Pokémon GO to Welcome Zarude This October

Ready to see the new movie?
Ready to see the new movie? YouTube/Pokémon GO

The upcoming film Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle is scheduled for worldwide release on October 8. It won’t have a theatrical run but will be available on Netflix.

The film takes place in the Forest of Okoya, a Pokémon paradise where outsiders are not allowed. Deep in this jungle lives a Koko, a human boy raised by the Mythical Pokémon Zarude. Because of this, Koko has grown up thinking he is a Pokémon. Learn more about the movie here.

To celebrate the release of this new Pokémon film, the Rogue Monkey Pokémon Zarude is making its debut in Pokémon GO. Trainers have the chance to encounter it by finishing limited-time Special Research. There’s also in-game content based on the movie. Trainers can also look forward to the return of an interesting duo.

Zarude makes its debut in the game through an event that starts October 1 and runs through October 10. During this period, a limited-time Special Research story is available. Trainers need to complete this research line to encounter Zarude, as well as help Professor Willow to learn more about it.

Zarude’s arrival means that the game now has a Dark- and Grass-type Mythical Pokémon. It’s important to remember that while this Special Research can only be obtained during the event period, it can be completed anytime once Trainers have it.

Other details of the event are:

  • Encounter Pokémon related to the movie
    • These Pokémon appear more frequently in the wild:
      • Hoothoot
      • Combee
      • Drilbur
      • Cottonee
      • Dwebble
      • Those lucky enough could encounter a Larvitar.
  • Explorer Pikachu returns to the game and appears in the wild.
    • Trainers lucky enough can encounter the Shiny version.
  • ​Pokémon seen in the movie appear in raids throughout the event:
    • One-Star Raids
      • Explorer Pikachu
      • Larvitar
      • Roggenrola
      • Foongus
      • Rufflet
        • A chance to encounter a Shiny version.
  • Three-Star Raids
    • Lickitung
    • Chansey
    • Pinsir
    • Ludicolo
    • Flygon
  • Jessie and James continue their hijinks from last year’s event.
    • Keep an eye out for them in snapshots, and watch for their Meowth Balloon.
    • Jessie and James appear in their Meowth Balloon until October 15.
  • Get themed Field Research tasks from PokéStops that lead to encounters with Audino, Rufflet, and more.
    • Get a chance to encounter a Shiny Rufflet.
  • ​New free avatar items become available in the Style Shop.
    • These include the Adventure Hat and the Wailmer Water Bottle.

Pokémon GO is available on iOS and Android.

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