Niantic announces events in Pokémon Go October 2020

Pokemon Go September 2020 Events
Pokemon Go September 2020 Events (Image credit: Niantic)

What you need to know

  • October 2020 events for Pokémon Go have been announced.
  • Zapdos, Moltres, Giratina, and more will be featured in Legendary Raids.
  • A fashion themed event and a Meowth day will precede the excitement of Halloween.

Niantic announced the events in Pokémon Go for October and it's going to be another exciting month for Trainers. For starters, Shedinja will be back as the Research Breakthrough Reward Encounter. The evolutionary byproduct of Nincada, Shedinja cannot be caught or evolved under normal circumstances in Pokémon Go, so if you missed out last time, you'll have another shot to catch one.

Legendary Raids will include at least four different Pokémon this month, including:

  • Zapdos between Friday, September 25 and Friday, October 2.
  • Moltres between Friday, October 2 and Friday, October 9.
  • Giratina Origin Forme between Friday, October 9 and Friday, October 23.

The fourth (or more) Legendary Raid Pokémon will be announced later in the month when we learn more about the Halloween event. Last year, players were able to challenge the mythical Pokémon Darkrai so many are hopeful for the powerful Dark type's return.

The Spotlight Hours for October will be:

  • October 6: World Cap Pikachu and double Catch XP.
  • October 13: Original Cap Pikachu and double Catch Candy.
  • October 20: Shuppet and double Transfer Candy.
  • October 27: Duskull and double Evolution XP.

An Event will be held from Friday October 2 until Thursday October 8, celebrating Paris Fashion Week. This event will feature costumed Pokémon, shiny Kriketot, and more. Another event will be held on Saturday, October 10, from 8 AM to 10 PM local time, featuring a timed Special Research focused on Meowth. During this event, players will be able to encounter all three regional variants of Meowth, complete special Field Research, and purchase a special box with Incense, Pinap Berries, and Lucky Eggs.

The biggest event of the month, however, will be Halloween. Currently, there is little information as to what Halloween will bring to Pokémon Go, but it's always a huge event for the community. With many places still impacted by the global pandemic, Niantic is sure to add in some extra fun for players this year.

Are you excited for all the new fun coming to Pokémon Go this October? Which event or Legendary Pokémon are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to check back for our in depth coverage of the Pokémon Go's Halloween event! In the meantime, check out our Complete Pokédex, as well as our many Pokémon Go guides so you can be a Pokémon Master!

Casian Holly

Casian Holly has been writing about gaming at iMore since 2019, but their real passion is Pokémon. From the games to the anime, cards and toys, they eat, sleep, and breathe all things Pokémon. You can check out their many Pokémon Go and Pokémon Sword and Shield guides and coverage here on iMore.