The Galarian Expedition event has introduced an exciting array of new experiences in Pokémon Go, featuring the debut of four shiny Legendary Pokémon directly associated with the Galar region. Players should be particularly alert for shiny variants of Zamazenta as well as the Galarian forms of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres.
As trainers hunt for these sparkling Pokémon, it’s also advisable to embark on the Galarian Expedition Collection Challenges and event-specific research tasks. Completing these tasks will provide valuable rewards that enhance your gameplay.
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Team Rocket’s Involvement
Midway through the event, Team Rocket will make its presence felt, leading to a phase called “Galarian Expedition: Taken Over.” This shift will feature new Shadow Pokémon, alongside an update to the Galar Calling special research quest, adding layers of excitement for players.
Collection Challenge 1: Pokémon List
One of the first challenges you can tackle during the Galarian Expedition is Collection Challenge 1. Ensure you complete it before Friday, October 11, at 8 PM (local time) to secure your rewards, as they will be lost if missed.
A crucial aspect of this challenge is that five of the specified Pokémon must be obtained through evolution. For instance, players looking to evolve Alakazam can expedite the process by trading for a Kadabra, which reduces the required candy to zero.
Below is the list of Pokémon required for Collection Challenge 1, alongside methods for obtaining them:
- Abra: Found in the wild or via an event-exclusive research task (Explore 1 km)
- Kadabra: Evolve Abra using 25 Abra Candy
- Alakazam: Evolve Kadabra using 100 Abra Candy or trade for a Kadabra to make its candy cost zero
- Spheal: Available in the wild, via an event-exclusive research task (Explore 1 km), or a seasonal field research task (Catch 5 Water or Ground-type Pokémon)
- Sealeo: Evolve Spheal using 25 Spheal Candy
- Walrein: Evolve Sealeo using 100 Spheal Candy
- Foongus: Encountered in the wild or through an event-exclusive research task (Spin 10 PokéStops or Gyms)
- Amoonguss: Evolve Foongus using 25 Foongus Candy
Handsomely, those who complete this Collection Challenge will receive 5000 XP, 20 Ultra Balls, or a chance to encounter Alolan Marowak.
Collection Challenge 2: Pokémon List
Similar to Collection Challenge 1, the second challenge should also be finished before Friday, October 11, at 8 PM (local time). Again, four Pokémon should be acquired through evolution to qualify for this challenge.
Here’s a rundown of what players will need:
- Nidoran Male: Captured in the wild or through an event-exclusive research task (Explore 1 km)
- Nidorino: Evolve Nidoran Male using 25 Nidoran Candy
- Nidoking: Evolve Nidorino using 100 Nidoran Candy
- Nidoran Female: Found in the wild or via an event-exclusive research task (Explore 1 km)
- Nidorina: Evolve Nidoran Female using 25 Nidoran Candy
- Nidoqueen: Evolve Nidorina using 100 Nidoran Candy
- Beldum: Available in the wild or through seasonal field research tasks (Make 2 or 3 Excellent Throws in a row)
- Absol: Encountered in the wild, through an event-exclusive research task (Explore 5 km), or via seasonal field research tasks (Purify 3 Shadow Pokémon)
Completing this challenge yields the same rewards, including 5000 XP, 20 Ultra Balls, or a chance to encounter Aerodactyl.
Engaging Field Research Tasks
During this event, participants can acquire exclusive Galarian Expedition research tasks by spinning PokéStops. While these tasks can be completed after the event concludes, it is beneficial to tackle some during the event for the Pokémon encounters they provide, which can assist you in specific Collection Challenges.
Here are the field research task rewards:
- Explore 1 km: Encounter Nidoran Male, Nidoran Female, Abra, or Spheal
- Explore 5 km: Encounter Chansey or Absol
- Spin 5 PokéStops or Gyms: Receive 20 Poké Balls, 10 Great Balls, or 5 Ultra Balls
- Spin 10 PokéStops or Gyms: Earn 2000 XP, 1000 Stardust, Shinx, or Foongus
Galarian Expedition: Taken Over
The excitement escalates with “Galarian Expedition: Taken Over” taking place from Tuesday, October 8, at 12 AM (local time) until Friday, October 11, at 8 PM (local time). During this segment, Team Rocket Grunts will appear more frequently, and you can utilize a Charged TM to erase the move Frustration from your Shadow Pokémon.
This phase introduces new Shadow Pokémon, and Giovanni will now utilize a Shadow Heatran on his team in the updated Galar Calling special research quest.
New Shadow Pokémon and Raids
In this event, players can look forward to collecting new Shadow Pokémon such as:
- Caterpie: Evolves into Shadow Metapod and Shadow Butterfree
- Mankey: Evolves into Shadow Primeape and Shadow Annihilape
- Roggenrola: Evolves into Shadow Boldore and Shadow Gigalith
- Venipede: Evolves into Shadow Whirlipede and Shadow Scolipede
- Karrablast: Evolves into Shadow Escavalier
- Shelmet: Evolves into Shadow Accelgor
Additionally, participating in one and three-star Shadow Raids features exciting new variations:
| One Star | Three Star |
|---|---|
| Shadow Machop | Shadow Pinsir |
| Shadow Grimer | Shadow Sableye |
| Shadow Exeggcute | Shadow Mawile |
| Shadow Sudowoodo |
Final Thoughts on the Galarian Expedition
The Galarian Expedition runs until Friday, October 11, at 8 PM (local time). Although the event lacks specific bonuses, it features the much-anticipated launch of four shiny Pokémon. Players can find shiny Zamazenta by defeating it in five-star raids, while the shiny Galarian variants of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres can be exclusively found with Daily Adventure Incense.
Those looking to secure an additional Master Ball can purchase the Masterwork Research: Master Ball quest for £7.99, $7.99, or the equivalent amount in local currency. However, this purchase is non-refundable and cannot be bought with PokéCoins.
Expect to encounter several Pokémon more frequently in the wild throughout the event, including:
- Nidoran Male
- Nidoran Female
- Abra
- Magnemite
- Chansey
- Wailmer
- Spheal
- Aron
- Beldum
- Absol
- Shinx
- Foongus
- Emolga
- Dedenne
- Wooloo
Don’t miss the chance to participate in the PokéStop Showcases, and enjoy the adventures that the Galarian Expedition has to offer!