Welcome to your ultimate guide for the Pokemon GO Journey to Paldea Event! As a dedicated Pokemon GO player myself, I know how crucial it is to have all the event details in one place to maximize your rewards and gaming experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of this exciting Paldea-themed event, from the debut of new Pokemon to exclusive bonuses and collection challenges.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Event Duration | June 2, 10:00 AM – June 9, 8:00 PM local time |
| New Pokemon Debut | Nacli, Naclstack, Garganacl |
| Main Bonuses | 2× XP for raids, 2× XP for evolutions |
| Shiny Boost | Increased Larvitar and Bagon shiny rates |
| Collection Challenges | Scarlet & Violet collections |
| Paid Content | $1.99 Timed Research available |
The Journey to Paldea event marks the exciting beginning of the new Precious Paths season in Pokemon GO, bringing a taste of the Paldea region from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet to your mobile device. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated trainer, this event offers something for everyone with its rotating spawns, valuable bonuses, and exclusive content.
What is the Journey to Paldea Event in Pokemon GO?
The Journey to Paldea event is a special week-long celebration in Pokemon GO that introduces content inspired by the Paldea region from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. This event not only debuts the Nacli family of Pokemon but also brings back fan favorites with increased shiny chances and special bonuses to help you progress faster in the game.
What makes this event particularly special is its rotating spawn system, where different Pokemon appear on different days, encouraging players to log in throughout the entire event period. Plus, with the double XP bonuses for both raid victories and Pokemon evolutions, it’s the perfect time to level up your trainer and complete those Pokedex entries.
When Does the Journey to Paldea Event Take Place?
The Journey to Paldea event runs for exactly one week, giving you plenty of time to participate in all the activities and collect all the exclusive Pokemon. Here are the exact timing details:
- Start Date and Time: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time
- End Date and Time: Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 8:00 PM local time
It’s important to note that once the event ends, you’ll no longer be able to participate in event-specific activities or earn the exclusive rewards. I recommend marking your calendar and planning your play sessions accordingly to make the most of this limited-time event.
What Are the Event Bonuses in June 2026?
The Journey to Paldea event comes with some fantastic bonuses that can significantly boost your progress in Pokemon GO. As someone who’s been playing since the early days, I can tell you that these are some of the most practical bonuses we’ve seen in recent events. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Primary Event Bonuses
- 2× XP for winning Raid Battles
- This is perfect for players who enjoy raiding regularly
- Combine with a Lucky Egg for maximum XP gains
- Great time to work on your raid medal and earn XP simultaneously
- 2× XP for evolving Pokemon
- Ideal for clearing out your Pokemon storage
- Use those accumulated candies on Pokemon you’ve been meaning to evolve
- Another excellent opportunity to stack with a Lucky Egg
- Increased chance to encounter Shiny Larvitar and Shiny Bagon
- Both of these Pokemon are typically rare shinies
- This is probably your best chance to add them to your shiny collection
- Larvitar appears on even dates (2,4,6,8), Bagon on odd dates (3,5,7,9)
Pro Tips for Maximizing Bonuses
From my experience playing Pokemon GO, here are some strategies to make the most of these bonuses:
- Stack your bonuses: Use a Lucky Egg during both raid battles and evolution sessions to quadruple your XP gains
- Plan your evolution spree: Save up Pokemon that require lots of candy and evolve them all at once during the event
- Raid strategically: Focus on raids that give you Pokemon you actually need for your collection or battle teams
- Shiny hunting: Dedicate specific time slots to hunting for those shiny Larvitar and Bagon, especially during their respective spawn days
Which New Pokemon Are Debuting During the Event?
One of the most exciting aspects of the Journey to Paldea event is the debut of the Nacli family from Generation 9. As a Rock-type enthusiast, I’m particularly thrilled about this addition to the Pokemon GO roster.
Nacli Family Evolution Line
- Nacli (Rock-type)
- The base form, debuting in this event
- Can be found in the wild throughout the entire event
- No shiny version available at launch
- Naclstack (Rock-type)
- First evolution, requires 25 Nacli Candy
- You’ll need to catch multiple Nacli or use Pinap Berries to gather enough candy
- Garganacl (Rock-type)
- Final evolution, requires 100 Nacli Candy (125 total from Nacli)
- A powerful Rock-type that could be valuable in raids and gym battles
How to Maximize Nacli Candy Collection?
