Dark Skies kicks off as the run-up event to Pokémon Go’s Go Fest Max Finale 2025, bringing stormier skies, the arrival of Eternatus, and a heavy spread of Max Battles and raids. The event also keeps players busy with wild spawns, bonuses, and a timed research quest you won’t want to miss before the finale.
Dark Skies Timed Research
– The Dark Skies Timed Research runs throughout the event with a deadline of 10:00 local time on Saturday, August 23.
– Quest steps (one-step path):
– Win a Max Battle — Grookey encounter
– Win 2 Max Battles — Scorbunny encounter
– Win 3 Max Battles — Sobble encounter
– Rewards: 8 Zacian Candy and 8 Zamazenta Candy
– Note: Spoilers ahead for those working through the research.
Dark Skies bonuses
– Remote Raid Pass limit increased to 30 until Friday, August 22
– Increased number of active Power Spots
– Power Spots refresh more frequently
– Max Particle collection limit increased
– Release of Go Pass: Max Finale, with a pay-to-play track
– New Special Backgrounds for certain Pokémon, including Gigantamax species caught during Dark Skies and Max Finale
Eternatus debuts in Pokémon Go
– Eternatus, the Poison/Dragon-type Legendary from Gen 8, makes its debut during Dark Skies. It arrives in a distinctive release pattern, with guidance available on how to add Eternatus to your lineup in the game. This marks a major addition ahead of the Max Finale, inviting players to seek out its unique moves and form.
Dark Skies Max Battle schedule
– A broad roster of Dynamax Pokémon will appear in Max Battles across the event, giving players plenty of chances to complete their collections and stage up their battles.
– The lineup includes a wide range of Pokémon spanning generations, from classic starters to legendary birds and beyond. The full Max Battle roster showcased during Dark Skies features many familiar faces, including:
Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur, Caterpie, Omanyte, Machop, Gastly, Kabuto, Chansey, Krabby, Articuno, Raikou, Shuckle, Zapdos, Suicune, Sableye, Moltres, Entei, Beldum, Pidove, Wailmer, Latias, Drilbur, Darumaka, Latios, Cryogonal, Grookey, Trubbish, Rookidee, Skwovet, Sobble, Toxtricity (Amped Form), Wooloo, Hatenna, Toxtricity (Low Key Form), Falinks, and Scorbunny
– This list reflects the diverse mix you’ll encounter during the event as Max Battles rotate on the days of August 18 through August 22.
Dark Skies raid schedule
– Five-star raids: Zacian and Zamazenta are the primary five-star targets during the Dark Skies period, coordinating with the Max Finale.
– Mega raids:
– Monday August 18 to Wednesday August 20: Mega Pidgeot, Galarian Weezing, and Zacian
– Thursday August 21: Crowned Sword Zacian
– Friday August 22, 6pm–7pm local time: Zamazenta, Crowned Shield Zamazenta
– Note: The timings above align with local time and are designed to maximize the window for players who want to chase specific forms and raid bosses.
What this means for players
– Plan ahead: With the increased Remote Raid Pass limit and more frequent Power Spots, it’s a good time to organize raid groups and coordinate participation across days.
– Prioritize Eternatus: Its debut adds a new Legendary to chase during the event, so consider focusing early on preparations for Eternatus encounters.
– Time your Timed Research: If you want the rewards from the Dark Skies Timed Research, aim to complete it by the August 23 deadline.
– Max Finale readiness: The pay-to-play track of Max Finale opens up new backgrounds and features, so players who want those extras should consider the option ahead of time.
Summary
Dark Skies sets the stage for Go Fest Max Finale 2025 with the arrival of Eternatus, a busy schedule of Max Battles and raids, and helpful bonuses that boost raid participation and field activity. Whether you’re chasing new encounters, completing Timed Research, or building a strong Dynamax lineup, this event provides a rich slate of content and a clear path toward the finale.
Positive note
The coordinated schedule and new bonuses create opportunities for players to connect, trade tips, and collaborate on challenging raids, bringing a sense of community and excitement as the Go Fest Max Finale unfolds.