Every few months, the seasons change into spring, summer, fall, or winter. Inspired by these changes Niantic added Seasons to Pokémon GO back in December 2020. Each Season in the mobile game is three months long and features special events, certain Pokémon appearing more often in the wild (in certain areas and hemispheres), refreshed Egg pool, and more. Instead of being named after the spring, summer, fall, or winter seasons, each Season in Pokémon GO is named after an idea/theme.
For March 2023, a new Season has begun and it’s called Rising Heroes.
What is the Season of Rising Heroes?
The Season of Rising Heroes is Pokémon GO’s 10th in-game Season and starts on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time. During this Season, Niantic will debut Roaming Form Gimmighoul, Regieleki, Regidrago, and possibly more. The XXS and XXL size mechanic is being advertised, now that all Pokémon found in Pokémon GO can be found in those two new sizes.
There will also be a season-long ticketed Time Research.
When is the Season of Rising Heroes?
The Season of Rising Heroes takes place over three months – starting on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 at 10 a.m. and ending on Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time.
What is the focus of the Season of Rising Heroes?
The focus on the Season of Rising Heroes appears to be taking on tough challenges – collecting 999 Gimmighoul Coins to evolve your Roaming Form Gimmighoul into Gholdengo, participating in Elite Raid battles, and more. Also, Professor Willow is the star of the season’s ticketed Time Research and a datamine has shown that Pokémon GO’s Team Leaders may also receive similar treatment (their outfits being available as a costume for your in-game Avatar).
Are there any new features being added during the Season of Rising Heroes?
On the official Season of Rising Heroes site, two new features are listed – 1. Gimmighoul and Gholdengo and 2. Pokémon sizes XXS and XXL. Technically, Gimmighoul and Gholdengo debuted at the end of the previous season (Season of Mythical Wishes) due to the announcement and rollout on Pokémon Day. The Pokémon XXS and XXL size options were also added in during the Season of Mythical Wishes, initially available in some Pokémon, before being available to all Pokémon in Pokémon GO in January 2023.
With the start of the season, it was also announced that Hawlucha would be debuting in Pokémon GO as a regional exclusive.
Pokémon debut: Gimmighoul and Gholdengo
Announced on Pokémon Day (Monday, February 27th, 2023), Roaming Form Gimmighoul is now catchable in Pokémon GO! Similar to connecting your Pokémon GO account to a copy of Pokémon Let’s GO, Eevee or Pikachu!, Trainers will have to connect their Pokémon GO accounts to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. To read up on how to use this feature, you can check out the following guides:
- Roaming Form Gimmighoul and Coin Bag guide
- How to connect Pokémon Scarlet and Violet to Pokémon GO guide
Later this year, Trainers will be able to send their caught Roaming Form Gimmighoul to Pokémon GO and then to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (as this form is uncatchable in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet).
Pokémon Sizes XXS and XXL
The Pokémon size classification was expanded to include XXS and XXL sizing during the Season of Mythical Wishes. As of Tuesday, January 17th, 2023, an official Pokémon GO blog post confirmed that all Pokémon currently available in Pokémon GO are now available in XXS and XXL size classifications.
Size comparisons of XXS (left) to average (center) to XXL (right).
For more information, you can read the blog post from December 2023. There, it goes into more detail about how these new size classifications will be shown on the catch encounter screen, tracking in the Pokédex, and more.
Hawlucha Debuts!
Surprise! Hawlucha is now able in Pokémon GO. There’s a bit of a catch though – this Pokémon is a regional exclusive to Mexico. That said, its regional spawn area is similar to Heracross, so Trainers can also spot Hawlucha in parts of Texas and Florida.
Remote Raid Passes have been nerfed! … Wait a minute?!?
Yes, the rumors are true. As of April 6th, 2023 at 11 a.m. PT | 2 p.m. ET, Niantic implemented various limits and price increases for Remote Raid Passes. The basics are that only 5 Remote Raid Passes can be used per day, though Niantic does note that the number may be increased for special events. Full details about the changes can be found on the official Pokémon GO blog. Needless to say that the change is unwanted and started another #HearUsNiantic campaign.
Kung Fu Tea collaboration
Announced on April 24th, 2023 via the official Pokémon GO blog, Kung Fu Tea shops in the US and Canada will be transformed into Gyms and PokéStops beginning Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023. In-store, discounts will be made available for Pokémon GO Trainers. Plus, more details will be announced later this month. Chances are those details will be about the Team Mystic, Team Valor, and Team Instinct-themed drink cups. You can check out Kung Fu Tea’s official website and social media channels (i.e.: Instagram) for more information.
