Pokemon GO 9th Anniversary Event Hit With Major Bug

Pokemon GO players have reported a major bug that is causing Golden PokeStops to turn back to blue during the game’s 9th anniversary event, interfering with their ability to claim rewards. Pokemon GO developers have responded to the issue, but the problem has negatively affected players’ experiences during the highly anticipated festivities.

Following plenty of excitement from fans, Pokemon GO‘s 9th Anniversary Party kicked off on July 1. Players have been looking forward to the celebration as it features several bonuses and costumed Pokemon debuts. The anniversary also debuted shiny Gimmighoul, the 999th monster in the Pokedex. Moreover, for a limited time, players can enjoy a new, easier way to catch a Gimmighoul holding a 9th anniversary coin. Another bonus lets PokeStops turn gold without using a Golden Lure Module, giving players more chances of collecting Gimmighoul Coins. Unfortunately, players have reported some serious concerns about this benefit, prompting the developers to issue a response.

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As reported by IGN, some Pokemon GO players have pointed out that Golden PokeStops are turning back to blue as soon as they approach them. Reddit user Moss_us exposed the issue on the Pokemon GO fan subreddit TheSilphRoad, and many others quickly shared that they had faced the same problem. According to fans, Golden PokeStops spawn in the wild, but just as players walk up to them, they turn back to normal. As a result, players haven’t spun the PokeStops nor collected Gimmighoul coins. This item is crucial to evolving Gimmighoul in Pokemon GO, and since the Pokemon is starring the ongoing 9th anniversary event, players have expressed their frustration at the disappearing Golden PokeStops. “I found 7 or 8 Golden Stops, and all except one despawned when I reached it. Very disappointing as I went out of my way to go downtown after work to see if I could get some,” wrote one player. “Wasted my whole lunch break thinking it was just me,” commented another.

Pokemon GO Developers Respond to Disappearing Golden PokeStop Bug

Soon after the issue was reported, Pokemon GO developers issued a bug notice on the game’s Help Center website titled “Golden PoeStops turn blue before spinning.” Per the official description, this bug is purely visual, and “does not affect your ability to collect Gimmighoul Coins.” The status of the bug is set as “Investigating.”

While Gimmighoul is normally only available in Pokemon GO by connecting an account to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the 9th anniversary event introduced an easier method to catch the critter. During the event, Pokemon GO players can complete anniversary Field Research tasks to encounter a Gimmighoul holding a 9th anniversary coin. They can also obtain the limited Pokemon through the latest Timed Research, and the monster has a chance of carrying a special background. It is worth noting that this costumed form of Gimmighoul cannot currently evolve in-game.

July is a big month for Pokemon GO. Aside from its 9th anniversary celebration, the game has also scheduled two Community Day events for Quaxly and Eevee. Pokemon GO is also debuting Hisuian Zorua on July 8 with its Ultra Unlock: Hisui Celebration event.