Pokémon GO is set to be shaken up with a Team GO Rocket takeover event interrupting Adventure Week. From Thursday, August 8, to Monday, August 12, players can expect a surge in GO Rocket Grunts, Balloons, and the introduction of new Shadow Pokémon.
Key Features of the Event
Shadow Cresselia Debut
The highlight of the event is the debut of Shadow Cresselia. Players can encounter this powerful Legendary Shadow Pokémon by defeating Giovanni. This encounter is part of a new Special Research story, which will provide a Super Rocket Radar to track down Giovanni.
The Special Research can be claimed until the end of Pokémon GO: Shared Skies on September 3, at 9:59 a.m. local time.
Return of Shadow Lugia
Shadow Lugia is making a comeback, but it will be the standard form rather than the anticipated Apex form. Players can battle Shadow Lugia in five-star Shadow Raids on August 10 and 11. More details on how to tackle Shadow Lugia will be provided closer to the event dates.
Event Bonuses
During the takeover event, the following bonuses will be active:
- Increased Team GO Rocket Encounters: Team GO Rocket will appear more frequently at PokéStops and in balloons.
- Charged TM Usage: Players can use a Charged TM to help a Shadow Pokémon forget the Charged Attack Frustration.
New Leader Lineups and Shadow Pokémon
The lineups for Arlo, Cliff, Sierra, Giovanni, and all Team GO Rocket Grunts will be refreshed, introducing three new Shadow Pokémon:
- Shadow Timburr
- Shadow Tirtouga
- Shadow Archen
In particular, Shadow Conkeldurr, evolving from Shadow Timburr, will be a powerful addition as a Fighting-type Pokémon.
Shadow Raids
The following Pokémon will be featured in Shadow Raids. Gyms not under Team GO Rocket control may host other raids:
One-Star Raids
- Shadow Mareep
- Shadow Wooper
- Shadow Cranidos
- Shadow Shieldon
Three-Star Raids
- Shadow Nuzleaf
- Shadow Manectric
- Shadow Vibrava
Field Research Task Rewards
Event-themed Field Research tasks will be available, offering rewards such as:
- Mysterious Components
- Charged TMs
- Fast TMs
Additionally, a special bundle will be available for $9.99 in the Pokémon GO web store, containing various items to assist players during the Team GO Rocket Takeover event.
Conclusion
The Team GO Rocket Takeover Event promises to be a thrilling addition to Pokémon GO, with new Shadow Pokémon, updated leader lineups, and numerous bonuses. Prepare your team and get ready to take on Team GO Rocket like never before!
Get Ready for Pokémon GO Adventure Week This August: Key Highlights and What to Expect