2017 Pokémon GO Halloween Event: New Pokemon & Start Date Info

The Pokémon GO Halloween Event that mobile gamers have waited days for is finally starting. You won’t want to miss it. Here’s what you can get from this limited time event.

Coming soon to Android and iPhone, the Pokémon GO Halloween Event is a huge update. Niantic is adding new Pokémon from the third-generation of Pokémon handheld games during the event. In addition to that, it’s rolling out candy bonuses for any Pokémon you assign as your buddy and another special version of Pikachu to celebrate Halloween.

Read: 21 Pokémon GO Tips for Beginners & Novices

Pokémon GO Halloween Event 2017 Start Date & Time

The Pokémon GO Halloween Event starts on Friday, October 20th at 12 PM Pacific Time. That’s 3 PM Eastern Standard Time. To get the most out of the event, plan to download the game back to your smartphone or tablet on that date. Niantic will continue to run the event until November 2nd at 1 PM Pacific Time. After that date, the special items disappear from the game’s shop and you lose access to all the event’s bonuses.

What’s New in the Pokémon GO Halloween Event

As rumors indicated, the Pokémon GO Halloween Event will introduce another generation of creatures to the game. It will also add another special edition Pikachu, and two other must-have items. Expect to earn more Candies for your favorite Pokémon too.

The new third-generation of creators are all taken from Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire. Niantic is starting with just the creatures that fit into this event’s scary theme for now. Expect Sableye, Banette and other Ghost Type creatures from those games to randomly appear as you roam the real world looking for new Pokémon to add to your collection. These creatures join Gastly, Drowzee, Cubone, Zubat and other creatures from the first two generations of the handheld games. There’s also a new Pikachu wearing a witch’s hat to add to your collection.

Niantic is adding two new in-game items for you to collect. Dress your Trainer in a hat inspired by Mimikyu’s disguise in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon.  You can also buy special boxes in the game’s store that include Super Incubators for hatching your eggs and Raid Passes.

Expect lots of Candy rewards during the Pokémon GO Halloween Event. Niantic is doubling the Candy you earn for making a Pokémon your buddy. Catching, hatching and transferring your Pokémon earns you double the amount of Candies during the event also. Candy is the in-game currency Trainers use to evolve their Pokémon into higher forms.

If you’ve ever wanted to get some spooky shots with your favorite Pokémon, you can during the Pokémon GO Halloween Event. Niantic has added special filters to the game just for the occasion.

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Finally, expect some new Halloween themed music to come with the Pokémon GO Halloween Event. This music will replace the upbeat, determined music in the game today. The Lavender Town theme from early editions of Pokémon is among this new music.

What’s Next for Pokémon GO

After the Halloween Event has ended on November 2nd, expect Niantic to begin slowly adding more third-generation creatures that aren’t scary. The company hasn’t confirmed this yet, but the next Pokémon GO event could be a Thanksgiving event timed for late November.