It’s been seven years since Pokémon GO launched! Similar to last year’s anniversary event, various party hat-wearing Pokémon return as well as some new additions. (For the Bulbasaur fan club, it is sadly not our year.) Keeping the number theme going, Squirtle’s evolution line is predominantly featured along with a special Community Day Classic event happening during the celebration (For more details about the Season of Hidden Gems, you can check out our overall Season of Hidden Gems guide hub.)
Now, check out what’s happening during Pokémon GO’s 7th Anniversary Party event with our guide below:
Pokémon GO’s Season of Hidden Gems – Pokémon GO’s 7th Anniversary Party
Begins: Thursday, July 6th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time.
Ends: Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time.
Pokémon debuts – Costumed Wartortle and Costumed Blastoise (Party Hat edition)
Similar to last year’s Charizard-themed event, this year’s anniversary event is centered on Squirtle and its evolution line. That means the party hats will be available for Wartortle and Blastoise.
- Wartortle wearing a party hat: Wartortle* can only be obtained by catching a Costumed Squirtle* (wearing a party hat) and evolving them into a Costumed Wartortle*. This requires 25 Squirtle Candies.
- Blastoise wearing a party hat: Blastoise* can only be obtained by catching a Costumed Squirtle*, evolving them into a Costumed Wartortl*e, and then evolving that Costumed Wartortle* into a Costumed Blastoise*. This requires a total of 125 Squirtle Candies (25 for Squirtle to Wartortle, 100 for Wartortle to Blastoise).
- Note: This Costumed Blastoise can be Mega Evolved!
Note: Previously caught Costumed Squirtle (wearing a party hat) from prior events can also be evolved.
Along with these debuts, the following Costumed Pokémon are also returning during the event:
- Bulbasaur wearing a party hat: Bulbasaur* will be available in the wild on Thursday, July 6th, 2023, in One-Star Raids throughout the event, and as a catch reward encounter in a specific Field Research task.
- Note: Ivysaur and Venusaur wearing a party don’t exist in-game. 🙁 Perhaps next year?
- Charmander wearing a party hat: Charmander* will be available in the wild on Thursday, July 6th, 2023, in One-Star Raids throughout the event, and as a catch reward encounter in a specific Field Research task.
- Charmeleon and Charizard wearing a party hat: Introduced during the 6th Anniversary event, these two will be back via evolving a Costumed Charmander.
- Squirtle wearing a party hat: Squirtle* will be available in the wild on Thursday, July 6th, 2023, in One-Star Raids throughout the event, and as a catch reward encounter in a specific Field Research task.
- Pikachu wearing a party hat: Pikachu* will be available as a catch reward encounter in a paid Timed Research.
- Pikachu wearing a cake hat: Pikachu* will be available in the wild and in One-Star Raids throughout the entire event.
Notes:
- Pokémon marked with an * means that “If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!”
- Going forward, these Pokémon will be referred to as “Costumed” rather than the exact outfit they are wearing.
- Clarification will be made in the case of the two Costumed Pikachus.
Event Bonuses
Entire Event
- Increased chance of becoming Lucky Friends.
- Increased chance of Pokémon becoming Lucky through trades.
- Chance of finding 7, 77, or more Gimmighoul Coins when you spin a PokéStop with a Golden Lure Module.
Select Days
From 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. each day of the event, a new one-day-only bonus will be active. Below are the bonuses:
- Thursday, July 6th, 2023: 2× XP for catching Pokémon.
- Friday, July 7th, 2023: 2× Stardust for catching Pokémon.
- Saturday, July 8th, 2023: 2× Candy for catching Pokémon.
- Sunday, July 9th, 2023: 1/2 Egg Hatch Distance when Eggs are placed in an Incubator on this day.
- Probably will not stack with the “1/4 Egg Hatch Distance when Eggs are placed in an Incubator during the event period.” bonus happening during July 2023 Community Day Classic featuring Squirtle.
