Niantic has announced yet another great event, this time featuring week-long walks down memory lane to remember all of the generations of Pokemon that we've gone through to get to where we are now. Each week will feature unique themed research, special generation-specific spawns, and brand new Pikachu hats, because what event is complete without a new Pika hat?
Kanto Throwback
| Event Start | Event End |
|---|---|
| May 1, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time | May 8, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time |
The first leg of the event takes us back to Kanto, and attempts to re-live many special moments such as the very fist starter choice in the series.
- The Kanto-Throwback Special Research line will be available
- Kanto-specific Pokemon will be appearing in the wild more frequently
- Kanto-specific Pokemon will be featured in raids
- Pikachu will be available in a special Charizard hat
- 2x EXP for catches, raids, and hatches
We also have a unique set of 7k egg hatches, and a new shiny family!
7k Egg Hatches
Shiny Venonat and Venomoth Release
To top this all off, the final reward for the Kanto Throwback research will be none other than Mewtwo with its signature attack, Psystrike!
Johto Throwback
| Event Start | Event End |
|---|---|
| May 8, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time | May 15, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time |
Next, we travel back to Johto for another walk down memory lane. The features of this week will be similar to Kanto, but will have a uniquely Johto flair... including 2x Stardust
- The Johto-Throwback Special Research line will be available
- Johto-specific Pokemon will be appearing in the wild more frequently
- Johto-specific Pokemon will be featured in raids
- Pikachu will be available in a special Umbreon hat
- 2x Stardust for catches and raids.
We also have another unique set of 7k egg hatches, and another new shiny family.
7k Egg Hatches
Shiny Dunsparce Release
To top this all off, the final reward for the Johto Throwback research will be Ho-Oh with Earthquake!
Hoenn Throwback
| Event Start | Event End |
|---|---|
| May 15, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time | May 22, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time |
The next leg of our journey will take us back to the land of trumpets, Hoenn! We'll be able to re-live some of the joys of Generation
- The Hoenn-Throwback Special Research line will be available
- Hoenn-specific Pokemon will be appearing in the wild more frequently
- Hoenn-specific Pokemon will be featured in raids
- Pikachu will be available in a special Rayquaza hat
- 1/2 Hatch Distance, half Buddy Candy distance
We also have another unique set of 7k egg hatches, and another new shiny family.
7k Egg Hatches
Shiny Skitty and Delcatty Release
The final reward for the Hoenn Throwback research will be another interesting choice: the legendary Groudon with the move Fire Punch!
Sinnoh Throwback
| Event Start | Event End |
|---|---|
| May 22, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time | May 29, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time |
Next we're off to the land of the Legendary Dragons, Sinnoh. On this leg, we'll enjoy even more regional flair, and a few interesting encounters along the way!
- The Sinnoh-Throwback Special Research line will be available
- Sinnoh-specific Pokemon will be appearing in the wild more frequently
- Sinnoh-specific Pokemon will be featured in raids
- Pikachu will be available in a special Lucario hat
- One hour duration on Star Pieces, Incense, and Lucky Eggs
We also have another unique set of 7k egg hatches, and another new shiny family.
7k Egg Hatches
Shiny Glameow and Purugly Release
The final reward for the Hoenn Throwback research will be the legendary Cresselia with the move Grass Knot!
Throwback Challenge Champion 2020
| Event Start | Event End |
|---|---|
| June 3, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time | June 8, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time |
Finally, we have a week dedicated to the present and the future, as we look at where we are, and where we're going!
- The Challenge Champion Special Research Line. Note; you must have completed all previous special research lines in this event to have access to this special research! This line does not have an expiration, and can be completed at any time.
- The Mythical Pokemon Genesect will be available via this line
- Pokemon from the Unova Region will be spawning in greater numbers
- The Grand release of many Galarian species!
Galarian Stunfisk will be released along-side many other galarian species that will hatch from 7k eggs, and they will be able to evolve if they can!
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Trainers,
Do you ever stop and think about how quickly time flies? It feels like it was just yesterday that some of us were faced with the choice between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle right before starting our journey through the Kanto region. Now, over 20 years later, some of us are still exploring the world of Pokémon in the Galar region. Whether your journey with Pokémon began in 1996 with Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue or in 2016 with Pokémon GO, let’s celebrate our collective Pokémon journeys together throughout the month of May!
