May 2024 Update Introduces Blacephalon and Stakataka to Pokemon GO

The Sun and Moon games brought Ultra Beasts into the Pokemon series, unique extradimensional creatures that inhabit the Ultra Space. Now, in the May 2024 update, Pokemon GO is releasing the previously unavailable Ultra Beasts Blacephalon and Stakataka to the game. However, there’s a catch – they are region-locked.

Region Exclusive Raid Dates for May 2024

From May 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM to June 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM, players in the Western Hemisphere can participate in Blacephalon 5-Star raids, while those in the Eastern Hemisphere can join Stakataka 5-Star raids during the same period. Additionally, on May 29, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time, raid hours for these Ultra Beasts will be available.

Which Ultra Beast Will You Get?

If you reside in the Western Hemisphere, you may encounter Blacephalon in the following areas:

• Americas (excluding some of the Aleutian Islands)
• The westernmost portion of Europe
• The westernmost portion of Africa

Stakataka, on the other hand, is designated for the Eastern Hemisphere, covering more than 82% of the global population. Countries where Stakataka should appear include:

• Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Belgium
• Asia
  • India
  • Japan
  • South & North Korea
  • Hong Kong
  • Singapore
  • China
• Africa
  • Egypt
  • Nigeria
  • Sudan
  • Kenya
  • Congo

Given that Blacephalon is rarer than Stakataka due to regional restrictions, players may still be disappointed with Pokemon GO’s reluctance to allow them to revert to old Avatars. Many comments on the original post express dissatisfaction with Niantic’s lack of plans to reintroduce old Avatars.