Tuesday: Pokémon Masters EX - Arceus Event + Pokémon GO - Lunar New Year
17-02-2026 06:00 GMT / 01:00 EST by Serebii.
This update will be amended throughout the day so be sure to check back. If you have any ideas for the site, be sure to send them in.
Last Update: 21:14 GMT
Edit @ 18:45: Episode Title | Edit @ 21:14: Pokémon GO Battle Changes
In The Games Department
Pokémon Masters EX - Story Event
The latest Pokémon Masters EX event has begun. This includes Chapter 8 of the Arceus Arc story. Alongside this, several events have also begun
The Arceus Arc Celebration Special Battle Event has begun. This event features just battles to earn points that are exchanged for items to help power up the Arc Suit Sync Pairs. It runs until February 28th 2026
To tie in with that, a new Arc Fair Scout is available to get the Sync Pair of Misty (Arc Suit) & Starmie
We have added full details to our Arceus Arc Celebration event section
In The Games Department
Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO has announced that due to how the Pokémon GO battle system has worked, some inconsistencies were detected which could result in unintended results rather than consistency. As such, they have confirmed that they have rebuilt the core system so it is more likely to reflect the player skill. Changes are to come this month and are based on feedback from the community in the official Championships as well as grassroot tournaments
Damage Resolves at the End of the Turn - Now, damage will resolve at the end of each turn with energy rewarded at the same time, whereas before it could activate before based on network conditions
Swaps Resolve Before Damage - Now, swaps will always resolve before damage is inflicted, after damage inflicted could happen based on the timing
Clear and Consistent Swap Costs - Swap timing has been standardized where quick swaps cost one turn, forced do not cost a turn and swaps at the end of a charged attack do not cost a turn
Charged Attacks Start on the Next Turn - Charged Attacks will begin at the start of the next turn and always resolve before Fast attacks that finish during the sequence. Effects will also occur before the Fast Attack damage is calculated
Earlier Swap UI During Charged Attacks - This will make it easier to swap when a Charged Attack finishes and less likely for inputs to be missed
HP Bar Animation Updates - The HP bar will be updated to better communicate when damage is pending as opposed to finalised.
In The Anime Department
Pokémon Rising Again
A new episode title has been released for a coming episode of Pokémon Rising Again in Japan. This episode is due to air on February 27th 2026.
Episode 129: The Time Has Come for the Showdown with the Black Rayquaza!
In The Games Department
Pokémon Masters EX
Pokémon Masters EX has announced a new game mode is coming soon, the Pasio Gym Battle. This mode has players in a Gym work together to take on 8 Gym Leaders. The opponent's HP carries over to the next time a Gym Member challenges them. Gym Members can cheer you on and your moves get boosted by 50%. It then offers rewards based on combined Score to get Lucky Cookies, Scout Tickets and Certificates of Excellence. Group rankings offer titles, Gym Battle Vouchers and Superawakening Candy. It will begin on February 20th 2026
In The Games Department
Pokémon GO
The next Pokémon GO event is rolling out globally. This event is the Lunar New Year 2026 event which runs from 10:00 local time through 20:00 local time on February 22nd. This event has a few bonuses including Shiny Gimmighoul alongside a Collection Challenge and paid Timed Research
We have full details in our Lunar New Year 2026 event section
In The Games Department
Pokémon Masters EX - Special Sync Pair Event
The "Clavell & Sprigatito" Special Sync Pair Event has begun a run in Pokémon Masters EX. This event is a new Sync Pair Event and is focused around getting you vouchers to exchange for items to power up the Sync Pair of Clavell (Alt.) & Sprigatito, adding it into the game.
We have all details in our Clavell & Sprigatito event section