Since the Nacli line requires a significant amount of candy (125 total to reach Garganacl), here are my top strategies for collecting candy efficiently:
- Use Pinap Berries: Every time you catch a Nacli, use a Pinap Berry to double the candy reward
- Activate Mega Evolution: Keep a Rock-type Mega Evolution active (like Mega Diancie, Mega Tyranitar, or Mega Aerodactyl) to earn extra candy and candy XL
- Trade with Friends: Trade Nacli with distant friends to earn three additional candies per trade
- Set Nacli as Buddy: Walk with Nacli as your buddy Pokemon to earn candy over distance
- Complete Field Research: Several event research tasks reward Nacli encounters
What Pokemon Are Spawning During the Event?
The Journey to Paldea event features a unique rotating spawn system that keeps the gameplay fresh throughout the week. Different Pokemon appear on different days, so you’ll want to plan your play sessions accordingly. Here’s the complete spawn schedule:
Base Spawns (Available All Days)
These Pokemon will appear throughout the entire event period:
| Pokemon | Type | Can Be Shiny? |
| Nymble | Bug | Yes |
| Pawmi | Electric | Yes |
| Smoliv | Grass/Normal | Yes |
| Nacli | Rock | No (at debut) |
Rotating Spawns by Date
June 2, 4, 6, and 8
| Pokemon | Type | Can Be Shiny? |
| Larvitar | Rock/Ground | Yes (boosted rates) |
| Drifloon | Ghost/Flying | Yes |
| Stunky | Poison/Dark | Yes |
| Skrelp | Poison/Water | Yes |
| Oranguru | Normal/Psychic | Yes |
June 3, 5, 7, and 9
| Pokemon | Type | Can Be Shiny? |
| Misdreavus | Ghost | Yes |
| Bagon | Dragon | Yes (boosted rates) |
| Gulpin | Poison | Yes |
| Clauncher | Water | Yes |
| Passimian | Fighting | Yes |
Important Spawn Notes
- Community Day Conflict: On June 6 and 7, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time, the Community Day featured Pokemon will appear instead of the Journey to Paldea spawns. Plan accordingly if you’re hunting for specific event Pokemon during these times.
- Time Restrictions: Featured Pokemon on June 2 and 9 will start appearing at 10:00 AM local time and end at 8:00 PM local time, respectively.
- Shiny Hunting Focus: If you’re specifically hunting for shiny Larvitar or Bagon, focus on their respective spawn days for the best chances.
What Raid Bosses Are Available During the Event?
Raids are a crucial part of any Pokemon GO event, and the Journey to Paldea event brings some exciting new additions to the raid pool. Here’s what you can expect to find in three-star raids during the event:
Three-Star Raid Bosses
| Raid Boss | Type | Region Availability | CP Range | Can Be Shiny? |
| Paldean Tauros (Combat Breed) | Fighting | Iberian Peninsula | 1546–1621 | No |
| Paldean Tauros (Blaze Breed) | Fighting/Fire | Eastern Hemisphere | 1546–1621 | No |
| Paldean Tauros (Aqua Breed) | Fighting/Water | Western Hemisphere | 1546–1621 | No |
| Bombirdier | Dark/Flying | Global | 1351–1421 | Yes |
| Dondozo | Water | Global | 1633–1712 | Yes |
Regional Paldean Tauros Forms
One of the most interesting aspects of this event is the regional exclusivity of the different Paldean Tauros forms. Here’s what you need to know:
- Combat Breed Tauros: Available only in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar)
- Blaze Breed Tauros: Available in the Eastern Hemisphere (Asia, Australia, New Zealand, etc.)
- Aqua Breed Tauros: Available in the Western Hemisphere (North and South America)
If you’re trying to collect all three forms, you’ll need to either travel to these regions or trade with friends who have access to them. This regional exclusivity adds an exciting collection challenge for dedicated trainers.