- Monday, July 10th, 2023: Friendship levels will increase twice as fast.
- Tuesday, July 11th, 2023: 2× Candy for transferring Pokémon.
- Wednesday, July 12th, 2023: 2× XP for evolving Pokémon.
Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto 2021 Ticket Holders
Due to the Masterwork Research Story All-in-One #151 being made available for sale, Trainers who previously acquired this Research Story (via a paid Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto ticket) will get the following bonuses (as they’ll be unable to purchase the Masterwork Research Story again):
- 2× Incense duration
- 2× Daily Adventure Incense duration
- 2× Lure Duration
Note: These bonuses will (probably) not stack during the July 2023 Community Day Classic featuring Squirtle event.
Event Boxes
If any special event boxes or bundles are released during the event, they’ll be listed here once the event is live.
The Pokémon GO Web Store will offer an exclusive Anniversary Box for sale, but only from Thursday, July 6th, 2023 to Monday, July 10th, 2023.
- Anniversary Box (650 PokéCoins, no purchase limit, in-game): 3 Rare Candies, 3 Remote Raid Passes, 1 Star Piece, and 2 Lucky Eggs.
Wild Encounters
Entire Event
- The following Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild: Costumed Squirtle*, Costumed Pikachu* (Cake Hat), Meowth*, Ponyta*, and Togedemaru.
- If you’re lucky, you might encounter the following Pokémon: Galarian Ponyta* and Absol*.
Select Days
The following Pokémon will appear more frequently on certain days:
- Thursday, July 6th, 2023: Costumed Bulbasaur*, Costumed Charmander*, and Costumed Squritle*.
- Friday, July 7th, 2023: Chikorita*, Cyndaquil*, and Totodile*.
- Saturday, July 8th, 2023: Treecko*, Torchic*, and Mudkip*.
- Sunday, July 9th, 2023: Turtwig*, Chimchar*, and Piplup*.
- Monday, July 10th, 2023: Snivy*, Tepig*, and Oshawott*.
- Tuesday, July 11th, 2023: Chespin*, Fennekin*, and Froakie*.
- Wednesday, July 12th, 2023: Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio.
Note: Pokémon marked with an * means that “If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!”
Raids
Standard and Shadow Raids will be active during the event.
Standard Raids
The following Pokémon will be appearing in Raids:
- One-Star Raids: Costumed Bulbasaur*, Costumed Charmander*, Costumed Squirtle*, and Costumed Pikachu* (Cake Hat).
- Three-Star Raids: Magneton, Lapras, Flareon, Snorlax*, and Sealeo.
- Five-Star Raids: Articuno*, Zapdos*, and Moltres* (See Additional Notes).
- Mega Raids: Mega Blastoise* (See Additional Notes).
Shadow Raids
The following Pokémon will be appearing in Raids:
- One-Star Shadow Raids: Growlithe*, Abra, Mareep, and Starly.
- Three-Star Shadow Raids: Gligar*, Sneasel*, Throh (Americas and Africa), and Swak (Europe, Asia, and Australia).
- Five-Star Shadow Raids: None.
Additional Notes:
- Pokémon marked with an * means that “If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!”
- Standard Raids:
- Articuno*, Zapdos*, and Moltres* will be available after the event (in Five-Star Raids), until Thursday, July 13th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time.
- Mega Blastoise* will be available after the event (in Mega Raids), until Thursday, July 13th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time.
- Shadow Raids:
- One- and Three-Star Shadow Raids will be available daily.
- If active, Five-Star Shadow Raids will be available on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), unless otherwise stated by Niantic.
Paid Timed Research Ticket – 7th Anniversary Party
During the event, Trainers can purchase a ticket to access an event-themed Timed Research. For US$1.99 OR US$2.00 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency), you’ll get the 7th Anniversary Party Timed Research which rewards Trainers with the following items and Pokémon (if tasks are completed within the time limit): 1 Incubator, 1 Super Incubator, 1 Premium Battle Pass, 1 Lucky Egg, 1 Rocket Radar, 1 Star Piece, 1 Incense, 77,777 XP, and a catch encounter with Costumed Pikachu (wearing a striped party hat).
