The Mythical Pokemon Zarude will be available to Pokemon GO players in a limited-time Special Research this October as part of a tie-in with Pokemon The Movie: Secrets of The Jungle. Zarude will be joined by the return of two fan-favorite characters, a special Pikachu style, an increased spawn rate for certain Pokemon, updated Field Research, new Raids, and free avatar items.
Pokemon Secrets of The Jungle has already been released in Japan, but makes its international debut this October 8 on Netflix. The tie-in is timed around this release, starting October 1 and ending October 10, 8pm local time. Zarude's first appearance was in Secrets of the Jungle, and is currently the only Gen 8 Mythical Pokemon.
The blog post explains that Pokemon GO trainers will have to complete all Special Research tasks to encounter Zarude. It must be picked up between October 1 and October 10, but can be completed at any time as long as it was activated during the event. Event-themed Field Research can earn trainers Audino and Rufflet encounters, with the chance of catching a shiny Rufflet. Additionally, Explorer Pikachu makes a return in the wild, who can also be shiny. Other increased spawns during this period include: Hoothoot, Combee, Drilbur, Cottonee, Dwebble, and Larvitar. One-star raids will feature Explorer Pikachu, Larvitar, Roggenrola, Foongus, and Rufflet. With three-stair raids updated to Lickitung, Chansey, Pinsir, Ludicolo, and Flygon.
Original Pokemon Team Rocket villains Jessie and James are also returning for the event by photobombing snapshots, and in Meowth balloons found floating above trainers in the wild. The duo have an extended time in the Mobile AR title, staying until October 15, 10am local time. The free avatar items can be claimed from the Style Shop during the event, and include an Adventure Hat and Wailmer Water Bottle. All of this updated content will still benefit from Pokemon GO Season of Mischief, which includes double Lure Module duration, increased Incense effectiveness, and boosted damage for battling remotely in raids.
Pokemon GO's Fifth Anniversary may have ended, but Niantic have still been celebrating the occasion with multiple special events. Trainers are currently participating in the Fashion Week event, while continuing the Misunderstood Mischief research, with Oshawott Community Day having just occured. All this on top of Spotlight Hours, Raid Hours, Mega Raids, and the Battle League mean trainers certainly aren't lacking for content in Pokemon GO during 2021.
Pokemon GO is available now on Android and iOS devices.