Apex Shadow Lugia and Ho-oh
With Johto's celebration, we're also getting an entirely new class of Shadow Pokemon: Apex Shadows. These Shadows are... basically identical to normal for the most part, as far as we currently know. They have unique Shadow auras to set them apart visually (see the title image for that), and probably have the same Shadow boost as normal Shadows. So what's the real difference here? Moves.
Shadow Ho-oh and Shadow Lugia come equipped with special variants of their signature moves, Aeroblast and the soon to be newly released Sacred Fire. These moves are Aeroblast+ and Sacred Fire+, which have higher base power in PvE than their normal counterparts, making these two objectively better within their signature types than their basic shadows.
But the hole goes even deeper from here. If purified (don't do this), they will achieve a unique purification status and learn even stronger variants of these moves: Aeroblast++ and Sacred Fire++. Again, this is only for PvE.
Note that as of right now, these upgraded moves will be exclusive to the Apex variants of these Legendary Pokemon....
Yeah. More on that later.
These Pokemon will not be available during the event. Instead, players will be given a Masterwork Research line for completing the Johto Tour's special research line. This Masterwork line will have no time limit, and will reward both Apex Shadow Lugia and Ho-oh to any player that completes it regardless of which version they play during the event, so no worries on that front.
Go Tour: Johto Summery
As has already been revealed, this event will be split into Silver and Gold tickets, with advantages for each version:
Gold Version Advantages
- A special selection of Pokemon will be attracted to Incense
- A special selection of Pokemon will have increased Shiny odds
Silver Version Advantages
- A special selection of Pokemon will be attracted to Incense
- A special selection of Pokemon will have increased Shiny odds
Universal Bonuses
These bonuses will be available for all ticket holders, regardless of which ticket they pick.
- All Pokemon originating in Johto in the main series will be available in Pokemon Go in their shiny formes for this event! This includes regional Pokemon like Corsola and Heracross! Note that some may require trading, evolving, or other means to obtain during the event.
- Unown will be available in its G, J, O,R, T, and U variants.
- Players will be able to take part in event-exclusive special research for the chance to catch Celebi and guaranteed shiny Gyarados in honor of the famed Lake of Rage Gyarados. Celebi caught during this event will know the Grass Type event Fast Move Magical Leaf.
- New Avatar items will be available via research, including Ho-oh's wings, a Lugia mask, and a Gold or Silver shirt, corresponding with whichever ticket you purchase.
Full Announcement
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Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh Descend
The Season of Heritage Story Continues
By using the stolen power that was locked away behind the mysterious door, Arlo has created the powerful Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh!
Now’s the time to take action, Trainers!
Gather up your supplies, and get ready to save these powerful Shadow Pokémon from Team GO Rocket’s grasp!
Catch up on the story so far on the Season of Heritage web page.
Pokémon GO Tour: Johto Ticket–exclusive Masterwork Research Encounters
Ticket holders who complete Pokémon GO Tour: Johto’s Special Research will unlock a new Masterwork Research line, which is designed to be completed over a long period of time.
By progressing through this Masterwork Research, Trainers can encounter these Legendary Shadow Pokémon. Apex Shadow Ho-Oh and Apex Shadow Lugia give off an aura that has never been seen before. Moreover, when purified, that aura seems to change.
Note: Ticket holders will be able to obtain both Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh regardless of which version they select for Pokémon GO Tour: Johto.
Apex Shadow Ho-Oh
Sacred Fire+
Apex Shadow Ho-Oh knows Sacred Fire+, a stronger version of Sacred Fire.
- Trainer Battles: 130 power
- Gyms and raids: 135 power
Sacred Fire++
When Apex Shadow Ho-Oh is purified, Sacred Fire+ will change to Sacred Fire++.
- Trainer Battles: 130 power
- Gyms and raids: 155 power
Apex Shadow Lugia
Aero Blast+
Apex Shadow Lugia knows Aeroblast+, which is a stronger version of Aeroblast.
- Trainer Battles: 170 power
- Gyms and raids: 200 power
Aeroblast++
When Apex Shadow Lugia is purified, Aeroblast+ will change to Aeroblast++.
- Trainer Battles: 170 power
- Gyms and raids: 225 power
Pokémon GO Tour: Johto Detail Summary
There’s been a lot shared about Pokémon GO Tour: Johto over the last couple months, so here’s a summary of everything Trainers can look forward to during the event!
Different Versions
Pokémon GO Tour: Johto takes place on February 26, 2022, and will feature two different versions of the ticketed experience: Gold Version and Silver Version. Each version will have its own version-exclusive Pokémon, increased chance of certain Pokémon encounters, and a chance to encounter a certain Shiny Pokémon for the first time in Pokémon GO! The differences between the versions are outlined below. Once you pick your version, you can’t change your choice, so choose wisely!
Gold Version
Attracted to Incense
The following Pokémon will be attracted to incense.
Spinarak
Gligar
Teddiursa
Mantine
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny one!
Increased chance of Shiny Pokémon
You’ll have an increased chance of encountering these Shiny Pokémon.
