Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 12/27/2020

Before wrapping up the year, it would be wise to wrap up what Pokémon Go had in store for this month in all its events, as I am wont to do now. Befitting the first month of the season of Celebration, the events of this month are celebratory in nature, whether evidently or secretly (in one case, literally). And yet, things still fall on hard times, and even in some cases and areas, they may even be harder times. This month still demands some celebration at the very least, so that remains in order even with the events here, and so they went.

Early this month, there was a week-long event called the Kalos Celebration. The event is simple and obvious: it was to welcome the recently introduced Pokémon of the sixth generation who hail from the Kalos region. More of them appeared in the wild, in raids, and in Eggs, after which they returned to normal distribution. To complement these increased appearances, certain Research tasks also rewarded Mega Energy for certain species, which is appropriate considering that they debuted at the same time. It couldn't have been any simpler, and in some ways it was also necessary and welcoming for the newest Pokémon to grace Pokémon Go.

For a 24-hour period from December 10 to 12, depending on where a Trainer lived, there was a short but significant event called "Wooper Watch"... but it's more appropriately called the Game Awards event, because it was held to celebrate this particular awards ceremony. Half of the event focused on catching Pokémon, as Incense became more effective and more Stardust could be earned, while the other half was focused on Team Go Rocket, as the Shadow Pokémon gotten from them could have their Frustration move be forgotten and the Grunts came about more often at PokéStops and in balloons. As predicted by the event title, Wooper took central stage, even possibly becoming Shiny or Shadow. The ceremony might not have been something that everyone watched, but everyone could take advantage of the celebration that ensued along with the ceremony.

As I noted above, one event is secretly celebratory, and that would be the "Secrets of the Jungle" event that took place over the week from December 14. It is exactly that, because the part in quotes is the subtitle of the Pokémon feature film or movie due out this year, at least in Japan. This bit requires explanation at some other point in time, but the event can be said to follow the movie, more or less. The key part is a Special Research set that rewards a Shiny Celebi. Also on tap were Pokémon found in the movie appearing over three days, and another costumed form of Pikachu, called Explorer Pikachu, throughout the event; plus, Jessie and James returned not only in their balloon, but also to guide the Special Research, a novel first. It was a total celebration of the movie even if the event didn't say it as such, and the Shiny Celebi reward should have been the most lucrative part.

Then, there is the Holiday Event as the familiar standby event of this time of year, for which this year's edition started five days ago and will end at the end of the month of the year. Ice-type Pokémon become predominant, including the debut of the Vanillite family and Shiny Jynx, as well as different costumed forms of Pikachu, Cubchoo, and Delibird. Novelties are abound this year with different bonuses on different days (no free Incubators, sadly), new stickers, new Shop content, and temporarily increased Gift limits. The Winter Weekend from last year also returned yesterday and today, but on a somewhat reduced scale, featuring just Regice in raids and certain Ice-type Pokémon attracted to Incense. The celebration had to be maintained relevant in a number of ways even now.

With the above events, that just about wraps it up for December and this strange year in Pokémon Go and otherwise. There is nothing quite like a celebration, especially at this time of year, though it may have to be subdued in light of this year. If anything, it may be considered that the celebrations are to maintain joy in the hearts of Trainers, which someone said could be a very important thing. Beyond hard times, there is still a bit of fun to be had with the events, and through it, it may just celebrate hope for better times.

One year ago: Pokémon and the Furry Fandom

Two years ago: A Tripartite Conversation

Three years ago: I Can Hear Your Voice