Pokémon GO is rolling out its next Ultra Unlock event, and this time the focus shifts toward two heavily favored types: Dragon and Steel. Themed “Steel and Scales,” the event mixes type-based spawns with specific raid features and the debut of a long-missing Ghost/Steel-type from the Kalos region.
The timing fits squarely into the broader Summer schedule of rotating bonuses and staggered reveals. But what makes this one stand out is how it quietly retools the balance between exploration and raid engagement.
Honedge finally arrives in the wild
Honedge, the sentient sword Pokémon from Kalos, is finally being added to Pokémon GO. It’s been notably absent despite many of its regional counterparts already cycling through events and hatches.
Its typing Ghost and Steel gives it a niche in PvP formats where resistances matter. Whether or not it becomes a meta staple depends on how its evolutions are rolled out, especially Doublade and Aegislash. For now, it adds some welcome depth to the roster, and it’s available directly in the wild, not just locked behind raids or eggs.That makes its inclusion one of the more player-accessible debuts in recent memory.
Spawns and raids emphasize Dragon and Steel types
Themed spawns during the event tilt heavily toward type synergy, with Pokémon like Beldum, Dratini, and Axew popping up more often. Each of these has potential evolutions that matter in GO Battle League or PvE raiding, which gives this event more long-term value than some filler spawns from earlier this year.
On the raid side, players will see Steelix, Flygon, and Haxorus rotating through different tiers. The key here is that none of the raid bosses feel like fluff. Even if you’re not chasing them for Pokédex completion, their evolutions and typings make them relevant picks for raid counters or PvP strategy. There’s also a limited-time research track that offers type-themed encounters and some useful items, though nothing radically new in format.
Type-specific bonuses tie into the ecosystem
The in-game bonuses are focused on Candy XL and evolution-related perks, especially for Steel and Dragon Pokémon. For players looking to evolve rare species or push them past level 40, this window could offer a more efficient grind.
There’s also a thematic consistency here that aligns with GO’s usual Ultra Unlock logic: take what worked in a prior season, add a new spin, and bring in a debut to anchor the whole thing. Honedge serves that role this time, but the bonus ecosystem gives the event a solid layer of mechanical value. This isn’t a headline-making rollout, but it’s a functionally smart one for mid- and high-tier players looking to round out specific type collections.
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