Dondozo Makes Its Pokémon GO Debut During Sunkissed Shores Event: Full Details and Rewards
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Published on: August 13, 2025
Description
Niantic Continues to Expand Pokémon GO with Sunkissed Shores Event Featuring Dondozo’s Debut
Niantic, the developer behind Pokémon GO, has officially announced the addition of Dondozo, the formidable Water-type Pokémon from the Paldea region, to its globally popular mobile game.
Dondozo will make its first appearance as part of the Sunkissed Shores Event, which runs from August 25 through August 31.
This event brings new wild encounters, exclusive raid opportunities, and a range of rewards that maintain Pokémon GO's exciting momentum on iOS, Android, and through collaborations with Nintendo Switch titles.
Expanded Event Lineup and In-Game Bonuses
Throughout the Sunkissed Shores Event, players will encounter an expanded roster of Pokémon in the wild, including Psyduck, Shellder, Marill, Pom-Pom Style Oricorio, Pa’u Style Oricorio, Shuckle, Wingull, Tepig, Helioptile, Bounsweet, Sandygast, Alolan Exeggutor, and Lechonk.
Niantic has emphasized that the event is designed to spotlight a diverse set of Water- and Beach-related Pokémon, offering trainers fresh opportunities to fill out their Pokédex and collect event-exclusive bonuses.
Alongside wild encounters, special raid battles will be available each day.
Trainers can face Slakoth wearing a visor and Tatsugiri in 1-Star Raids, while Alolan Raichu, Alolan Marowak, and the newly added Dondozo star in 3-Star Raids.
An official statement from Niantic shared that the company aims to "bring even more diversity to raid lineups, rewarding community engagement and cooperative play during themed events."
Special Timed Research and Increased Raid Experience
During the week-long celebration, Pokémon GO players can benefit from double Raid Experience, offering a significant incentive for active participation.
Multiple Timed Research tasks have been prepared for the event:
- Paid Timed Research includes rewards such as 4,000 XP, 3,000 Stardust, a Pinap Berry Bag, and event-special encounters.
- An additional Paid Timed Research will grant 3,000 Stardust, two Premium Battle Passes, and exclusive encounters with Slakoth and Dondozo.
- Free Timed Research is also available, providing up to 10,000 XP, 7,000 Stardust, and further event-related Pokémon catches.
A Growing Legacy for Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO continues to thrive as a pioneering mobile AR game since its original 2016 release, with Niantic consistently updating content through events like Sunkissed Shores.
The introduction of Dondozo adds to the game’s appeal for both veteran trainers and newcomers, reinforcing Niantic’s reputation for supporting the title with engaging community-driven experiences.
As Pokémon GO maintains collaborations with Nintendo Switch releases and continuous eShop support, such events underscore the ongoing strength of the franchise across multiple platforms.
Trainers can prepare for the Sunkissed Shores Event by ensuring their apps are up-to-date and planning their in-game strategies to maximize the wealth of rewards this summer event has to offer.