Sales for this Timed Research will go live on Thursday, July 6th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time (and sales will end on Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time). According to Niantic, “[t]ickets are nonrefundable (subject to applicable law and the exceptions set forth in the Terms of Service).” Tickets can also be gifted to Trainers you’re friends with provided that you have a Friendship level of Great Friends or higher with them. This can be done via the in-game shop and by selecting the “Gift” button instead of the “Buy” button. Tickets purchased for friends are nonrefundable as well.
Please keep in mind that Timed Research quests have deadlines. Trainers must complete this 7th Anniversary Party Timed Research by Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time.
| 7th Anniversary Party Timed Research | |
|---|---|
| Step 1/1 | Reward |
| Catch 77 Pokémon | 1 Egg Incubator |
| Use 77 Berries to help catch Pokémon | 1 Rocket Radar |
| Hatch 7 Eggs | 1 Lucky Egg |
| Earn 7 Candies walking with your Buddy | 1 Poffin |
| Evolve 7 Pokémon | 1 Incense |
| Earn 7,777 XP | 1 Premium Battle Pass |
| Earn 7,777 Stardust | 1 Star Piece |
| Completion Rewards | 1 Super Incubator, Costumed Pikachu* (Party Hat) Encounter, and 77,777 XP |
Field Research Tasks
There will be event-exclusive Field Research Tasks available and the rewards include the following Pokémon encounters: Bulbasaur*, Charmander*, Squirtle*, Chikorita*, Cyndaquil*, Mudkip*, Totodile*, Treecko*, Torchic*, Mudkip*, Turtwig*, Chimchar*, Piplup*, Snivy*, Tepig*, Oshawott*, Chespin*, Fennekin*, Froakie*, Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio. Mega Energy for Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, Sceptile, Blaziken, and Swampert will also be rewarded when completing specific tasks. These Field Research Tasks can be found when spinning PokéStops (and acquired if you have an open slot in your Field Research menu) when the event is active.
A complete list of tasks and rewards will be shared here once the event is live.
- Task: Catch 7 Pokémon
- Reward: 10 Poké Balls OR 5 Great Balls OR 2 Ultra Balls
- Task: Catch 7 different species of Pokémon
- Reward: Rowlet, Litten, OR Popplio Encounter
- Task: Make 7 Nice Throws
- Reward: 25 Venusaur OR Charizard OR Blastoise OR Sceptile OR Blaziken OR Swampert Mega Energy
- Task: Make 7 Curveball Throws
- Reward: Snivy*, Tepig*, OR Oshawott* Encounter
- Task: Use 7 Berries to help catch Pokémon
- Reward: Chikorita*, Cyndaquil*, OR Totodile* Encounter
- Task: Take 7 Snapshots of Pokémon in the wild
- Reward: Treecko*, Torchic*, OR Mudkip* Encounter
- Task: Earn 7 hearts with your Buddy
- Reward: Turtwig*, Chimchar*, OR Piplup* Encounter
- Task: Send 7 Gifts and add a Sticker to each
- Reward: Chespin*, Fennekin*, OR Froakie* Encounter
- Task: Spin 7 PokéStops or Gyms
- Reward: Bulbasaur*, Charmander*, OR Squirtle* Encounter (Not Costumed)
Note: Pokémon marked with an * means that “If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!”
PokéStop Showcases
Pokémon GO’s version of Pokémon Contests will debut for all Trainers during the anniversary event. At select PokéStops that have a Showcase icon above it, Trainers can enter a Pokémon that matches the theme to compete against other Trainers can earn rewards. For more information about PokéStop Showcases, you can read the official Pokémon GO blog post detailing the new feature.
