‘Pokemon Go’ analysis: Here’s what to catch for the summer’s Ultra Unlock events

One of the best parts of Pokemon Go Fest celebrations happens after the event wraps up. As is tradition, the community’s effort to collect more than 1.5 billion pocket monsters and complete 23 million raids during event and completing global challenges in the process unlocked benefits that all players can take part in.

This year, the Ultra Unlocks happens in three phases and it’s themed after two parts of the Sinnoh creation trio — Dialga, the Temporal Pokemon, and Palkia, the Spatial Pokemon. The final stretch of the Ultra Unlock is a mystery but it will likely deal with Giratina, which is the third part of the creation trio, or it could be something entirely different.

Now that you know a bit of the lore and themes, here is what’s going on for the summer and what Pokemon you should be targeting for the Ultra Unlock events.

Ultra Unlock Part 1: Time runs from 10 a.m. July 23 to 8 p.m. Aug. 3 though the raids will last a little longer and will continue until 10 a.m. Aug. 6. The theme seems to be focused on fossilized Pokemon or futuristic ones focused on steel and electricity.

When it comes to catching, I would focus most of my efforts on Cranidos and Shieldon, which will both be appearing in the wild, 7km eggs and in raids. They also can be shiny and will be highly coveted. On top of that, Shieldon’s evolution of Bastidon is one of the best picks in Great League PvP while Cranidos’ evolution of Rampardos is one of the best Rock types in the game and will be useful in raids. Both shiny variations are gorgeous with Bastidon having a deep blue tint and Cranidos having red accents.

The rest of the Pokemon available aren’t that bad either. Players can catch Voltorb, Porygon, Omanyte, Kabuto, Baltoy and more. These all can be shiny with the rare finds being Voltorb, Omanyte and Kabuto. Voltorb also has its uses in certain cups and is worth catching.

When it comes to raids, players should go hard at Dialga in the five-star raids. Not only is it one of the best legendaries in “Pokemon Go,” this time around it can be shiny. Its variation is green and reminds me of Dr. Strange’s Time Stone. The three-star raids — Magneton, Aerodactyl, Porygon2, and Golurk — are OK but not worth your time unless you’re looking for shiny versions of the first two.

The real prizes are in the one-star raids, which have Unown U, Cranidos, Shieldon, Bronzor, and Klink. All of these Pokemon can be shiny, but many will be hunting for the shiny Unown because they rarely appear at all outside of events.

Those who hatch 7km eggs will find a decent collection of pocket monsters. They include Omanyte, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Lileep, Anorith, Cranidos, and Shieldon. Out of that roster, players should be hoping that a shiny Cranidos or Shieldon break out of those eggs. I wouldn’t concentrate on hatching eggs but doing one or two a week won’t be that bad.

Lastly, the Timed Research and themed Field Research will be worth keeping an eye out for. I’d look for any tasks that give players a chance at a shiny Cranidos or Shieldon.

Ultra Unlock Part 2: Space runs from 10 a.m. Aug. 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17. Like the Time event, the raids will run a little longer and end at 10 a.m. Aug. 20. The Space theme of the event seems to have brought certain regionals available to all players. This is big for those wanting to complete their Pokedex as some of the creatures will be appearing globally for the first time.

During this event, the raids will be the most important of “Pokemon Go.” Players will have a chance at shiny Palkia, which is appearing in five-star raids. Although it’s not as good as Dialga in Go Battle League, Palkia is better than it was before with the addition of Aqua Tail to its repertoire. The shiny variant is more rose-colored and it does stand out. For collectors and Go Battle League players, this is a definite must-have.

As for the other raids, players should go hard at the three-star raids with a particular focus on Kangaskhan and Heracross. Normally, these Pokemon are found in Australia and the tropics respectively. They both are available shiny and if players are trying to complete their Pokedex or a shiny dex, then getting both will be important. Shiny Kangaskhan looks a little paler than the normal one while players won’t miss Heracross. It’s a hot pink and gorgeous. The other raid boss is Alakazam and that won’t be as popular.

The one-star raid isn’t as exciting but it does have three Pokemon to look out for. Players should focus on Unown U, West Sea and East Sea Shellos. The Unown U is self explanatory. It can be shiny and players will want that for bragging rights. The West Sea and East Shellos will be important depending on your location. These are normally regionals and finding the missing counterpart will go a long way to finish a Pokedex. The other two one-star raids — Elgyem and Espurr — are OK but you can ignore them.

The catchable Pokemon in the wild include Clefairy (shiny available), Munna, Red-Striped and Blue-Striped Basculin, Elgyem, Heatmor (shiny available), Durant (shiny available), and more. Out of that roster, I would be looking for the regional Basculin counterpart that a player won’t have. I would also focus on trying to acquire a shiny Heatmor or shiny Durant depending on whether it’s regional for players. Shiny Clefairy is nothing to sneeze at as well, but players can find them fairly often this season.

The egg situation in the Space event is slightly better than its Time counterpart. West Sea and East Sea Shellos, Red-Striped and Blue-Striped Basculin, Heatmor, and Durant will appear in 7km eggs. If players are having trouble obtaining a regional, this is your best bet to get one. It’s also another chance to get a shiny Heatmor or shiny Durant.

Lastly, the Time Research and themed Field Research will also give players another shot at obtaining hard-to-find regionals. After the event unfolds, it’s best to check local Discords or Facebook groups to find the best tasks to complete for regionals. I would look out for tasks that reward players with encounters for Heatmor, Durant, Heracross or Kangaskhan.

The third phase of the Ultra Unlock is still a mystery but it will run from 10 a.m. Aug. 20 to 8 p.m. Aug. 31. Not much is known, but there’s plenty of speculation out there. Players will find out in due time.