Shadow Raids courtesy of Team GO Rocket
Spotted in multiple datamines, Shadow Raids are here. They’ll be implemented during the last big event of the Season of Rising Heroes (in the Rising Shadows event). 1-Star, 3-Star, and 5-Star Shadow Raids will be available and feature a variety of Pokémon – notably Shadow Mewtwo in 5-Star Shadow Raids (but only on Saturday, May 27th, 2023 and Sunday, May 28th, 2023).
For more information on Shadow Raids, you can read the dedicated Shadow Raids post on the official Pokémon GO blog and check out our Rising Shadows event guide.
What is the Ticketed Time Research for the Season of Rising Heroes?
During the Season of Rising Heroes, Trainers can purchase a ticketed Time Research Story called Willow’s Wardrobe. Rewards from this season-long Timed Research include a new costume inspired by Professor Willow’s outfit (his new one after returning from an Ultra Wormhole) and a catch encounter with Melmetal that knows Double Iron Bash (Charged Attack). Niantic Support also clarified the following: “Trainers, we’d like to clarify that Trainers who purchase the Ticketed Timed Research: Willow’s Wardrobe will also be able to obtain a Melmetal with Double Iron Bash by evolving Meltan for the duration of Season 10: Rising Heroes.”
The cost of the ticket for Timed Research is US$4.99 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency).
Step 1
- Task: Catch 10 Pokémon
- Reward: Willow’s Goggles
- Task: Catch 20 Pokémon
- Reward: Willow’s Gloves
- Task: Catch 30 Pokémon
- Reward: Willow’s Pants
- Task: Catch 40 Pokémon
- Reward: Willow’s Jacket
- Task: Catch 50 Pokémon
- Reward: Willow’s Boots
- Task: Transfer 30 Pokémon
- Reward: 25 Meltan Candies
- Completion Reward: 1 Melmetal encounter, 809 XP, and 809 Stardust.
Notes:
- The Timed Research: Willow’s Wardrobe must be completed by June 1st, 2023 to collect all rewards.
- Trainers will be able to teach any Melmetal with Double Iron Bash (Charged Attack) by using an Elite Charged TM “in the future”.
What is the Special Research Story for the Season of Rising Heroes?
There are technically two Special Research Stories for the Season of Rising Heroes – Let’s GO! (also referred to as An Everyday Hero) and Grass and Gratitude.
Special Research – Let’s GO! | An Everyday Hero
Prior to the start of the Let’s GO! and Team GO Rocket takeover event, it was announced that on Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time, a seasonal Special Research Story (called An Everyday Hero) would be released to any Trainer that logs into Pokémon GO until Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time. This Special Research will be free and is billed a Trainers will get to “[s]pend some time helping out Professor Willow and see what surprises you discover!”
However, when launched, the Special Research was referred to in-game as Let’s GO! and appears to be tied directly to the Let’s GO! and Team GO Rocket takeover event. Only the first three steps of the Special Research have been released. The remaining steps will be released on Monday, May 22nd, 2023 (the chart below will be updated then). Thanks to a post on the official Pokémon GO blog, we now know that this Special Research will end with giving Trainers a Master Ball.
| Let's GO Special Research | |
|---|---|
| Step 1/6 | Reward |
| Catch 10 Pokémon | 5 Poké Balls |
| Make 10 Curveball Throws | 5 Razz Berries |
| Power up Pokémon 5 times | 1,000 Stardust |
| Completion Rewards | 1,500 XP and Mankey Encounter |
| Step 2/6 | Reward |
| Catch 15 Pokémon | 10 Poké Balls |
| Make 10 Great Throws | 5 Pinap Berries |
| Transfer 20 Pokémon | 5 Great Balls |
| Completion Rewards | 2,000 XP and Meditite Encounter |
| Step 3/6 | Reward |
| Power up Pokémon 10 times | 10 Great Balls |
| Make 7 Great Throws | 1 Lure Module |
| Defeat a Team GO Rocket member (Grunts only) | 3 Revives |
| Completion Rewards | 2,500 XP and Machoke Encounter |
| Step 4/6 | Reward |
| Catch a Pokémon | 500 XP |
| Completion Rewards | 1,000 XP and 1,000 Stardust |
| Step 5/6 | Reward |
| Catch 25 Pokémon | 2,500 Stardust |
| Defeat 3 Team GO Rocket Grunts | 3 Hyper Potions |
| Make 3 Excellent Throws | Galarian Farfetch'd* Encounter |
| Evolve 5 Pokémon | 2,500 Stardust |
| Battle in a Gym 3 times | 5 Revives |
| Completion Rewards | 1 Master Ball, 1,000 XP, and 1,000 Stardust |
| Step 6/6 | Reward |
| Claim Reward! | 10 Ultra Balls |
| Claim Reward! | 2 Silver Pinap Berries |
| Claim Reward! | 1 Star Piece |
| Completion Rewards | 3,000 Stardust and 3,000 XP |
Special Research – Grass and Gratitude
Announced on April 19th, 2023, Niantic is making Shaymin available to all Trainers thanks to a free Special Research Story. It’ll feature Shaymin (Land Forme), who was previously released during Pokémon GO Fest 2022 events in paid Special Research Stories. (Trainers who previously caught Shaymin during the Pokémon GO Fest 2022 Special Research will get to encounter Shaymin again in this new Special Research.) While not strictly tied to the Sustainability Week event, it is being released when this event starts and does have a nature theme to it.
