Pokémon GO Water Festival 2017: Increased Water-Type Encounters, Event Details, and Official Tips
Entry information
Published on: March 22, 2017
Description
Pokémon GO Water Festival 2017: Highlights, Tips, and Event Information
Pokémon GO, the landmark mobile AR game from Niantic and The Pokémon Company, has launched its Water Festival event worldwide.
Running from March 22 at 1 P.M.
PDT through March 29, 2017, the Water Festival offers players a limited-time chance to increase their collection of water-type Pokémon across the globe.
Available on iOS and Android platforms, Pokémon GO continues its tradition of in-game events, driving fan engagement through unique gameplay incentives and themed bonuses.
Event Details: Water-Type Pokémon Surge
During the duration of the Water Festival, trainers are far more likely to encounter classic water-type Pokémon such as Magikarp, Squirtle, and Totodile, as well as their evolutions.
These popular creatures, well-known from both the Nintendo Switch and traditional Nintendo handheld Pokémon games, are appearing at a significantly higher rate than usual, especially in locations near water bodies like lakes and ponds.
Special Official Tip: Increasing Your Chances for Lapras
In a statement to players, the Pokémon GO development team at Niantic shared a helpful tip: Lapras, a rare and much-coveted water- and ice-type Pokémon, is more likely to appear in areas where water-type Pokémon are commonly found.
The developers recommend that trainers seek out locations with high concentrations of water-type spawns—such as rivers, lakes, or coastal areas—during the event to improve their chances of adding Lapras to their Pokédex.
Johto Region Pokémon Opportunity
Beyond the familiar Kanto region Pokémon, Niantic has also noted that trainers venturing near water during the event might encounter Pokémon originally discovered in the Johto region.
The Johto roster, introduced in "Pokémon Gold and Silver" for Nintendo’s Game Boy Color, includes water-types that are highly sought after for rounding out collections and evolving teams in Pokémon GO.
Global Participation and Official Milestones
The Pokémon GO Water Festival is available globally, reinforcing Niantic’s commitment to creating engaging, location-based experiences for the game’s massive international audience.
Pokémon GO has maintained its place as a leading mobile title, achieving more than 500 million downloads since its 2016 launch.
Key event-driven updates like the Water Festival have played a large role in sustaining player activity on both iOS and Android devices, as well as drawing attention during major events like Nintendo Direct and eShop features.
Event Wrap-Up and Player Guidance
Pokémon GO trainers have until March 29, 2017, to take full advantage of the Water Festival’s boosted water-type encounters and increased opportunities to find rare Pokémon like Lapras.
By exploring areas near natural water sources, players can maximize their event experience and expand their Pokémon collections with coveted Johto region additions.
Stay tuned to official Pokémon GO channels for future event news and updates from Niantic and Nintendo.
