As always, the rumors were true. Niantic has now confirmed that Pokémon GO is indeed having a Halloween event beginning Oct. 20 until Nov. 2. With the event comes what everyone has been waiting for: brand-new Gen 3 Pokémon — spooky ones, at that.
Pokémon GO Halloween Event: Gen 3 Pokémon
Niantic says a handful of ghost-type Pokémon "originally discovered in the Hoenn region" will arrive in time for the event, including Sableye, Banette, and others." In addition, there will be an increased number of spawns for spooky Pokémon such as Gastly, Cubone, Misdreavus, Houndour, and more.
Pokémon GO Halloween Event: Special Pikachu
Also, be on the lookout for a special Pikachu that's wearing a Halloween-themed hat, which is just too cute for words.
Pokémon GO Halloween Event: Bonus And Extras
Special bonuses will also activate during the event, including double Candy rewards for catching, hatching, or transferring Pokémon. Niantic also says that players will be able to collect special boxes containing items such as Raid Passes and Super Incubators from the in-game shop. Finally, there's a special Mimikyu Disguise hat as an accessory for the avatar as well.
The addition of Gen 3 Pokémon isn't such huge news, of course, since their arrival was first hinted back in August thanks to the clever and complex work of dataminers. Gen 3 Pokémon first debuted in the Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire games, which featured Hoenn as the setting. Another installment set in Hoenn, Pokémon Emerald, followed shortly after, then in 2014, Ruby and Sapphire remakes were released for the Nintendo 3DS under the names Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
What remains uncertain is exactly how many Gen 3 Pokémon Niantic is going to add to the full roster, but it would be sorely disappointing for players if it only added a few. It's worth noting that Gen 3 features more than 100 Pokémon, and while that's certainly a lot, it seems ridiculous to think Niantic doesn't have the 3D models prepared already. Maybe it's trying to think of the best rollout plan for these critters? Anyway, players have to make do with Sableye and Banette for now, but expect more to come soon after, like Duskull and Dusclops, both of which are featured in the trailer.
Check out the official announcement video below:
Thoughts about Gen 3 Pokémon finally coming to Pokémon GO? Are you still even playing the game? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
