As if December wasn't already full, we've got yet another set of events coming! This time around it's a tie-in with latest Pokemon movie; "Secrets of the Jungle", which stars the Generation 8 mythical Pokemon Zarude. To help us celebrate, Niantic is releasing another chance to catch Celebi, and this time it's shiny!
Secrets of the Jungle
The event begins on December 14 at 8:00 a.m. local time, and no end-date has been given
- Jessie and James will lead the player through a limited time special research
- The final reward of this research will be Shiny Celebi
- Jessie and James will return for a limited time with a new set of shadow Pokemon in need of liberation
- Special avatar sets inspired by Jessie and James as they appear in the aforementioned move will be available
- Jessie and James' Meowth Balloon will appear more frequently on December 25
New Shadow Pokemon?
Jessie and James will have a new set of Pokemon to catch to replace their iconic use of Ekans and Koffing, but these Pokemon have not been announced yet. In order to help with speculation, below is a full list of other Pokemon that they have caught/obtained in the anime series, up to different species available in Kalos. Keep in mind that the Pokemon chosen do not have to come from this list, but they are more likely candidates in general.
Credit to Bulbapedia for this information
Jessie's Pokemon
James' Pokemon
Explorer Pikachu
...time for yet another hat-Pikachu. On the bright side, this will be a chance for many of us to farm Pikachu XL candy.
| Event Start | Event End |
|---|---|
| December 14, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. local time | December 21, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time |
- Explorer Pikachu will be available in the wild and raids, and will be encounterable as a shiny
- Snapshots may be photobombed by Jessie and James
- The December 15 spotlight hour will feature Explorer Pikachu
Secrets of the Jungle Movie Tie-In
Finally, we have another event connected to the latest movie in the franchise, this one connected to spawns, and may allow players to catch the regional Pokemon Durant, as well as the release of Shiny Rufflet!
Confirmed Wild Spawns
Confirmed Raid Bosses
Confirmed 5k Egg Hatches
Full Announcement
Trainers,
We’re excited to announce that the latest Pokémon film, Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, is coming soon! In celebration of the upcoming release, beginning on Monday, December 14, 2020, Jessie and James will be returning to Pokémon GO, and you’ll be able to encounter Shiny Celebi by completing limited-time Special Research! You can also look forward to lots of other in-game content inspired by the movie!
Complete Special Research to encounter Shiny Celebi! Plus, Jessie and James return to Pokémon GO!
Date + Time
Starting Monday, December 14, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. local time
Features
- A limited-time Special Research story inspired by the movie will be available! Complete this research line to encounter Shiny Celebi. In an odd twist of events, Jessie and James will be guiding you through this Special Research story instead of Professor Willow! You’ll need to prepare for trouble for this one! Stay tuned for updates on when this Special Research will become unavailable.
- Jessie and James will be returning in their Meowth balloon for a limited time! It seems they’ve received different Shadow Pokémon from Team GO Rocket than the last time the pair appeared in the world of Pokémon GO. Stay tuned for updates on when Jessie and James will be leaving.
- Be sure to check out the avatar items inspired by Jessie’s and James’s outfits from Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle. These avatar items will be available for free in the Style Shop!
Explorer Pikachu makes its Pokémon GO debut!
Date + Time
From Monday, December 14, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. to Monday, December 21, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time
Features
- Explorer Pikachu will be appearing in the wild and in raids! If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Explorer Pikachu!
- If you take a snapshot during this time, you might see Jessie and James!
- During the Pokémon Spotlight Hour on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time, Explorer Pikachu will be appearing more frequently in the wild, and you’ll receive twice the Candy for catching Pokémon.
Meet Pokémon connected to Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle!
Date + Time
From Monday, December 14, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. to Thursday, December 17, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time
Features
- Hoothoot, Nuzleaf, Drilbur, Cottonee, Dwebble, and more will be appearing more frequently in the wild. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Durant!
- Lickitung, Mawile, Flygon, Rufflet, and more will be appearing in Raid Battles.
- Igglybuff, Smoochum, Elekid, Magby, Bonsly, and Rufflet will be hatching from 5 km Eggs.
- If you’re lucky, you might even find a Shiny Rufflet!
Jessie and James’s Meowth balloon will be appearing more frequently on December 25!
Date + Time
Friday, December 25, 2020, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time
Features
- Jessie and James’s Meowth balloon will be appearing more frequently! Be sure to use this opportunity to challenge the duo.
Stay tuned for more details on Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, Trainers!
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＊＊
