Niantic Labs launched a massive update to Pokémon GO that revamped Gyms and added multiplayer raids to the popular mobile game, but there were no signs of the highly anticipated legendary Pokémon.
However, a look at the mobile game's code revealed that the legendary Pokémon could finally soon be coming to Pokémon GO through one of its new features.
Legendary Pokémon Found In 'Pokémon GO' Code
Data mining carried out by The Silph Road group on the latest Pokémon GO update revealed many details regarding the new Gyms and Raid Battles. However, the group also discovered code on legendary Pokémon.
The group revealed that there were references to Legendary Battles, a new item named Legendary Raid Ticket, and a badge for Legendary Battles Won. This points to the fact that the legendary Pokémon will be connected to the game's new Raid Battles feature.
In Raid Battles, up to 20 players can join forces to beat powerful and rare Pokémon bosses that will randomly appear in Gyms. An egg icon will appear in a Gym alongside a countdown, and once the timer drops to zero, players will be able to battle the Pokémon boss for a limited time. Players will need to use a Raid Pass, one of which will be given for free daily, to participate in a Raid Battle. If the group battling the Pokémon boss wins in less than five minutes, they will get the chance to capture a powerful Pokémon, along with other items as rewards.
For Legendary Battles, The Silph Road believes that players will encounter the legendary Pokémon in situations similar to Raid Battles. Legendary Battles could be tied to events or could appear under special circumstances, and will require players to have a Legendary Raid ticket to join. Similar to powerful Pokémon that can be captured after winning a Raid Battle, players will likely be able to capture the legendary Pokémon if they beat them in these Legendary Battles.
The Silph Group also found a deployment error code for legendary Pokémon, which could mean that players will not be allowed to deploy them to defend Gyms. This is an understandable restriction to prevent imbalances in the game.
When Will Legendary Pokémon Arrive In 'Pokémon GO'?
The fact that the code is already present in the game means that the legendary Pokémon are arriving soon in the game. Most likely, they will be coming to Pokémon GO over the summer.
Pokémon GO product marketing lead Archit Bhargava promised at the 21st Webby Awards that the game will have a "legendary" summer, possibly alluding to the highly anticipated arrival of legendary Pokémon to Pokémon GO. With the code now found in the game, it seems that Bhargava's promise is on its way of being fulfilled.
As part of the game's first anniversary, Niantic Labs is planning a series of real-world events named Pokémon GO Fest. One such event will be held at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois on July 22. Will the event offer the first chance for players to participate in Legendary Battles and capture legendary Pokémon? We will have to wait and see.