Raid Strategy Tips
Based on my raiding experience, here are some tips for tackling these raid bosses:
- Bombirdier: As a Dark/Flying type, it’s weak to Electric, Ice, Rock, and Fairy moves. Bring your strongest Pokemon with these types for an easy victory.
- Dondozo: This Water-type is weak to Electric and Grass moves. Pokemon like Zekros, Thundurus, or Sceptile would be excellent choices.
- Paldean Tauros Forms: All forms are Fighting-type or Fighting dual-types, making them weak to Flying, Psychic, and Fairy moves. Mewtwo, Gardevoir, or Togekiss would be strong counters.
What Field Research Tasks Are Available?
Field Research tasks are a great way to earn additional encounters and rewards during the event. By spinning PokeStops during the Journey to Paldea event, you can receive these event-specific tasks:
Event Field Research Tasks and Rewards
| Task | Reward Pokemon | CP Range | Notes |
| Catch 5 different species of Pokémon | Nacli | 381–414 | Great way to get more Nacli for candy |
| Power up Pokémon 10 times | Nacli | 381–414 | Combine with evolution bonus for efficiency |
| Make 10 Great Throws | Larvitar OR Bagon | 411–445 (Larvitar) 459–495 (Bagon) | Random reward between the two |
Field Research Strategy
Here’s how I recommend approaching these field research tasks:
- Prioritize “Make 10 Great Throws”: This task gives you a chance at either Larvitar or Bagon, both of which have boosted shiny rates during the event
- Stack with evolution bonus: Complete the “Power up Pokémon 10 times” task during the event to benefit from the 2× evolution XP bonus
- Diversity for “Catch 5 different species”: This task encourages you to catch a variety of Pokemon, which is great for filling your Pokedex
What Are the Collection Challenges?
Collection Challenges are a fun way to earn additional rewards during Pokemon GO events. The Journey to Paldea event features two collection challenges inspired by Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Completing these challenges will reward you with valuable items and Pokemon encounters.
Scarlet Collection Challenge
To complete the Scarlet Collection Challenge, you need to catch the following Pokemon:
| Pokemon | How to Obtain | Notes |
| Larvitar | Wild spawns (Dec 2,4,6,8) or Field Research | Boosted shiny rates |
| Drifloon | Wild spawns (Dec 2,4,6,8) | |
| Stunky | Wild spawns (Dec 2,4,6,8) | |
| Skrelp | Wild spawns (Dec 2,4,6,8) | |
| Oranguru | Wild spawns (Dec 2,4,6,8) | |
| Nacli | Wild spawns (all days) or Field Research | Event debut Pokemon |
Rewards for completing Scarlet Collection Challenge:
- Larvitar encounter
- 5,000 XP
- 3,000 Stardust
Violet Collection Challenge
To complete the Violet Collection Challenge, you need to catch the following Pokemon:
| Pokemon | How to Obtain | Notes |
| Bagon | Wild spawns (Dec 3,5,7,9) or Field Research | Boosted shiny rates |
| Misdreavus | Wild spawns (Dec 3,5,7,9) | |
| Gulpin | Wild spawns (Dec 3,5,7,9) | |
| Clauncher | Wild spawns (Dec 3,5,7,9) | |
| Passimian | Wild spawns (Dec 3,5,7,9) | |
| Nacli | Wild spawns (all days) or Field Research | Event debut Pokemon |
Rewards for completing Violet Collection Challenge:
- Bagon encounter
- 5,000 XP
- 3,000 Stardust
Collection Challenge Tips
As someone who’s completed numerous collection challenges, here are my tips for success:
- Plan your days: Since different Pokemon spawn on different days, plan your play sessions around the specific Pokemon you need for each challenge
- Use incense: Incense can help attract the specific Pokemon you’re looking for, especially if you’re having trouble finding them in the wild
- Check Field Research: Remember that some Pokemon can be obtained through field research tasks, giving you another way to complete the challenges
- Don’t wait until the last minute: Complete these challenges early in the event to avoid missing out due to time constraints
What Is the Paid Timed Research?
