Event bonus terms explained (special backgrounds, Snapshot photobombs and more)
EventsLast checked 2026-10-31
In 3 lines
- Short, plain explanations of the bonus terms that often show up in event announcements.
- A special background is a commemorative background on a caught Pokémon's info screen. A Snapshot photobomb is when a Pokémon jumps into your AR photo.
- Bonuses that boost item effects, like 1/4 Hatch Distance or longer-lasting Incense and Lure Modules, only pay off if you use your items during the event.
Common bonuses
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 2× or 3× catch Stardust | You get more Stardust when you catch Pokémon |
| 2× catch Candy | Twice the Candy when you catch |
| Increased chance of Candy XL | Trainers level 31 and up get Candy XL more often when catching |
| 1/2 or 1/4 Hatch Distance | Eggs in Incubators hatch that much faster |
| Longer-lasting Incense and Lure Modules | Incense and Lure Modules you activate during the event last longer (e.g. 3 hours) |
| 2× Evolution XP | Twice the XP when you evolve |
| Reduced trade Stardust cost · extra Special Trades | Trades cost less, or you can make more Special Trades per day |
| Special background | A commemorative background on a caught Pokémon's info screen |
| Snapshot photobomb | Take AR photos and the featured Pokémon jumps into the picture, so you can encounter it |
| Increased Shiny chance | Better odds of meeting the featured Pokémon's Shiny form |
How not to miss out
- Bonuses that boost item effects (Hatch Distance, Incense duration) only apply if you activate the item during the event. Incense you turned on before the start may not get extended.
- To learn an exclusive move, you need to evolve during the event or within the announced window.
- Special backgrounds often come only with certain research, raid or Max Battle rewards, so check the event post to see where they come from.
Each event page lists these terms under "Bonuses" and "Features" (Events).
Checklist
- Read the event bonuses and pick which items to use
- Activate items during the event
- Check the deadline for evolving to get the exclusive move
Sources
- Site data: bonus wording on the event pages, compiled from LeekDuck event posts (facts only, in our own words)
Upcoming major eventsSee all
Related Pokémon & events
- Pawniard
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Game rules and numbers can change, so each article shows when it was last checked. Articles are rechecked once that date is 6 months old. If you spot a mistake, let us know with 'Report an error' at the bottom of the page.