Pokémon GO introduces new Friendship Day event (UPDATED)

Niantic has announced a new event for Pokémon GO: Friendship Day, an event that’s all about having fun with your friends and enjoying various bonuses while playing Pokémon GO.

In this first Friendship Day event, Grass-type Pokémon will be appearing more often in the wild. There will be a Collection Challenge to receive XP, and an increased chance of receiving Lucky Pokémon when trading with a friend. The event will take place on April 24, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time.

Features

• Various Grass-type Pokémon will be appearing more often in the wild.
• Complete the Friendship Day Collection Challenge before the event concludes to earn 100,000 XP!
• Take part in the Friendship Day Global Challenge! For each hourly challenge you complete, you’ll earn 20,000 XP!
• Green confetti will be appearing on the map in celebration of Grass-type Pokémon!

Bonuses

• You'll have an increased chance of receiving a Lucky Pokémon when you complete a trade with a friend. (Active until 5:00 p.m. local time on the day of the event)
• Trade distance will be increased to 40 km.
• A 3× Catch XP bonus will be active.
• Incense activated during the event will last for three hours.
• Lures activated during the event will last for three hours.

UPDATE (April 21, 2021):
Niantic has announced that the Global Challenge has been removed and completing the Collection Challenge will now reward 175,000 XP instead of 100,000.