Video games news, releases, esports and culture — all the biggest gaming stories in one place.
Pokémon Go ‘Summer Marathon Arctic Embers’ event guide
Pokémon Go has launched "Summer Marathon: Arctic Embers," an event running from 4 to 10 August that introduces a mix of fire- and ice-type Pokémon and debuts the shiny version of Snom for the first time. Players can obtain shiny Snom either by reaching certain ranks on the event's Go Pass or by hatching it from 5km eggs, giving both free-to-play and paying players a route to the new shiny.
The event features a Go Pass with 30 standard ranks plus 30 bonus ranks, progressed via raids, egg hatches, catches and two daily tasks ("Spin 10 PokéStops or gyms" and "Explore 2km"), with Snom encounters awarded at ranks 30 and 60; a £4.99-equivalent deluxe upgrade adds Incubators and boosted XP or hatch-distance perks. A free Timed Research line rewards a special Pikachu encounter for exploring up to 42km before the event ends on 10 August, while Field Research tasks offer Pokémon such as Ponyta, Slugma, Snover and Vanillite. Boosted wild spawns include Vulpix, Growlithe, Swinub and Snorunt, with some species and their shinies only appearing on specific days, and 5km eggs may hatch Sneasel, Darumaka, Larvesta, Sizzlipede and Snom.
In short
- Pokémon Go's "Arctic Embers" event runs 4-10 August 2026
- Shiny Snom debuts via Go Pass rewards or 5km egg hatches
- Event boosts fire/ice-type spawns, egg hatches and Field Research tasks
Explained simply
Pokémon Go is a mobile game in which players find Pokémon in the real world using their phones. Pokémon have different types, including fire and ice, which shape the creatures and abilities players encounter. The game also lets players collect alternate-colour “shiny” versions of some Pokémon; these are rare variants.
Events in Pokémon Go temporarily change which Pokémon appear and offer tasks and rewards. Players can progress through a Go Pass by catching Pokémon, visiting locations, hatching eggs and taking part in raids. Some rewards are available to everyone, while paid upgrades can add items or bonuses.