If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Mantine for the first time in Pokémon GO!
Chikorita
Cyndaquil
Totodile
Spinarak
Igglybuff
Natu
Hoppip
Sunkern
Misdreavus
Wobbuffet
Gligar
Shuckle
Teddiursa
Swinub
Mantine
Ho-Oh
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny one!
Silver Version
Attracted to Incense
The following Pokémon will be attracted to incense.
Ledyba
Delibird
Skarmory
Phanpy
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny one!
Increased chance of Shiny Pokémon
You’ll have an increased chance of encountering these Shiny Pokémon.
If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Phanpy for the first time in Pokémon GO!
Chikorita
Cyndaquil
Totodile
Ledyba
Cleffa
Sudowoodo
Hoppip
Yanma
Pineco
Delibird
Skarmory
Houndour
Phanpy
Miltank
Larvitar
Lugia
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny one!
Either ticketed version
Regardless of version selection, all ticket holders will be able to experience the following during Pokémon GO Tour: Johto.
Pokémon originally discovered in the Johto region
All Pokémon originally discovered in the Johto region will be appearing in the wild, will be appearing in raids, will be appearing in encounters after research tasks, will be attracted to Incense, will hatch from Eggs, will be available via trading with friends, or will be obtainable via Evolution during this time.
All Pokémon originally discovered in the Johto region will be appearing as Shiny Pokémon. Shiny Pokémon appearing for the first time in Pokémon GO include Girafarig, Corsola, Remoraid, Mantine (only in Gold Version), Phanpy (only in Silver Version), and Tyrogue. This includes the featured Unown (G, J, O, R, T, and U), which will be attracted to Incense. In addition, you’ll be more likely to encounter certain Shiny Pokémon in the wild depending on the event version you selected. Check out the version overview above for more information.
Event-exclusive Special Research
You’ll be able to complete event-exclusive Special Research, leading to encounters with Shiny Gyarados and the Mythical Pokémon Celebi.
Once you complete the Special Research line, you’ll be able to access an exclusive Masterwork Research story, intended to be completed over a long period of time. As you complete this Masterwork Research, you’ll encounter Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh.
Encounters
Shiny Gyarados
Celebi
Celebi caught during the event will know the Fast Attack Magical Leaf.
Magical Leaf
- Trainer Battles: 10 power
- Gyms and raids: 16 power
Avatar Item Rewards
You’ll also receive the exclusive avatar items as you complete the research!
- Ho-Oh Wings
- Lugia Mask
- Ho-Oh T-Shirt (Gold version) or Lugia T-Shirt (Silver version)
The Ho-Oh Wings and Lugia Mask will be available near the beginning of the Special Research, while the Ho-Oh or Lugia T-Shirt will be available near the end.
Collection Challenges
Earn rewards and make progress on your Elite Collector medal by completing ten Collection Challenges!
Trainers will need to catch specific Pokémon during each rotating habitat to complete these challenges.
Event Bonuses
Various Pokémon will be attracted to Incense.
A free bundle containing three Remote Raid Passes will be available in the shop.
Eggs will require one-quarter their normal Hatch Distance.
You’ll get up to nine free Raid Passes by spinning Photo Discs at Gyms.
You’ll earn twice the Candy for hatching Eggs.
You’ll earn extra Candy when catching featured Pokémon originally discovered in Johto.
You’ll get an exclusive in-game medal to commemorate the event.
Take a snapshot for a surprise!
You’ll be able to get special stickers by spinning PokéStops and purchasing them in the in-game shop.
Pokémon GO Tour: Johto nonticketed features
The following features will be available to all Trainers during the event, regardless of whether they purchase a ticket.
Some Pokémon originally discovered in Johto will be appearing in the wild, appearing in raids, and hatching from 7 km Eggs. Raids will include Entei, Suicune, Raikou, Lugia, and Ho-Oh! Lugia caught during the event will know the special attack Aeroblast, while Ho-Oh caught during the event will know the new special attack Sacred Fire!
Heracross and Corsola, which both usually appear only in certain regions in the world, will also be appearing in raids worldwide.
Pichu, Cleffa, Igglybuff, Togepi, Tyrogue, Smoochum, Elekid, and Magby will be hatching from 2 km Eggs.
You’ll be able to complete up to six Special Trades during the event.
Five rotating habitats will each feature different Pokémon.
You’ll be able to listen to special background music composed by Pokémon music producer Junichi Masuda.
You’ll be able to complete Timed Research related to Trainer Battles.
Eevee will not have a walking requirement to evolve Espeon or Umbreon until 11:00 p.m. local time.
Tickets are available for purchase in the in-app shop for US$11.99 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency, plus any applicable taxes and fees). Tickets cannot be purchased with PokéCoins. Tickets to this event are nonrefundable (subject to applicable law and the exceptions set forth in the Terms of Service).
Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change. Be sure to follow us on social media, opt in to receiving push notifications, and subscribe to our emails to stay updated. For the latest on in-game events and feature updates, be sure to check this help center article.
—The Pokémon GO team
