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Pokemon GO is counting down to the Kanto Tour event by revisiting each region released in the game so far. Next up is Hoenn, complete with its own collection challenge, research questline, and raids. The Hoenn Celebration event will run from Tuesday, January 19 at 10 AM local time to Sunday, January 24 at 8 PM local time. If you’re looking to complete the collection challenge and even net yourself a new Rayquaza, here’s everything you’ll need to know about the event.
Hoenn Celebration
To celebrate the Hoenn region, Pokemon originally discovered there will have significantly-increased spawn rates. The following Pokemon will appear more frequently in the wild: Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, Taillow, Loudred, Nosepass, Aron, Meditite, Roselia, Carvanha, Numel, Baltoy, and more. Many of these Pokemon are available in their shiny forms, so keep your eyes peeled. Those who like hatching eggs can expect to see a lot of the following in 5 km eggs: Skitty, Corphish, Lileep, Anorith, Aron, Bagon, and Beldum. There will also be field research tasks that can lead to encounters with various Hoenn Pokemon or batches of precious stardust.
Collection Challenge
As with the Unova and Sinnoh Celebration events, there will be a Hoenn collection challenge in store for players. To complete the challenge, you’ll need to find Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, Nincada, Nosepass, Aron, Plusle, Minun, and Bagon. If you complete this task, you’ll be rewarded with three Silver Pinap Berries, an Incense, and some XP.
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The Sinnoh event frustratingly requires you to find Shadow Pokemon — Snover and Stunky — but the Hoenn challenge doesn’t seem to include this. Let’s hope it stays that way.
Raids
Hoenn Pokemon will be coming to raids as part of the celebration as well. In tier-1 raids, you can expect to see the Starters, Aron, Ralts, and Bagon. In tier-3 raids, the following Pokemon will appear: Breloom, Grumpig, Spinda, Absol, and Mawile. Most excitingly, you’ll be able to battle the Legendary duo Groudon and Kyogre in tier-5 raids. If you’re extra lucky, you might find a shiny Kyogre or Groudon.
All About Rayquaza
This time around, the fan-favorite Dragon/Flying-type Rayquaza will not be appearing in raid battles. However, you’ll be able to get your hands on one as part of the Hoenn Celebration.
There will be a set of Timed Research tasks available to all players who sign in during the Hoenn Celebration. The first step tasks you with catching two Kyogre, and rewards you with 10 Kyogre candies as a result. The second step requires that you catch two Groudon, rewarding you with 10 Groudon candies. The third task is to catch 30 Pokemon, earning you a nice 30 Poke Balls. Once this step is completed, you’ll also earn an encounter with Rayquaza, who can appear in its shiny form if you’re lucky. This Rayquaza will know the exclusive charge move Hurricane. You’ll also earn 3,000 XP and a Silver Pinap Berry.
Other Info
There’s a bit more you can expect from this event as well. If you evolve a Metang during the event, the resulting Metagross will know the powerful and sought-after charge move Meteor Mash. This was previously a Community Day exclusive, and since it’s one of the best moves in the game, you should definitely grab it while you can.
Check the in-game shop between 1 PM PST on Tuesday the 19 and Monday the 25 at 1 PM PST for a box containing three Remote Raid Passes for free. This is to help people raid from home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. If you want to head out for in-person raids, make sure you’re allowed to under your local laws and guidelines, wear a mask, and stay distant from others. Follow all your local lockdown restrictions and check your government’s safety instructions online.
After the Hoenn Celebration event ends, Pokemon GO will head back to the Johto region for the Johto Celebration event, starting on Tuesday, January 26.