| Grass and Gratitude | |
|---|---|
| Step 1/7 | Reward |
| Take 4 snapshots of your Pokémon | 3 Nanab Berries |
| Spin 9 PokéStops or Gyms | 15 Poké Balls |
| Walk 2 km | Cherubi* Encounter |
| Completion Rewards | 1,000 XP, 500 Stardust, and 1 Mysterious Component |
| Step 2/7 | Reward |
| Take 4 snapshots of wild Grass-type Pokémon | 3 Razz Berries |
| Take 9 snapshots of wild Pokémon | Jumpluff Encounter |
| Take 2 snapshots of wild Flying-type Pokémon | 6 Super Potions |
| Completion Rewards | 1,500 XP, 1,000 Stardust, and 1 Rocket Radar |
| Step 3/7 | Reward |
| Power up Pokémon 22 times | 1 Star Piece |
| Completion Rewards | 2,500 XP, 1,500 Stardust, and 1 Premium Battle Pass (Green) |
| Step 4/7 | Reward |
| Catch 4 Grass-type Pokémon | Leafeon Encounter |
| Catch 9 Pokémon | 15 Great Balls |
| Catch 2 Flying-type Pokémon | 6 Hyper Potions |
| Completion Rewards | 3,000 XP, 2,000 Stardust, and 2 Golden Razz Berries |
| Step 5/7 | Reward |
| Complete 4 Field Research tasks | 3 Pinap Berries |
| Earn 9 hearts with your Buddy | 15 Ultra Balls |
| Hatch 2 Eggs | 6 Max Potions |
| Completion Rewards | 5,000 XP, 2,500 Stardust, and 2 Silver Pinap Berries |
| Step 6/7 | Reward |
| Catch 22 different species of Pokémon | 1 Lucky Egg |
| Completion Rewards | 5,000 XP, 2,500 Stardust, and Shaymin Encounter |
| Step 7/7 | Reward |
| Claim Reward! | 22 Shaymin Stickers |
| Claim Reward! | 2,022 XP |
| Claim Reward! | 2,022 Stardust |
| Completion Reward | 25 Shaymin Candies, 1 Incense, and 22 Ultra Balls |
Note: Pokémon marked with an * means that “If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!”
What are the bonuses for the Season of Rising Heroes?
The following bonuses will be active during the entire Season of Rising Heroes:
- Increased damage dealt by Pokémon participating in raids remotely
- Team GO Rocket will appear more frequently at PokéStops
- Extra Stardust from Team GO Rocket encounters
What Seasonal Pokémon will be appearing in the wild and where?
During the Season of Rising Heroes, the following Pokémon will be appearing more often in the wild in the following areas:
- Cities: Voltorb*, Porygon*, Togetic*, Gardevoir*, Purrloin*, Trubbish*, Elgyem*, and more!
- Forests: Mankey*, Exeggutor, Shuckle*, Zorua, Stunfisk, Formantis, Morelull, and more!
- Mountains: Aerodactyl*, Snorlax*, Whismur*, Mawile*, Aron*, Medicham*, Woobat*, and more!
- Beaches & Water: Psyduck*, Slowpoke*, Hisuian Qwilfish, Mantine*, Lumineon, Frillish*, Goomy, and more!
- Northern Hemisphere: Skarmory*, Swablu*, Snivy*, Tepig*, Oshawott*, Deino*, Helioptile*, and more!
- Southern Hemisphere: Chikorita*, Cyndaquil*, Totodile*, Larvitar*, Scraggy, Alomomola*, Stufful*, and more!
Note: Pokémon marked with an * means that “If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!”
What Pokémon will be hatching from Eggs this Season?
Eggs obtained from PokéStops or through Adventure Sync Rewards (weekly walking milestones that reset each Monday) during the Season of Rising Heroes will contain the following Egg pools:
- 2 km Eggs:
- 1-Egg Rarity: Bellsprout*, Magikarp*, Pichu*, Igglybuff*, Trapinch*, Pikipek, Yungoos*, Fomantis, and Wimpod.
- 2-Egg Rarity: Cottonee*.
- 5 km Eggs:
- 1-Egg Rarity: Machop*, Tyrogue*, Chingling*, and Mareanie.
- 2-Egg Rarity: Gligar*, Bonsly*, Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio.