From Friday, May 1, 2020, to Friday, May 29, 2020, you’ll unlock Throwback Challenge Timed Research lines. These Timed Research lines will appear in the Today View and will feature a sequence of limited-time tasks that you’ll have access to until a certain date. Each research line will have eight sets of three tasks.
Each week will feature different tasks themed around different regions of the Pokémon world, inspired by the adventures that some might remember from previous Pokémon games. Different Pokémon originally discovered in each region will also be appearing more frequently in the wild to help you complete these tasks. The featured regions will be Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh. If you complete all four of these Timed Research sets, you’ll unlock the Throwback Challenge Champion 2020 Special Research, in which you can earn Rare Candies, reward encounters with Genesect, Galarian Meowth and Galarian Stunfisk, Professor Willow’s glasses as an exclusive avatar item, and more. You’ll be able to complete all these tasks in an individual setting. See the schedule below for when each region will be featured.
- Throwback Challenge 2020: Kanto Timed Research: Friday, May 1, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Friday, May 8, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time
- Throwback Challenge 2020: Johto Timed Research: Friday, May 8, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Friday, May 15, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time
- Throwback Challenge 2020: Hoenn Timed Research: Friday, May 15, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Friday, May 22, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time
- Throwback Challenge 2020: Sinnoh Timed Research: Friday, May 22, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Friday, May 29, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time
- Throwback Challenge Champion 2020 Special Research unlock and event- Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Monday, June 8, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time
Throwback Challenge 2020: Kanto
From Friday, May 1, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Friday, May 8, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time, you’ll have access to the Throwback Challenge 2020: Kanto Timed Research.
Let’s look back at the adventures in Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue together! From catching a Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle in memory of one of the most iconic choices Trainers had to make, to taking a snapshot of a Ghost-type Pokémon to celebrate the Ghost-type Pokémon in Lavender Town, there’s much to reminisce about from past adventures through Kanto! Complete all eight sets of tasks in the Kanto Timed Research to earn 10 Rare Candies and a reward encounter with a Mewtwo that knows Psystrike.
While the Throwback Challenge 2020: Kanto Timed Research is available, you can look forward to the following features and bonuses.
- Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region, such as Venonat and Chansey, will be appearing more frequently in the wild.
- Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region will also be available to battle in raids.
- The following Pokémon will be hatching from 7 km Eggs: Venonat, Machop, Onix, Lickitung, Tangela, Scyther, Pinsir, Lapras, and Eevee.
- In honor of Charizard being chosen in the Pokémon of the Year vote as the number-one Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region, Pikachu wearing Charizard hats will be appearing in the wild!
- If you’re lucky, you might find a Shiny Venonat!
- Event-exclusive Field Research tasks will reward encounters with Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region.
- 2× Catch XP, 2× Raid XP, and 2× Hatch XP bonuses will be active.
Throwback Challenge 2020: Johto
From Friday, May 8, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Friday, May 15, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time, you’ll have access to the Throwback Challenge 2020: Johto Timed Research.
Remember the adventures in Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver with us! Make Curveball Throws as a subtle callback to visiting the Whirl Islands, and catch a Water-type Pokémon in memory of the fateful encounter with the Shiny Gyarados at the Lake of Rage! Complete all eight sets of tasks in the Johto Timed Research to earn 10 Rare Candies and a reward encounter with a Ho-Oh that knows the event-exclusive attack Earthquake.
While the Throwback Challenge 2020: Johto Timed Research is available, you can look forward to the following features.
- Pokémon originally discovered in the Johto region, such as Dunsparce and Skarmory, will be appearing more frequently in the wild.
- Pokémon originally discovered in the Johto region will also be available to battle in raids.
- The following Pokémon will be hatching from 7 km Eggs: Chinchou, Yanma, Girafarig, Pineco, Dunsparce, Gligar, Shuckle, Skarmory, and Phanpy.
- In honor of Umbreon being chosen in the Pokémon of the Year vote as the number-one Pokémon originally discovered in the Johto region, Pikachu wearing Umbreon hats will be appearing in the wild!
- If you’re lucky, you might find a Shiny Dunsparce!
- Event-exclusive Field Research tasks will reward encounters with Pokémon originally discovered in the Johto region.
- 2× Catch Stardust and 2× Raid Stardust bonuses will be active.
