Pokémon GO Content Update (August 2023): Raids, Events & Bonuses

This is a complete overview of all the raids, events, research breakthroughs, and bonuses you can expect to see in Pokémon GO during August 2023.

Pokemon GO August2023
The August content update promises exciting new events in Pokémon GO. | © Niantic

It's another month in Pokémon GO and you know what that means - a new monthly content update. For August, Niantic is continuing with the current season, Hidden Gems, and as you might expect, this means a bunch of exciting new raids, spotlight hours, events, and more this month.

In August, you will get an increased reward for a seven-day Pokémon catch streak (20,000 XP and 10,000 Stardust) and an increased reward for a seven-day PokéStop spin streak (20,000 XP).

That being said, here's everything you need to know about the August 2023 content update in Pokémon GO.

Pokémon GO Five-Star Raids

Cresselia
Cresselia is available in this month's Pokémon GO Five-Star Raids. | © Niantic

Four Five-Star Raids will be available in Pokémon GO this month. They will start and end at 10 am local time on the dates mentioned below.

Here are August's Five-Star Raids:

  • July 25 - August 4: Regidrago
  • August 4 - 16: Cresselia
  • August 16 - 23 & August 27 - September 1: Xerneas (that know Geomancy) and Yveltal (that knows Oblivion Wing)

Pokémon GO Mega Raids

Three Mega Raids will be available in Pokémon GO this month. They will start and end at 10 am local time on the dates mentioned below.

Here are August's Mega-Star Raids:

  • July 25 - August 4: Mega Tyranitar
  • August 4 - 16: Mega Gyarados
  • August 16 - 23 & August 27 - September 1: Mega Salamence

Pokémon GO Raid Hours

Xerneas
You can find Xerneas in this month's Raid Hours. | © Niantic

Six Raid Hours will be held this month in Pokémon GO. As usual, these will be held between 6 - 7 pm local time.

Here are August's Raid Hours:

  • August 2: Regidrago
  • August 9: Cresselia
  • August 16: Xerneas (that knows Geomancy)
  • August 23: Primal Kyogre
  • August 24: Primal Groudon
  • August 30: Yveltal

Pokémon GO Spotlight Hours

Five Spotlight Hours will be held in August. As usual, these will be between 6 - 7 pm local time.

Here are August's Spotlight Hours:

  • August 1: Vulpix (2x XP for evolving Pokémon)
  • August 8: Paras (2x Stardust for catching Pokémon)
  • August 15: Stufful (2x XP for catching Pokémon)
  • August 22: Venonat (2x Candy for catching Pokémon)
  • August 29: Tentacool (2x Candy for transferring Pokémon)

Pokémon GO Events

Pokemon GO Fest2023
Take part in many of the Pokémon GO events happening in August. | © Niantic

There will be a variety of new events that will be held in Pokémon GO during August.

Here's a look at all of this month's events:

  • August 4 - 6: Pokémon GO Fest 2023 Osaka and London
  • August 5 - 8: Glittering Garden
  • August 11 - 15: 2023 Pokémon World Championships
  • August 13: Community Day
  • August 18 - 20: Pokémon GO Fest 2023 New York City
  • August 19 - 22: Noxious Swamp
  • August 26 - 27: Pokémon Go Fest 2023 Global

During the Pokémon GO Fest 2023 events, several Raid Bosses will appear. This will include Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon (between August 26 - 27) as well as Mega Rayquaza (August 27).

Pokémon GO Research Breakthrough Event

Audino
You will need to use Audino in this month's Research Breakthrough. | © Niantic

You'll need to complete Field Research tasks to unlock Research Breakthrough encounters. You will need to use one of the following Pokémon:

  • Audino
  • Beldum
  • Furfrou
  • Goomy
  • Noibat
  • Sableye

For more Pokémon GO news and guides, check out:

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Ivan Shahran

Ivan is the Content Lead for MobileMatters and provides coverage for titles such as Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars, Clash Royale, and Wild Rift. In his role, he has written guides and news pieces and attended competitions such as ESL's Snapdragon Pro Series....