Pokémon GO has been celebrating its first anniversary with in-app promotions and a special in-person event, and today Niantic confirmed that Legendary Pokémon will soon be unlocked in the game. The first Legendary Pokémon will be unlocked on Saturday at the first-ever Pokémon GO Fest in Chicago, then globally the next day.
Niantic is using the recently introduced raid battles feature at the updated gyms in the game to unlock the Legendary Pokémon:
Niantic says players will be able to find Legendary Pokémon in the game by looking for unique Legendary Eggs at Gyms. Defeating a Legendary Raid Boss during a Raid Battle at one of these gyms will then give players the chance to catch a Legendary Pokémon which Niantic says can’t be left to defend Gyms, only battles.
Pokémon GO Fest this weekend in Chicago marks Niantic’s first official event around the game since it launched last summer. The ticketed event was first announced last month and has since sold out. Attendees are expected to unlock special in-game perks like an exclusive medal and higher Pokémon appearances, but Legendary Pokémon appearing a day early is the major benefit.
Following Pokémon GO Fest this weekend, Niantic is planning more events for the game around the world:
Pokémon GO is available for free on the App Store.
