Pokemon Go Halloween 2019 Event: Start Date, New Shiny, Shadow Pokemon, And More

Pokemon Go’s annual Halloween event is returning later this week, and developer Niantic has a lot in store for players this year. The festivities kick off this Thursday, October 17 and include the appearance of costumed Pokemon, the debut of a new Legendary, and some new trainer outfits–plus a chance to catch a new Shiny Pokemon.

Beginning October 17, you’ll be able to encounter Shiny Yamask in the wild. On top of that, Niantic is introducing a handful of new avatar items to the in-game shop, including a Cubone cap, a Mimikyu bag, and most importantly, a Pikachu onesie. Team Rocket will also be expanding its lineup of Shadow Pokemon. You’ll have a chance to rescue Shadow versions of the following Pokemon:

• Weedle
• Kakuna
• Beedrill
• Electabuzz
• Magmar
• Seedot
• Nuzleaf
• Sableye
• Trapinch
• Cacnea
• Shuppet
• Duskull

That’s not all that awaits during this year’s Halloween event. From October 17 to November 1, Ghost- and Dark-type Pokemon such as Gastly, and Murkrow will appear more frequently in the wild and in raids. You’ll also have a chance to find special costume-wearing versions of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle in raids, while Pikachu wearing a Mimikyu costume will appear in the wild. Specially themed Field and Special Research tasks will be available during the event as well.

Niantic is also introducing a new Legendary to the game as part of this year’s Halloween event. Following the departure of Altered Forme Giratina, the Pitch-Black Pokemon Darkrai will appear in five-star Raid Battles around the world. Finally, you’ll earn twice the normal amount of Candy when you catch, transfer, and hatch Pokemon.

This year’s Pokemon Go Halloween event runs until 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET on November 1. You can read more about it on the official Pokemon Go website. Meanwhile, the game’s next Community Day will take place on Saturday, November 16, although no other details have been announced just yet.