures. Players can encounter and catch Arrokuda through Field Research tasks, using Rainy Lure Modules, or by progressing the GO Pass. Arrokuda can evolve into Barraskewda with 50 Arrokuda Candy. Meanwhile, fans can obtain Cramorant in Eggs, through the GO Pass, or as a GO Battle League reward. Similar to how Cramorant has special Pokemon forms in mainline games during combat, the Flying and Water-type will be able to change forms in Pokemon GO battles. The ability will offer fans unique strategies for their teams, but Cramorant will not be eligible for the game's Competitors Cup.
GameRant Quiz
Aside from the addition of the three Gen 8 monsters, the Ultra Unlock: Water Festival will mark the return of Psyduck with a swimming ring. The costumed Pokemon was first launched during the Pokemon Concierge limited event in September 2025 and quickly became a fan-favorite. In the upcoming event, Psyduck with a floaty will appear in 1-Star Raids with a chance to be Shiny. Fans will also have the chance to defeat different Tatsugiri forms in Pokemon GO Raids depending on their region. Finally, 3-Star Raids will feature Lapras wearing a scarf, Hisuian Samurott, and Dondozo.
Image via The Pokemon Company
Image via The Pokemon Company
Image via The Pokemon Company
Image via Scopely
Other Ultra Unlock: Water Festival bonuses include increased chances of Shiny Ducklett and Shine Dewpider encounters. Furthermore, on August 18, 20, and 22, catching Pokemon will grant twice, thrice, and four times the normal XP amount, respectively. This could be particularly useful for players looking to level up fast in Pokemon GO. Fans can also reach Tier 1 — Rank 10 on the event's GO Pass to obtain double Candy from catches and Tier 2 - Rank 20 for half Egg-hatching distance.
Scratch & Peek
Identify the cover art while scratching off as little foil as possible.
The Forever Forward season is scheduled to end on September 8, so Pokemon GO might debut even more Pokemon in the coming months. In the meantime, players can take part in Pokemon GO's ongoing Pikachu celebration, which features several costumed Pikachu from the past ten years. Some of these Pikachu will spawn in the wild, while others are available as GO Pass rewards, such as Pop Star and Rock Star Pikachu.
