Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/27/2020

Even though I've broken a certain pattern of posting, that doesn't mean I can't still update on matters of Pokémon Go, and there's this month's event rollup at hand. So last month, I noted that one of the remnant happenings in the last week were to set up for a big month of events; in fact, it's not just big, but Mega, as Mega Evolution was introduced last month, coincidentally on the very same day I made last month's rollup. That is the exact remnant happening that sets up the overarching events in Pokémon Go this month, and now it's time to discuss them.

The first week of the month featured Mega Raids in all their glory. Mega Raids were increased in number and Trainers could battle in them with increased power. It was clearly the time to battle in them as many times as possible, and there was an added incentive: if two million were won worldwide (a "Global Challenge", in effect), Mega Pidgeot can also be battled in Mega Raids, and this did indeed happen - it became available two weeks later. It was at this time Field Research tasks for extra Mega Energy appeared, though they remain a quibble regardless. As an aside, there were more of certain Pokémon related to other big-sized Pokémon and the possibility of a Shiny Lotad for those who didn't partake in its Limited Research ages ago. The focus was still on Mega Raids regardless.

The second into the third weeks of the month focused on using Mega-Evolved Pokémon in certain battle venues. To that end, there was particular emphasis on using and evolving a Mega Beedrill, as Field Research provided ample Beedrill Mega Energy for that purpose. As an extra aid and challenge, a Timed Research became available to reward more of that Mega Energy and focus one on the battles. Other asides that occurred during the time of the event involved a prevalence of Bug Pokémon, different Pokémon used by Team Go Rocket, and the possibility of a Shiny Ledyba. By winning 275 million battles, Mega Houndoom can be battled, but it will still be another two days from today before it appears, so one will have to be patient, especially later on for collecting its Mega Energy.

The fourth into the fifth weeks of the month fielded an emphasis of Mega Evolution and Buddy Pokémon. Snapshots of Buddy Pokémon could result in surprises by species with current Mega availability, all of which could also be Shiny. To facilitate doing lots of things with (Mega-Evolved) Buddy Pokémon, lengths for Poffins and Mega Evolution were doubled and tripled respectively. As with the previous event part, a Timed Research set provided aid and a challenge, but the latter becomes significant as completing the Timed Research is the key for another set, but that will be pertinent next month. The big asides for this part were big Pokémon appearing all around, including in the wild and raids, as well as the possibility of Shiny Doduo.

Like last month, there were also (and are to be) some remnants. Soon, those who did not pay up for Pokémon Go Fest and obtain Victini through it will be able to get a Special Research for it. Legendary raid bosses for this month rotated on a weekly basis from Heatran to Cresselia to Articuno to Zapdos, each potentially Shiny and providing their own challenges. One event also was just not meant to be: the planned Go Battle Night, which was supposed to be three days ago, was postponed along with all its bonuses. I and Handoyo actually previewed this in the second episode of our podcast, so we had been expecting it to happen, and it didn't. As a final aside, Jessie and James as they appear in balloons are due to leave at the end of the month, so those who have not dealt with them need to deal with them soon; balloons appear more often for a greater chance to encounter them.

Much of the happenings this month were indeed Mega in size in order to herald in one of the most fantastic forms of Pokémon to exist, after its introduction in Pokémon Go earlier last month. The Mega excitement will surely continue, perhaps not at the same scale as its initial introduction, but enough to remain significant. And of course, right now it's only the tip of that iceberg, and future updates will serve to reveal its true scale, certainly with other events in tow to keep Trainers engaged in Mega affairs.

One year ago: 1000 Posts!!!

Two years ago: Meet Meltan

Three years ago: Pokémon Stuff at a Neighborhood Store