Whether you’re a long-time player or someone looking to try it out for the first time, Pokémon Go is getting ready for its third anniversary with some celebratory gifts this summer.
A variety of special in-game features and events will start on June 28 at 1 p.m. (PST). The shiny Alolan Pokémon population of Sandshrew, Meowth, Rattata, Exeggutor, Grimer, Diglett, and Vulpix will be wandering around, available for encounters with players. Additionally, players can visit the Style Shop and get new avatar items representing the game's team leaders.
Limited-run events will also start on June 28. For the game's third anniversary, iconic mascot Pikachu will sport an appropriately festive party hat. They'll appear daily, giving players the chance to snap a photo of them. According to Polygon, this is an encore of what Pikachu did for April Fool's Day, except they wore Ash’s original hat from the main anime adaptation.
Players will also gain access to Pichu with a party hat, though they'll have to be hatched from eggs. The electric types will wear their party hats until July 6.
Lastly, on June 28, Special Research can be undertaken for new rewards. Players will have to be at level 10 or more to join in. In addition to that, the cost of trading Pokémon will be reduced, and there will be raid bonuses that let players defeat Raid Bosses quicker and get more Premier Balls. Special Research, raid bonuses, and cheaper trading costs will last until Sept. 2.
The promotional image for the game's anniversary, besides being lavishly illustrated, also features the appearance of Unova starters Snivy, Oshawott, and Tepig.
Polygon also shares theories based on the illustration, pointing out that members of Team Rocket seem to be hiding behind a tree, and highlighting the presence of Mime Jr., another Pokémon that hasn't been included in Pokémon Go yet. Their presence could hint that they might also join the game soon.
Though not directly included as a part of the third-anniversary celebration, Pokémon Go will have more things going on this summer, such as Research Breakthrough encounters in July and August featuring the legendary Pokémon Groudon, Kyogre, Latios, and Latias. There will also be a Community Day with Hoenn starter Mudkip on July 21.
With the announcement of Pokémon Go’s third-anniversary perks accompanying more news about Pokémon Masters, as well as the premiere of Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution scheduled for Anime Expo next week, 2019 continues to be a fulfilling year for Pokémon.
Do you plan to check out Pokémon Go's third-anniversary celebration? Do you think the game will add new Pokémon or Team Rocket? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.
