Unveiling Pokémon GO's Free Progression Feature: Introducing the Tour Pass

The new Pokémon GO Tour Pass: A closer look at the free and paid options.

With Niantic's frequent introduction of in-game tickets and passes, the cost is often the first question on players' minds. The 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, boosting their rank, and enhancing event bonuses.

The free Tour Pass is automatically awarded upon the event's commencement (February 24th, 10 AM local time). A paid "Tour Pass Deluxe" option is also available for $14.99 USD (or local equivalent), offering an immediate Victini encounter, superior rewards, and accelerated progression.

Earning and Utilizing Tour Points

Tour Points are accumulated via familiar in-game activities: catching Pokémon, participating in raids, and hatching eggs. Daily Pass Tasks provide additional point-earning opportunities.

These points unlock rewards, increase player rank within the Tour Pass tier system, and boost Catch XP bonuses during the Pokémon GO Tour: Unova event. The Catch XP bonuses are:

• 1.5x Catch XP at Tier 2
• 2x Catch XP at Tier 3
• 3x Catch XP at 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 level) into a Lucky Friend, enabling a Lucky Pokémon trade without requiring Best Friend status. Note that Lucky Trinkets obtained during GO Tour: Unova expire on March 9, 2025.

Pokémon GO is currently available for play.