Niantic has revealed details of Pokémon GO's 18th season, titled Power and Prowess, which runs from March 4 to June 3, 2025. The highlight is the debut of Kubfu, along with its evolutions Urshifu Thirst Strike and Urshifu Flow. In addition, the update brings new Legendary Pokémon, special events, and important changes to Android device support.
Kubfu and the challenges of the new season
Players will have access to the Power and Prowess Special Research, which will be available for free between March 5th and June 3rd. Completing it will allow them to encounter Dynamax Kubfu and other special Pokémon. The paid version of the research, available from March 5th to 10th, guarantees an extra encounter with Kubfu, making it possible to collect its two evolved forms.
In addition to the new Wushu Pokémon, the season brings Dynamax Raikou, Entei, and Suicune, which will be available in Max Battles throughout the season. Furthermore, Gigantamax Machamp makes its debut in the game, and players will be able to challenge it in Gigantamax Battles. Continuing with additions from the Galar region, players will also be able to capture Nickit and Thievul.
One of the most anticipated discoveries is the chance to encounter Shiny Charcadet for the first time. In addition, this extraordinary discovery will bring encounters with Alolan Marowak, Mawile, Druddigon, Jangmo-o, and Frigibax. During this period, various Pokémon will also be available in the wild and in eggs.
New features in the game mechanics
Two new features are arriving to enhance the player experience. Now, it will be possible to share favorite routes using a six-character code, allowing friends and the community to explore the best routes together.
Another improvement is the scheduling of Raids and Gigantamax Battles, allowing players to confirm their participation and receive notifications moments before the event, making it easier to organize and face collective challenges.
The Carnival Friends event arrives in Pokémon GO
For the first time, Carnival will be celebrated in Pokémon GO, with a special event valid throughout Latin America. The Carnival Buddies event will take place from March 3rd to 7th, bringing exclusive bonuses for players. During this period, Incense will last for two hours (except for Daily Adventure Incense) and there will be double experience and Stardust when catching Pokémon and opening gifts.
The Incense event will attract themed Pokémon, including Bellsprout, Goldeen, Lotad, Carvanha, Snivy, Scorbunny, Quaxly, and even Hitmontop, one of the franchise's most iconic fighters. Additionally, the event's Special Field Research will offer an encounter with Maractus, with chances to catch its shiny version.
Finally, the Carnival Buddies Collection Challenge will grant experience, Stardust, and an encounter with a Shiny Alolan Marowak. The Timed Research will also bring special bonuses and encounters with Jangmo-o, Scorbunny, and Quaxly.
Pokémon GO will stop working on 32-bit Android devices
Starting in March 2025, Pokémon GO will no longer work on 32-bit Android devices that downloaded the game from the Samsung Galaxy Store. In June 2025, the change will extend to devices that installed the game via the Google Play Store.
To continue playing, users will need a 64-bit Android device or an iOS device. Among the models that will lose support are the Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, J3, Sony Xperia Z2 and Z3, Motorola Moto G (1st generation), and HTC One (M8), as well as other devices released before 2015.
More information about the new season can be found on the official Pokémon GO blog and the game's social media channels. Pokémon GO is available for free download on Google Play and the App Store.