Throwback Challenge 2020: Hoenn
From Friday, May 15, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Friday, May 22, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time, you’ll have access to the Throwback Challenge 2020: Hoenn Timed Research.
The events of Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire were epic! Catching a Fire-type Pokémon will be like taking a nice, warm soak in the hot springs of Lavaridge Town, while catching a Normal-type Pokémon might remind you of battling against your dad at the Petalburg Gym! Complete all eight sets of tasks in the Hoenn Timed Research to earn 10 Rare Candies and a reward encounter with a Groudon that knows the event-exclusive attack Fire Punch.
While the Throwback Challenge 2020: Hoenn Timed Research is available, you can look forward to the following features.
- Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region—such as Skitty, Zangoose, and Seviper—will be appearing more frequently in the wild.
- Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region will also be available to battle in raids.
- The following Pokémon will be hatching from 7 km Eggs: Lotad, Slakoth, Nincada, Skitty, Sableye, Mawile, Trapinch, Feebas, and Clamperl.
- In honor of Rayquaza being chosen in the Pokémon of the Year vote as the number-one Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region, Pikachu wearing Rayquaza hats will be appearing in the wild!
- If you’re lucky, you might find a Shiny Skitty!
- Event-exclusive Field Research tasks will reward encounters with Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region.
- The distance needed to hatch an Egg once it’s been placed in an Incubator and the distance needed to earn Buddy Candy will be halved.
Throwback Challenge 2020: Sinnoh
From Friday, May 22, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Friday, May 29, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time, you’ll have access to the Throwback Challenge 2020: Sinnoh Timed Research.
It’s time to revisit the adventures we had in the Sinnoh region from Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl together! Power up a Pokémon as an homage to the Trainers’ School in Jubilife City, and take a snapshot with a Steel-type Pokémon you caught in remembrance of exploring the mines on Iron Island! Complete all eight sets of tasks in the Sinnoh Timed Research to earn 10 Rare Candies and a reward encounter with a Cresselia that knows the event-exclusive attack Grass Knot.
While the Throwback Challenge 2020: Sinnoh Timed Research is available, you can look forward to the following features.
- Pokémon originally discovered in the Sinnoh region, such as Cherubi and Glameow, will be appearing more frequently in the wild.
- Pokémon originally discovered in the Sinnoh region will also be available to battle in raids.
- The following Pokémon will be hatching from 7 km Eggs: Cranidos, Shieldon, Glameow, Chingling, Bonsly, Happiny, Gible, Munchlax, Riolu, and Mantyke.
- In honor of Lucario being chosen in the Pokémon of the Year vote as the number-one Pokémon originally discovered in the Sinnoh region, Pikachu wearing Lucario hats will be appearing in the wild!
- If you’re lucky, you might find a Shiny Glameow!
- Event-exclusive Field Research tasks will reward encounters with Pokémon originally discovered in the Sinnoh region.
- One-hour Star Piece duration, one-hour Incense duration, and one-hour Lucky Egg duration bonuses will be active.
Throwback Challenge Champion 2020
Complete all four Timed Research lines, and you’ll earn access to the Throwback Challenge Champion 2020 Special Research! Join Professor Willow as you rediscover Pokémon originally found in the Unova region and meet Pokémon originally discovered in the Galar region as they make their Pokémon GO debut. Complete all four sets of tasks in this Special Research to earn five Rare Candies; reward encounters with Galarian Meowth, Galarian Stunfisk, and Genesect; and Professor Willow’s glasses as an exclusive avatar item! Unlike the previous sets of Timed Research, this Special Research isn’t time-limited and can be unlocked and completed at any time.
From Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Monday, June 8, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time, all Trainers can look forward to the following features, even if they don’t have access to the Throwback Challenge Champion 2020 Special Research.
- Galarian Stunfisk will be making its Pokémon GO debut! Find it in the wild, in raids, and as a Throwback Challenge Champion 2020 Special Research reward encounter.
- The following Pokémon will also be making their Pokémon GO debut and hatching from 7 km Eggs along with their usual forms: Galarian Meowth, Galarian Zigzagoon, Galarian Darumaka, and Galarian Stunfisk. You’ll also be able to evolve Galarian Meowth, Galarian Zigzagoon, and Galarian Darumaka into their Galarian evolved forms!
- Pokémon originally discovered in the Unova region will be appearing more frequently in the wild.
Let’s celebrate our Pokémon journeys together!
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—The Pokémon GO team