For players who want to get even more out of the Journey to Paldea event, there’s a paid Timed Research available for $1.99 (or equivalent pricing in your local currency). As someone who occasionally purchases these special research tickets, I can help you decide if it’s worth it for you.
Paid Timed Research Details
Cost: $1.99 USD (or equivalent in your local currency)
Purchase Options: Available for yourself or as a gift to friends (Great Friends level or higher)
Expiration: All tasks must be completed and rewards claimed by June 9, 2026, at 8:00 PM local time
Research Tasks and Rewards
The paid Timed Research consists of multiple steps with the following tasks and rewards:
| Step | Task | Reward |
| 1 | Catch 3 Pokémon | Larvitar encounter |
| 2 | Catch 3 Pokémon | Bagon encounter |
| 3 | Catch 5 Pokémon | Larvitar encounter |
| 4 | Catch 5 Pokémon | Bagon encounter |
| 5 | Catch 10 Pokémon | Larvitar encounter |
| 6 | Catch 10 Pokémon | Bagon encounter |
| 7 | Catch 12 Pokémon | Larvitar encounter |
| 8 | Catch 12 Pokémon | Bagon encounter |
| 9 | Catch 16 Pokémon | Larvitar encounter |
| 10 | Catch 16 Pokémon | Bagon encounter |
| 11 | Catch 18 Pokémon | Larvitar encounter |
| 12 | Catch 18 Pokémon | Bagon encounter |
| 13 | Catch 20 Pokémon | Larvitar encounter |
| 14 | Catch 20 Pokémon | Bagon encounter |
Final Rewards for completing all steps:
- Nacli encounter
- 2 Premium Battle Passes
- 3,000 Stardust
Is the Paid Research Worth It?
In my opinion, whether this paid research is worth it depends on your goals as a player:
Reasons to buy it:
- You want multiple encounters with Larvitar and Bagon for candy or shiny hunting
- You need Premium Battle Passes for raiding
- You’re a completionist who wants all event content
- You enjoy supporting the game developers
Reasons to skip it:
- You already have plenty of Larvitar and Bagon candy
- You don’t raid often and don’t need Premium Battle Passes
- You’re on a tight budget
- You prefer to spend money on other Pokemon GO features
Additional Purchase Option: Journey to Paldea Ultra Ticket Box
There’s also a special bundle available on the Pokemon GO Web Store for $1.99 that includes:
- The event ticket (access to the paid Timed Research)
- 5 Ultra Balls at no additional cost
This is essentially the same as the paid research but with some extra Ultra Balls, making it slightly better value if you’re planning to purchase the research anyway.
How to Redeem Pokemon GO Codes in June 2026?
While the Journey to Paldea event doesn’t feature any special redemption codes, it’s always good to know how to redeem Pokemon GO codes for future events and promotions. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step-by-Step Code Redemption Process
- Open Pokemon GO on your mobile device
- Tap the Poke Ball icon at the bottom center of the screen
- Select the Shop icon in the bottom right corner
- Scroll to the bottom of the shop page
- Enter the code in the “Redeem” field
- Tap Redeem to claim your rewards
Important Notes About Code Redemption
- Codes are case-sensitive, so enter them exactly as provided
- Most codes have expiration dates, so use them promptly
- Some codes are region-locked and may not work in all areas
- You can only use each code once per account
- Codes typically reward items like Poke Balls, Berries, Incense, or sometimes special Pokemon encounters
For the most current Pokemon GO codes, I recommend checking the official Pokemon GO Twitter account and Pokemon GO blog regularly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Event
Based on my experience playing Pokemon GO events, here are some common mistakes players make and how to avoid them:
1. Not Planning Around Rotating Spawns
Many players don’t realize that different Pokemon spawn on different days during this event. If you’re looking for specific Pokemon, make sure to check the spawn schedule and plan your play sessions accordingly.
Solution: Create a personal schedule for the event, noting which days your target Pokemon will be available.
2. Wasting the Double XP Bonus
The 2× XP bonus for raids and evolutions is valuable, but many players use it inefficiently.
