It's time for yet another event focused around Team Go Rocket, the antagonistic organization that always poses a threat (?) to the Pokemon Go world. We've had the same Shadow Pokemon in rotation for several months now, so it's finally time to enjoy a change, as well as say hello to a few new faces! And before you ask: no, we are not being given an event to TM away Frustration.
Team Rocket Event
| Event Start | Event End |
|---|---|
| February 2, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time. | February, 7, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. local time. |
- A new set of Shadow Pokemon will be released, possibly even more than we have listed here, and the active Shadow Pokemon pool is being changed
- A special set of Pokemon will be spawning more frequently in the wild
- The hatch pool for 12k Strange Eggs will change slightly
- A special set of Pokemon will be appearing in raids
- Special timed research will be available. No word as to what this will entail currently.
- Eggs will hatch in 1/2 normal distance if incubated during the event
So what's the big take-away from this? We're getting Shadow Mamoswine!
Shadow Mamoswine's PvE performance is nothing short of lofty. It not only ascends the throne as the top Ice Type attacker in the game, it also takes up the title of top Ground Type attacker as well. In fact, just to get an idea as to its potential performance, let's see how it does when pitted against the Legendary Dragon King, Rayquaza:
Image Source: The Comprehensive DPS/TDO Spreadsheet
Its performance is stellar. In fact, its DPS is in solo-range Vs. Rayquaza, but its TDO is still too low to generally do it. However, it's likely that someone will find a way in the coming months! Shadow Mamoswine even beats out Shadow Weavile by a fair margin, which was previously miles ahead of the competition. Long story short: get out and hunt Shadow Swinub once this event hits!
Full Announcement
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Trainers,
Team GO Rocket is celebrating—but why? It’s up to you to find out! Here’s what you can expect during the Team GO Rocket Celebration event.
Date + Time
Sources point to this event occurring from Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, February, 7, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Features
- We’ve received word that Team GO Rocket Grunts will be turning the following Pokémon into Shadow Pokémon: Swinub, Nosepass, Aron, Spheal, Lileep, Anorith, and more.
- Team GO Rocket Grunts will also have different teams of Pokémon during the event and after its conclusion.
- Defeat Team GO Rocket Leaders during the event for a chance to receive a Team GO Rocket Leader Gift sticker.
- Be on the lookout for Pokémon like Golbat, Koffing, Ariados, Qwilfish, Sneasel, Houndour, Nuzleaf, Stunky, Skorupi, and Venipede appearing more often in the wild!
- Qwilfish, Larvitar, Corphish, Absol, Skorupi, Sandile, Scraggy, Pawniard, Vullaby, and Deino will be hatching from Strange Eggs during and after the event.
- The following Pokémon will be appearing in raids.
- One-star raids: Alolan Meowth, Alolan Grimer, Gligar, Sneasel, Shinx, and Klink.
- Three-star raids: Nidoqueen, Ariados, Umbreon, Tyranitar, and Absol.
- Five-star raids: Raikou and Suicune will both be appearing at different times. Please see the February events blog for more info on the Raid Boss schedule in February.
- Mega Raids: Mega Venusaur, Mega Ampharos, and Mega Houndoom.
- Event-exclusive Field Research and Timed Research will be available.
- The Team GO Rocket–themed Timed Research that begins during the Johto Celebration event will continue during this event and will reward an encounter with the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh that knows the exclusive attack Earthquake!
- Keep a lookout for more invaded PokéStops and Team GO Rocket balloons than usual!
Bonuses
- Half Egg Hatch Distance when an Egg is placed inside an Incubator during the event.
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