For this Pokémon Showcase, the requirements to enter are:
- Pokémon that can be submitted: Squirtle
- Theme: Biggest Size
Stickers
There will be an assortment of event-themed stickers featuring Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Ponyta, and Togedemaru. You can get them by spinning PokéStops, opening Gifts, and/or purchasing them from Pokémon GO’s in-game shop (with PokéCoins) during the event.
Avatar Items
New avatar items themed after the 7th anniversary will be released during this event. They will be available for purchase (with PokéCoins) via the in-game shop. These avatar items will still be available to purchase after the conclusion of this event.
The new avatar items are the following: 7th Anniversary Top Set (250 PokéCoins) and 7th Anniversary Pants (150 PokéCoins).
Paid Masterwork Research Story – All-in-One #151
During the 7th Anniversary Party event, Trainers who DID NOT purchase a ticket for Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto in 2021 can purchase a ticket to access All-in-One #151, the Masterwork Research Story. For US$4.99 OR US$5.00 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency), you’ll get the All-in-One #151 which rewards Trainers with a Shiny Mew catch encounter, a Mew Shirt (Avatar Item), and other items.
Sales for this Masterwork Research will go live on Thursday, July 6th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time (and sales will end on Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time). According to Niantic, “[t]ickets are nonrefundable (subject to applicable law and the exceptions set forth in the Terms of Service).” Tickets for this research cannot be gifted to Trainers you’re friends with.
Trainers who purchase or have previously received this Masterwork Research Story will receive the following bonuses during the event, as they cannot repurchase the ticket:
- 2× Incense duration
- 2× Daily Adventure Incense duration
- 2× Lure Duration
| Masterwork Research Story: All-in-One #151 | |
|---|---|
| Step 1/4 | Reward |
| Earn the platinum Kanto Medal | 51 Ultra Balls |
| Send 151 Gifts to Friends | 1 Poffin |
| Make 151 Great Throws | 1,510 Stardust |
| Completion Rewards | 5,100 XP, 1 Premium Battle Pass, and 1,510 Stardust |
| Step 2/4 | Reward |
| Catch a Pokémon 30 days in a row | 51 Ultra Balls |
| Catch 151 different species of Pokémon | 1 Glacial Lure Module |
| Catch 30 Normal-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Fire-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Water-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Grass-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Flying-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Fighting-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Poison-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Electric-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Ground-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Rock-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Psychic-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Ice-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Bug-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Ghost-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Steel-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Dragon-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Dark-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Catch 30 Fairy-type Pokémon | 151 XP |
| Completion Rewards | 5,100 XP, 3 Rare Candies, and 1,510 Stardust |
| Step 3/4 | Reward |
| Reach level 40 | 4,000 Stardust |
| Spin 151 PokéStops | 3 Rocket Radars |
| Complete 151 Field Research tasks | 3 Super Incubators |
| Walk 151 km | 151 Ultra Balls |
| Catch 1,510 Pokémon | 1 Incense |
| Completion Rewards | 1 Star Piece, Shiny Mew Encounter, and 1 Lucky Egg |
| Step 4/4 | Reward |
| Claim Reward! | 1,510 Stardust |
| Claim Reward! | 5,100 XP |
| Claim Reward! | 1,510 Stardust |
| Completion Rewards | 3 Charged TMs, 20 Mew Candies, and 1 Mew Shirt (Avatar Item) |
More Pokémon GO guides
Looking for more help with Pokémon GO? Check out our other guides!
Pokémon GO’s Season of World of Wonders’ 2024 Pokémon Europe International Championships event guide
Leave a Comment
Written by Jennifer Burch
Illustrator, designer, writer and big Nintendo geek, you can find Jennifer with an N3DS within reach 24/7. As the oldest of three, she has survived many Mario Party, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart sessions intact in addition to getting her brothers hooked on some really weird games. (Cubivore anyone?)