Solution: Stack your bonuses by using a Lucky Egg during both raid battles and evolution sessions. Save up Pokemon to evolve and do them all at once during the event.
3. Forgetting About Field Research
Event field research tasks offer additional chances to encounter rare Pokemon, but some players focus only on wild spawns.
Solution: Make a point to spin PokeStops regularly during the event to collect and complete field research tasks.
4. Missing Collection Challenge Deadlines
Collection challenges expire at the end of the event, and some players wait too long to start them.
Solution: Work on collection challenges throughout the event rather than waiting until the last day.
5. Not Utilizing Mega Evolutions
Mega Evolutions provide bonus candy when catching Pokemon of the same type, which is especially useful for the new Nacli family.
Solution: Keep a Rock-type Mega Evolution active while catching Nacli to earn extra candy.
Pro Strategies for Maximizing Event Rewards
If you want to take your event participation to the next level, here are some advanced strategies I’ve developed over years of playing Pokemon GO:
1. The “Evolution Marathon” Strategy
Plan a massive evolution session during the event to take full advantage of the 2× evolution XP bonus:
- Step 1: Save up Pokemon that require lots of candy in the weeks leading up to the event
- Step 2: Stockpile Pinap Berries and use them on catches during the event to maximize candy gains
- Step 3: Activate a Lucky Egg and evolve as many Pokemon as possible during the event period
- Step 4: Combine with the “Power up Pokémon 10 times” field research for additional rewards
2. The “Shiny Hunting” Strategy
Focus on hunting the Pokemon with boosted shiny rates:
- Step 1: Identify which days your target shiny Pokemon (Larvitar or Bagon) will be spawning
- Step 2: Use Incense on those days to increase spawn rates
- Step 3: Play in areas with multiple PokeStops to maximize spawn opportunities
- Step 4: Consider using a Star Piece or Lucky Egg to maximize gains while shiny hunting
3. The “Raid Efficiency” Strategy
Make the most of the 2× raid XP bonus:
- Step 1: Coordinate with local raid groups to maximize raid participation
- Step 2: Focus on raids that give you Pokemon you actually need for your collection
- Step 3: Use a Lucky Egg during raid sessions for quadruple XP
- Step 4: Prioritize three-star raids during this event for the new Paldean Pokemon
4. The “Collection Challenge” Strategy
Complete both collection challenges efficiently:
- Step 1: Review the requirements for both challenges at the start of the event
- Step 2: Create a checklist of which Pokemon you still need for each challenge
- Step 3: Focus on the Pokemon that are only available on specific days first
- Step 4: Use field research tasks as a backup method for hard-to-find Pokemon
Platform-Specific Information
The Journey to Paldea event is available across all platforms where Pokemon GO is supported, but there are some platform-specific considerations to keep in mind:
iOS Devices
- Battery Optimization: Pokemon GO can drain your battery quickly. Consider using a battery case or portable charger during extended play sessions
- Background App Refresh: Make sure this is enabled for Pokemon GO to ensure you receive event notifications and don’t miss time-sensitive features
- Storage Space: Ensure you have enough storage space on your device for potential app updates during the event
Android Devices
- Battery Optimization: Many Android devices have aggressive battery optimization that can interfere with Pokemon GO. Add Pokemon GO to your device’s “unmonitored apps” list
- Location Accuracy: Android devices vary in GPS accuracy. Consider enabling high-accuracy location mode in your device settings for the best experience
- Performance Mode: Some Android devices offer performance modes that can improve Pokemon GO’s performance at the cost of battery life
Cross-Platform Considerations
- Friendship Levels: Friendships and trading work the same across all platforms, so you can coordinate with friends regardless of their device type
- Event Timing: Event times are based on your local time zone, regardless of platform
- Account Progression: Your Pokemon GO account is tied to your Google or Facebook account, not your device, so you can switch platforms without losing progress
FAQ
How long does the Journey to Paldea event last in Pokemon GO?
The Journey to Paldea event runs for exactly one week, from Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time to Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 8:00 PM local time. This gives you seven full days to participate in all the event activities and collect the exclusive Pokemon and rewards.
Which Pokemon debuts in the Journey to Paldea event?
