Ultra Unlock 2026 Pokémon Priorities in Pokémon GO

To excel during the Ultra Unlock 2026 event in Pokémon GO, prioritize capturing Pokémon with strong meta relevance, exploit XP bonuses with lucky eggs, and leverage the Go Pass for enhanced rewards and features.

Event Overview

The Ultra Unlock 2026 event runs from July 21st at 10:00 a.m. to July 27th at 8:00 p.m. local time. Highlights include shiny Shaymin availability, free Rayquaza encounters, and varying XP bonuses depending on event periods. Starter Pokémon from different regions will rotate across the three event phases, while special lure module spawns provide targeted opportunities for meta-relevant Pokémon. The event also celebrates Professor Willow's birthday with dedicated Pikachu encounters, timed research, and Poké Coin rewards.

Key bonuses include XP multipliers ranging from 6X to 10X depending on the day. The Go Pass and Deluxe Pass offer additional rewards, such as candy multipliers and event encounters. Players can utilize targeted raid strategies and focus on meta-relevant Pokémon to progress medals and collection goals while farming XP or rare encounters.

Prioritizing Pokémon Captures

To optimize captures, focus on starter Pokémon from specific regions as they rotate through the event timeline. For the first two days, prioritize Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn starters such as Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, which evolve into powerful mega forms. Over the next two days, shift to Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos starters, including Empoleon and Greninja, which are valuable for raid and competitive battling in future updates. Finally, during the last two days, capture Alola, Galar, and Paldea starters such as Sobble and Rillaboom, whose evolutions serve as excellent budget attackers for raids or competitive battles.

Highly relevant Pokémon such as Beldum, Gible, and Dreepy will spawn during the event using regular lure modules. These Pokémon evolve into strong meta options for raids or combat leagues, making them central targets for farming throughout the event.

Bulbasaur appears highlighted in the context of Kanto region encounters. — pogotrnr

Maximizing XP Bonuses

Take advantage of the XP multipliers active during the event, which vary across specific periods. During the last two days, prioritize gameplay to benefit from the 10X catch XP multiplier, doubling it with lucky eggs for maximum XP gains. Catch Pokémon with excellent throws where possible, as this significantly boosts XP earned.

Tips to optimize your XP farming:

• Active XP Windows: 6X catch XP from July 21st-23rd, 8X from July 23rd-25th, and 10X catch XP from July 25th-27th.
• Use Lucky Eggs: Activate them during peak XP bonus hours to maximize rewards.
• Accuracy Bonus: Employ adventure effects from Pokémon like Kyurem to improve throw accuracy.

Leveraging the Go Pass and Deluxe Pass

The Go Pass provides valuable free items such as golden lure modules and candy multipliers at rank thresholds. Upgrading to the Deluxe Pass for $5 adds bonuses like additional event encounters, candy multipliers, and another golden lure module. While the rank 10 candy multiplier increases from 2X to 3X in the Deluxe Pass, players should confirm rewards in-game before upgrading.

Consider your playstyle and focus; the free version may be sufficient for moderate progression, while the Deluxe Pass is better for maximizing gains during this feature-packed event.

The rewards comparison between Go Pass Basic and Deluxe ranks is displayed. — pogotrnr

Raids and Research Priorities

Attend specific raids for Pokémon with high meta relevance during this event. Priority includes Solgaleo, shiny eligible for the first time and ranked highly in the Master League, alongside Shadow Palkia and Mega Gengar. Avoid Mega Salamence unless it's a budget option to access similar attacks compared to Mega Rayquaza.

Timed and field research opportunities feature items, encounters, and Professor Willow's Pikachu, which can also be shiny. Leverage these updates to balance your gameplay between raids, research rewards, and medal progression.

Endgame Goals and Medals

Use the event to target platinum medals such as Gardener, Kindler, and Swimmer. Employ mega evolved Pokémon or trade bonuses on Fridays for candy XL progress. Efficient raid setup can simultaneously advance multiple medals, boosting your account progression. Field research during Professor Willow’s birthday provides avenues for Pokémon ranger medal completion.

Visual of Gardener, Kindler, and Swimmer medals featuring Pokémon type-specific goals. — pogotrnr

Sources

Screenshots on this page are frames from the videos below, used to illustrate the steps they describe. All rights remain with their creators.

• FREE Rayquaza & 10X XP - Don't Miss This! — pogotrnr, July 16, 2026