A new update for Pokemon GO is now live for the iOS version of the game, and dataminers have discovered that it is setting the stage for the addition of third generation Pokemon. The game's GAME_MASTER file has been updated to include gender ratios for gen 3 Pokemon, which is a sign that the next wave of Pocket Monsters will be coming to Pokemon GO sooner rather than later.

In fact, Niantic added gender ratios for second generation Pokemon just one day before they were added to the game earlier this year, so gen 3 Pokemon could theoretically be added any day now. However, it's possible Niantic is merely prepping Pokemon GO for a more significant update later on, and so fans shouldn't get too excited just yet.

Even if the bulk of third generation Pokemon aren't added to the game until next year, there's a great deal of evidence that suggests at least some new Pokemon are coming this month. Dataminers previously discovered references to gen 3 ghost-type Pokemon in past Pokemon GO updates, and a leaked image has seemingly confirmed a couple of those Pokemon, along with a Witch Hat Pikachu.

pokemon go generation 3 datamine

Presumably, these gen 3 ghost-type Pokemon and Witch Hat Pikachu will be added to the game as a part of its Halloween 2017 event. It's certainly possible that Niantic will go ahead and add the majority of gen 3 Pokemon to the game as well, but it may make more sense for it to space things out. After all, the Halloween event should bring many lapsed players back to the game on its own, and so the studio may want to save the big gen 3 update for a more opportune time.

Of course, that's just speculation at this time. Even though Halloween is right around the corner, Niantic still has yet to share many concrete details about Pokemon GO's Halloween event this year, beyond the fact that it is happening. If gen 3 ghost-type Pokemon are a part of the deal along with the expected benefit of double candy, it would be one of the game's most significant events to date.

More details on Pokemon GO's Halloween event should come soon enough, but whether or not that news is joined by the announcement of gen 3 Pokemon is hard to say at this point. Third generation Pokemon could be added any day now, especially since Niantic has started taking steps to make their addition to the game possible.

Pokemon GO is available now for iOS and Android mobile devices.