Today is the day, Trainers. Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos – Global is live (February 28 – March 1, 2026) and alongside the shiny debuts, Super Mega Raids, and legendary encounters comes one of the most collectible features of the event — Special Backgrounds. Here’s a complete breakdown of every variant and exactly how to unlock them.
Table of Contents
All 3 Pokémon GO Special Backgrounds — Reference
| Background | Inspired By | Pokémon That Can Have It | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔵 Pokémon X | Pokémon X (3DS) | Pikachu (Calem’s hat), Pikachu (Serena’s hat), Honedge, Xerneas | Choose X Version path in Special Research |
| 🔴 Pokémon Y | Pokémon Y (3DS) | Pikachu (Calem’s hat), Pikachu (Serena’s hat), Honedge, Yveltal | Choose Y Version path in Special Research |
| ⚡ Mega Evolution | Mega Evolution mechanic | Any Pokémon caught in Mega Raids | Win and catch from Mega Raids during the event |
⚠️ Important: Pokémon earned from Field Research tasks do NOT get Special Backgrounds — only raid catches and Special Research rewards qualify.
How to Get Each Special Background — Step by Step
🔵 Pokémon X & 🔴 Pokémon Y Backgrounds
- Launch Pokémon GO on February 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM local time
- Access the branching Special Research titled “An X-ceptional Yarn”
- Choose either X Version (Xerneas path) or Y Version (Yveltal path)
- Complete the Special Research tasks and catch the legendary encounter
- Your Xerneas or Yveltal will automatically carry the version-inspired Special Background
💡 Bonus twist: If you fuse a Zekrom or Reshiram that has a Special Background from Road to Kalos with a Kyurem of the opposite background color, the fused Black or White Kyurem will generate its own unique variant background — a rare collector’s gem.
Mega Evolution Background
This one is simpler — participate in any Mega Raid during the event, defeat the Mega boss, and catch the Pokémon successfully. Every Pokémon caught from Mega Raids has a chance of receiving the Mega Evolution-inspired Special Background automatically on its summary page.
Active Mega Raids include: Mega Charizard X & Y, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Tyranitar, Mega Salamence, and the brand-new Super Mega Raids featuring Mega Victreebel, Mega Dragonite, and Mega Malamar (requires 8 Trainers with Mega-Evolved Pokémon).
Why Special Backgrounds Matter
These aren’t just cosmetic trinkets — they’re permanent souvenirs that appear on a Pokémon’s summary page, timestamped to commemorate exactly when and where you caught them. Think of them as in-game trading cards from a moment in Pokémon GO history.
Pokémon GO has been running annual GO Tour events since 2021, and the Special Background system is one of the most loved features Niantic has added in recent years.
For full GO Tour Kalos raid guides, shiny checklists, and event tips, visit TechnoSports’ Pokémon GO hub and our best mobile games to play in 2026 roundup.
FAQs
Q: Can you get Special Backgrounds from Field Research tasks during GO Tour Kalos?
A: No — Field Research task encounters do not grant Special Backgrounds. Only Pokémon caught from Mega Raids and Special Research legendary encounters can carry them.
Q: Do you need a paid GO Tour Kalos ticket to get the X and Y Special Backgrounds?
A: Yes — the “An X-ceptional Yarn” branching Special Research, which rewards Xerneas or Yveltal with their respective Special Backgrounds, is exclusive to ticket-holding Trainers.