The Journey to Paldea event features the debut of the Nacli family from Generation 9. This includes Nacli (Rock-type), Naclstack (Rock-type), and Garganacl (Rock-type). Nacli can be found in the wild throughout the event, while its evolutions require 25 and 100 Nacli Candy respectively.
Can you get shiny Pokemon during the Journey to Paldea event?
Yes, several Pokemon available during the event can be shiny. Most notably, Larvitar and Bagon have increased shiny rates during the event. Other shiny-eligible Pokemon include Nymble, Pawmi, Smoliv, Drifloon, Stunky, Skrelp, Oranguru, Misdreavus, Gulpin, Clauncher, Passimian, Bombirdier, and Dondozo.
What are the best strategies for earning XP during the event?
The best strategies for earning XP during the Journey to Paldea event include: 1) Using a Lucky Egg during both raid battles and evolution sessions to stack with the 2× XP bonuses, 2) Saving up Pokemon to evolve and doing them all at once during the event, 3) Participating in as many raids as possible, especially three-star raids, and 4) Completing field research tasks that reward XP.
Is the paid Timed Research worth the cost?
Whether the paid Timed Research is worth $1.99 depends on your goals as a player. It’s worth it if you want multiple encounters with Larvitar and Bagon for candy or shiny hunting, need Premium Battle Passes for raiding, or are a completionist. It might not be worth it if you already have plenty of Larvitar and Bagon candy or don’t raid often.
How do the different Paldean Tauros forms work?
The three Paldean Tauros forms are regionally exclusive: Combat Breed is available only in the Iberian Peninsula, Blaze Breed in the Eastern Hemisphere, and Aqua Breed in the Western Hemisphere. To collect all three forms, you’ll need to either travel to these regions or trade with friends who have access to them.
What happens to event Pokemon after the event ends?
After the event ends on June 9 at 8:00 PM local time, the special spawn rates will return to normal, and the event bonuses will no longer be active. However, any Pokemon you’ve caught during the event will remain in your collection, and you can continue to evolve them using the candy you’ve collected.
Can you complete the collection challenges after the event ends?
No, the collection challenges are event-exclusive and must be completed by the end of the event on June 9 at 8:00 PM local time. Any progress on incomplete challenges will be lost when the event ends, so make sure to finish them before the deadline.
Are there any special items or bundles available during the event?
Yes, there’s a Journey to Paldea Ultra Ticket Box available for $1.99 on the Pokemon GO Web Store that includes both the event ticket (access to the paid Timed Research) and 5 Ultra Balls at no additional cost. This provides slightly better value than purchasing the Timed Research alone in the app.
How does the Community Day on June 6-7 affect the event?
During the Community Day hours on June 6 and 7 (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time), the Community Day featured Pokemon will appear instead of the Journey to Paldea spawns. This means you won’t be able to find the event-specific Pokemon during these time slots on those days, so plan your shiny hunting accordingly.
Conclusion
The Pokemon GO Journey to Paldea Event offers an exciting week of content with something for every type of player. From the debut of the Nacli family to the valuable XP bonuses and collection challenges, there are plenty of opportunities to progress in the game and expand your Pokemon collection.
Whether you’re a casual player looking to catch some new Pokemon or a dedicated trainer aiming to complete all the challenges and maximize your rewards, this event provides the perfect opportunity to engage with Pokemon GO. The rotating spawn system keeps things interesting throughout the week, while the double XP bonuses make it an ideal time to level up your trainer and evolve your Pokemon.
Remember to plan your play sessions around the specific Pokemon you want to catch, take advantage of the event bonuses by stacking them with Lucky Eggs, and complete the collection challenges before the event ends. With proper planning and strategy, you can make the most of this Paldea-themed celebration and walk away with a stronger Pokemon collection and a higher trainer level.
For more Pokemon GO guides and gaming content, check out our other articles on Pokemon Legends ZA Global Release Times, Fastest Shiny Hunting in Pokémon Legends Z-A Methods, and Pokemon GO Rare Candy Tier List. Save this page for quick reference during the event, and happy hunting, trainers!
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