The Pokémon GO Tour Pass: A Free and Paid Option Explained
With Niantic's frequent introduction of in-game tickets and passes, cost is often the first question on players' minds. The new Pokémon GO Tour Pass, however, offers a surprising twist: a free option! But what exactly does it entail?
Understanding the Pokémon GO Tour Pass
Debuting with the Pokémon GO Tour: Unova global event, the Tour Pass introduces a points-based system. Players earn Tour Points by completing various in-game tasks, unlocking rewards, increasing rank, and enhancing event bonuses.
The free Tour Pass is automatically granted upon the event's commencement (February 24th, 10 AM local time). A paid version, the Tour Pass Deluxe ($14.99 USD or equivalent), offers an immediate Victini encounter, improved rewards, and accelerated progression.
Earning and Utilizing Tour Points
Tour Points are accumulated through familiar in-game activities: catching Pokémon, participating in raids, and hatching eggs. Dedicated Pass Tasks, refreshed daily throughout the Tour, provide additional points.
These points unlock rewards, boost player rank within the Tour Pass tiers, and increase Catch XP bonuses during the Pokémon GO Tour: Unova. The Catch XP bonus tiers are:
- 1.5x Catch XP (Tier 2)
- 2x Catch XP (Tier 3)
- 3x Catch XP (Tier 4)
While Niantic remains tight-lipped on all rewards, the free Tour Pass culminates in a Zorua encounter with a unique background. The Tour Pass Deluxe offers a different top-tier reward: the Lucky Trinket.
Decoding the Lucky Trinket
Exclusive to the Tour Pass Deluxe, the Lucky Trinket is a single-use item transforming a friend (at least Great Friends status) into a Lucky Friend, enabling Lucky Pokémon trades without requiring Best Friends status. Note that Lucky Trinkets obtained during Pokémon GO Tour: Unova expire on March 9, 2025.
Pokémon GO is available now.
