Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/28/2023

With only three days left in the month, it becomes time to roll up the events of Pokémon Go in this month before it ends - and as a matter of fact, before this season ends as well, as this is the last month of the season too. The run of events this month may be considered a little predictable as it consists of some repeat events, but what they repeat is also enhanced with some niceties, thus making them not feel like repeats at all. That's something neat to point out in all the events this month.

As in past years, November starts by honoring the deceased with the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) event, which is now part of the global vernacular. On November 1 and 2, spooky and flowery Pokémon took to the wild, Incense and Lure Module encounters, Field Research task rewards, and raids, including last year's cempasúchil (orange flower crown) Duskull family, now complemented by the Cubone family. Bonuses involved extended Incense and Lure Modules to 90 minutes as well as double catch and transfer Candy, the latter exclusive to Central and South America, all complemented by stickers, fashion items, and showcases. It was a festive repeat that was set to bloom further.

In the same vein, the Festival of Lights is also now part of the global vernacular, and this event lit up the world from November 7 to 12. This time, the Tadbulb family joins in the fun with other glowing Pokémon in the wild, 7 km Eggs, Incense encounters, and Field Research task rewards. A Timed Research was available for all to complete along with bonuses of double hatch Stardust and Candy plus extended regular Incense, while India got extra bonuses of a Collection Challenge and double catch Candy, and fashion items and showcases became the complements. The "light of the spirit" was especially evident in this edition.

During the previous event, there was also a sub-event as the Mega Garchomp Raid Day on November 11. As usual, the Pokémon could be raided, with increased Shiny chance, in any Gym with up to five free passes and 10 remote raids. Trainers could also shell out for a ticket rewarding eight more free passes, increased Rare Candy XL chance, and increased XP and Stardust from raids, not to mention a web store and in-game Shop deal. While the event seemed superfluous as Mega Garchomp continued to appear, at least some Trainers could (and should) have taken advantage of it and all the bonuses and had a Mega day... or week, whichever they preferred.

Wildly making a return splash was Fashion Week, from November 15 to 19. New to this edition are Dragonite and the Wooper family in special attire, and they joined other stylish and/or costumed Pokémon - plus Shiny Gothita - in the wild, raids, 5 km Eggs, and Field Research task rewards. A Collection Challenge had Pokémon of certain flair, and the ante could be upped by paying for a Timed Research set. Double catch Candy, increased Candy XL chance, and discounts on fashion items were the bonuses, and new fashion items and showcases became the complements. There was flair (and flare) to be found in certain capacities.

All that was left in November after the above was to repeat the joy of making a Party, and that prompted the Party Up event from November 22 to 27. Select featured Pokémon from events throughout the season, including the Paldean starters, became present in the wild, raids, and Field Research task rewards. A Timed Research set focused on Party Play and had celebratory rewards, while a Special Research set could be purchased to obtain a Master Ball if the Timed Research for it was not finished. More Special Trades, more Candy in trades, and guaranteed Candy XL plus double XP from raids were the bonuses in play, along with showcases and web store and Shop deals. This was essentially a celebratory recap of the entire season.

It's a matter of fact that events can and do repeat in Pokémon Go (and so does this rollup on this very day - see below). But if any of the above events are of any indication, bringing to the table at least a little flourish to keep things from being too same is a very good way of keeping the engagement going - even up to the end of the season, which is what it's all about this month. Even next season, there will be repeats across times, which is both for certain and getting ahead of myself... but that just needs to be dealt with.

Four years ago: Keeping Gratitude in Mind
Six years ago: Journeys and Adventures

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