Pokémon GO players will soon be able to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a new in-game event kicking off on , and running through . The event, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse, introduces increased chances of encountering certain Pokémon, bonuses for player interactions, and both free and paid research opportunities.
Event Bonuses and Pokémon Encounters
The Lunar New Year event focuses on boosting player engagement through several key bonuses. Trades have an increased chance of yielding Lucky Pokémon, a desirable outcome for players seeking powerful and fully IV (Individual Values) optimized creatures. Similarly, the event increases the likelihood of becoming Lucky Friends with other players, accelerating the friendship level which unlocks additional benefits. Visually, PokéStops will have a chance to transform into gold without requiring a Golden Lure Module, adding a festive aesthetic to the game world.
Perhaps the most anticipated aspect of the event is the increased spawn rates of specific Pokémon. Players will have a greater chance of encountering Ponyta, Galarian Ponyta, Fuecoco, Blitzle, and Darumaka in the wild. Notably, there’s also an increased chance to find Shiny versions of Blitzle, Darumaka, and Gimmighoul, appealing to collectors who seek rare and visually distinct Pokémon. The appearance of these Pokémon is central to the event’s appeal, offering players opportunities to expand their collections and potentially acquire powerful team members.
Research Tasks and Timed Research
The event incorporates several layers of research tasks to keep players engaged. Field Research tasks will be available, offering encounters with event-themed Pokémon as rewards. Specifically, completing a task requiring the capture of 12 Pokémon will reward players with a Darumaka encounter. Sending 6 gifts to friends will yield 600 Stardust, and exploring 2km will reward players with a Blitzle encounter. These tasks provide structured goals for players and encourage exploration and social interaction within the game.
Beyond the standard Field Research, a paid Timed Research option is available for US$1.99 (or the equivalent in local currency). This premium research track offers exclusive rewards, including 200 PokéCoins, two Lucky Eggs, one Incense, and encounters with Blitzle and Darumaka. The Timed Research is designed to provide a more focused and rewarding experience for players willing to invest a small amount of money. Importantly, the tasks associated with this Timed Research must be completed before , at 8:00 PM local time, adding a time pressure element.
The ability to purchase and gift these Timed Research tickets to Great Friends or higher adds a social dimension to the premium content. However, purchases are non-refundable, except where applicable by law, and cannot be made using PokéCoins.
Collection Challenge and Ultra Ticket Box
Adding another layer of engagement, the Lunar New Year event includes a Collection Challenge. By completing a catch-focused challenge, players can earn Stardust and an encounter with an event-themed Pokémon. This encourages players to actively seek out and capture the featured Pokémon during the event period.
For players looking for additional value, the Pokémon GO Web Store offers a Lunar New Year Ultra Ticket Box for US$1.99. This box includes both an event ticket and five Ultra Balls, providing a small bonus for those who choose to purchase it. This offers a convenient way to access event content and receive a small boost to catching efficiency.
The Lunar New Year event in Pokémon GO appears designed to offer a multifaceted experience, combining increased Pokémon encounters, social bonuses, and structured research tasks. The inclusion of both free and paid content caters to a broad range of players, while the time-limited nature of the event encourages active participation throughout its duration. The event’s focus on Lucky Pokémon and Shiny encounters will likely be particularly appealing to dedicated players seeking to optimize their teams and collections.
