Pokémon Go 'Will Move Away From Paid Tickets' Following Years of Premium Extras — to a Greater Focus on Paid Event Passes

IGN

by Tom Phillips

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Niantic has unveiled significant updates to Pokémon Go, shifting away from its reliance on paid event tickets and introducing a new focus on GO Passes for premium events. The move aims to streamline in-game events by reducing the frequency of paid tickets, which had become a regular feature across almost all events. Instead, players can expect more structured pacing with events centered around Saturdays for weekend activities, including Community Days. Additionally, Niantic is enhancing its weekly schedule with new bonuses like Fast-Track Monday for GO Pass points and dedicated Tuesdays for Showcases. These changes are part of a broader effort to create a more balanced and predictable event calendar. One of the most notable updates is the introduction of Shiny versions of evolved Pokémon, such as Ivysaur, Wartortle, and Charmeleon, which were previously unavailable in their evolved forms. This aligns Pokémon Go with the main series games, where evolved species have always been eligible to be Shiny. This change not only satisfies a long-standing fan request but also increases the variety of Shiny Pokémon available in both regular and Team Rocket battles. GO Passes, which provide access to highly sought-after items like Golden Bottle Caps and Lucky Trinkets, will replace the smaller, more frequent paid tickets, offering players more value for their money. The new updates also includeGO Battle Thursdays, where players can earn 4x Stardust from individual battles and double battle sets, as well as Friendship Fridays that allow for two Special Trades with boosted chances of Lucky Trades. These changes are designed to create a more engaging and rewarding experience for players while reducing the overwhelming frequency of paid tickets. The shift toward GO Passes and structured events reflects Niantic’s goal of balancing monetization with player satisfaction. For gaming enthusiasts, these updates matter because they address long-standing community feedback and enhance the game’s depth and replayability. By making evolved Pokémon Shiny-eligible and introducing more strategic event planning, Niantic is fostering a more inclusive and enjoyable environment for all players. The changes not only attract casual gamers but also retain hardcore fans by offering fresh content and rewards that align with their expectations.

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Originally published on IGN on 2/24/2026