The game is afoot in Pokémon GO! Celebrate the release of Detective Pikachu Returns on Nintendo Switch during this special Detective Pikachu Returns event that takes place from Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. to Monday, October 9, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
During the event, you’ll help Professor Willow track down a “Pokémon of interest” in a Timed Research story. Complete the required tasks before the event ends to earn an encounter with Pikachu wearing a detective hat. There will also be themed Field Research tasks available that can earn you encounters with the following Pokémon. The Pokémon in italics have a chance of appearing as Shiny Pokémon.
-
Sudowoodo
-
Snivy
-
Rowlet
Below is a list of the Pokémon that will appear more often in the wild during the event. Again, the Pokémon in italics have a chance of appearing as Shiny Pokémon, and you can also obtain Raichu wearing a detective hat by evolving Pikachu wearing a detective hat.
-
Pikachu wearing a detective hat
-
Growlithe
-
Slowpoke wearing a hat
-
Alolan Exeggutor
-
Magikarp
-
Xatu
-
Bellossom
-
Lotad
-
Chimecho
-
Bronzor
-
Ducklett
-
Cutiefly
-
Falinks
By catching certain featured Pokémon for Field Research, you can complete a Collection Challenge. You’ll also earn twice the usual XP for spinning PokéStops during the event. Remember the occasion by taking snapshots—doing so will let you enjoy a once-per-day encounter with Pikachu wearing a detective hat. You can also channel your favorite electrifying detective with the Detective Pikachu Pose for your avatar, which will be available in the in-game store.
Get to investigating, Trainers!