5 major Pokemon GO highlights from July 2024

Pokemon GO tends to thrive in the summer, and that was certainly proven to be the case in July. The game celebrated its eighth anniversary, trainers got their chance to catch more than a few rare Pokemon. Even a new and beloved Mega Evolution entered the fray. All things considered, July 2024 has been one of GO's better months of the year.

With all that in mind, and since the month is coming to a close, it doesn't hurt to look back at the best major Pokemon GO highlights from July before Niantic's calendar for August swings into full effect.

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Five of the greatest Pokemon GO highlights in July 2024

1) Pokemon GO Reaches its 8th Anniversary with a Full Event

Eight years of Pokemon GO have come and gone (Image via Niantic)

Beginning on June 28 but lasting until July 3, Pokemon GO celebrated its 8th Anniversary with a celebration event. Plenty of beloved starter Pokemon arrived, some of them donning party hats. The elusive mythical species Meltan (as well as its shiny variant) was more abundantly available as trainers could open their Mystery Boxes more often.

On top of it all, trainers who purchased access to the Whispers in the Woods Special Research Story got another chance to encounter and catch a Shiny Celebi. This was in addition to doubled Incense/Daily Adventure Incense duration bonuses and a doubled Lucky Egg duration bonus.

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2) An Ultra Beast Extravaganza

The Ultra Beasts couldn't stay away from GO Fest 2024: Global (Image via Niantic)

Ahead of Pokemon GO Fest 2024, fans were delighted to enjoy the return of effectively every single Ultra Beast in Niantic's mobile title. Each day from July 8-13, different Ultra Beasts appeared (with full shiny availability) as raid bosses from 6-7 pm local time during the Inbound from Ultra Space mini-event. However, some options were unfortunately locked based on location.

Even so, the Inbound from Ultra Space event was an excellent opportunity to catch these immensely powerful Ultra Beasts and plenty of their shiny variants along the way.

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3) Dusk Mane/Dawn Wings Necrozma's New Adventure Effects

Necrozma's fused forms received new Adventure Effects in Pokemon GO (Image via Niantic)

Dusk Mane and Dawn Wings Necrozma were an exciting portion of Pokemon GO Fest 2024. But things got even more intriguing in July when both of these immensely powerful fused forms received their Adventure Effects. Sunsteel Strike, used by Dusk Mane Necrozma, draws the attention of sunlight-loving Pokemon and allows daytime evolutions even in the dead of night.

Meanwhile, Dawn Wings Necrozma's Moongeist Beam performed the inverse, drawing Pokemon who love the night and allowing nighttime-dependent evolutions to be carried out at any time. Both Adventure Effects also attract the presence of a Rockruff that can evolve into the elusive Dusk Forme Lycanroc, helping out trainers who haven't been able to obtain this particular evolution.

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4) Mega Lucario Unleashes its Power

Mega Lucario made its much-anticipated arrival during GO's Ultra Unlock: Mega Lucario Raid Day (Image via Niantic)

Ever since Lucario arrived in GO in 2018, and the Mega Evolution debuted in 2020, trainers have patiently awaited Mega Lucario to arrive on the scene. Players finally got their wish during July's Ultra Unlock: Mega Lucario Raid Day, a product of the community completing various challenges during GO Fest 2024.

At long last, players could defeat Mega Lucario in Mega Raids and collect its precious Mega Energy. Once they did, Mega Lucario certainly didn't disappoint, as it has quickly become one of the finest attackers available in both the Fighting and Steel-type elemental categories.

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5) Pokemon GO Fest 2024: Global

It's hard not to imagine GO Fest 2024: Global as a highlight this month (Image via Niantic)

Much of the enjoyment and many highlights that arrived in Niantic's mobile title in July 2024 stemmed from Pokemon GO Fest 2024: Global. Complete with multiple habitats, the arrival of Necrozma and Pokemon Fusion to the global audience, and the global appearances of Marshadow for dedicated fans, there was a lot to love.

Through the efforts of the community, GO Fest 2024: Global challenges were completed, paving the way for July's Ultra Unlock events. The arrival of Tandemaus, Mega Lucario, and Shiny Togedemaru, among other benefits, rounded out the already appreciated GO Fest 2024: Global event.