- 7 km Eggs:
- 1-Egg Rarity: Galarian Meowth*, Galarian Stunfisk*, and Hisuian Voltorb.
- 2-Egg Rarity: Alolan Meowth*, Alolan Farfetch’d*, Galarian Ponyta*, and Hisuian Qwilfish.
- 3-Egg Rarity: Alolan Vulpix*, Galarian Slowpoke, and Hisuian Sneasel.
- 4-Egg Rarity: Galarian Zigzagoon* and Hisuian Growlithe.
- 5-Egg Rarity: Galarian Darumaka*.
- 10 km Eggs:
- 1-Egg Rarity: Tirtouga*, Archen*, Rockfuff*, and Togedemaru.
- 2-Egg Rarity: Axew*, Tyrunt, and Amaura.
- 3-Egg Rarity: Riolu*, Goomy, and Jangmo-o.
- 5 km Eggs from Adventure Sync Rewards: Shinx*, Cranidos*, Shieldon*, Happiny*, Frillish (male shown)*, and more!
- 10 km Eggs from Adventure Sync Rewards: Dratini*, Beldum*, Gible*, Goomy, Rockruff*, and more!
Note: Pokémon marked with an * means that “If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!”
What Pokémon will be appearing in Raids this Season?
Currently, we know that the following Pokémon will be appearing in Raids during the Season of Rising Heroes:
March 2023
- 1-Star Raids:
- Swinub*, Sudowoodo*, Cranidos*, Dwebble*, and Nosepass* (Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 to Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Espurr*, Rockruff*, Mareanie*, and Bruxish (Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time)
- Charmander*, Growlithe*, Ponyta*, Torchic*, and Numel* (Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 at 8 p.m. to Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Mareep*, Vanillite, Emolga, Cubchoo*, and Dedenne* (Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Slowpoke*, Gastly*, Sneasel*, Woobat*, and Litwick* (Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time to Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- 3-Star Raids:
- Alolan Graveler, Golbat, Jolteon, and Staraptor (Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 to ??? at ? a.m. your local time)
- Exeggutor, Alolan Exeggutor*, Cryogonal, and Druddigon* (Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time)
- Alolan Graveler*, Alolan Marowak*, Rhydon, and Omastar (Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 at 8 p.m. to Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Raichu, Dewgong, Piloswine, and Eelektrik (Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Kadabra, Gardevoir*, Grumpig, and Braviary (Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time to Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- 4-Star Raids:
- Slowpoke* and Galarian Slowpoke* (Saturday, March 18th, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. your local time)
- 5-Star Raids:
- Tornadus (Incarnate Forme)* (Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Ho-Oh* (Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Thundurus (Incarnate Forme)* (Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Lugia* (Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Monday, April 10th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Mega Raids:
- Mega Charizard Y* (Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Mega Medicham* (Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Mega Venusaur* (Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Mega Alakazam* (Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Monday, April 10th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Elite Raids:
- Regidrago (Saturday, March 11th, 2023 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. your local time)
- Regidrago (Sunday, March 12th, 2023 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. for GMT +13 timezone only)
April 2023
- 1-Star Raids:
- Slowpoke*, Gastly*, Sneasel*, Woobat*, and Litwick* (Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time to Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Costumed Pikachu*, Jigglypuff*, Costumed Eevee*, and Cutiefly (Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Monday, April 10th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time)
- Seel*, Tangela*, Lotad*, Spheal*, and Snover* (Monday, April 10th, 2023 at 8 p.m. to Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Ekans*, Snubbull*, Stunky, Venipede*, Swirlix* (Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- 3-Star Raids:
- Kadabra, Gardevoir*, Grumpig, and Braviary (Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time to Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Exeggutor, Alolan Exeggutor*, Costumed Chansey*, and Costumed Togetic* (Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Monday, April 10th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time)
- Nidoqueen, Marowak, Hippowdon, and Golurk (Monday, April 10th, 2023 at 8 p.m. to Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Vileplume, Victreebel, Muk, and Whimsicott (Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- 4-Star Raids:
- Togetic* (Saturday, April 15th, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. your local time)
- 5-Star Raids:
- Lugia* (Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 to Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Landorus (Incarnate Forme)* (Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Tapu Bulu* (Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Mega Raids:
- Mega Alakazam* (Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 to Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Mega Lopunny* (Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Mega Blastoise* (Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Mega Slowbrow* (Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Elite Raids:
- Regieleki (Sunday, April 9th, 2023 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. your local time)
Note: Dates listed in bold are new, updated start or end times. The official Pokémon GO social media accounts announced different dates in the March Content Update infographic and changed them in the April Content Update infographic.
May 2023
- 1-Star Raids:
- Ekans*, Snubbull*, Stunky, Venipede*, Swirlix* (Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Ledyba*, Shuckle*, Dwebble*, Joltik, and Grubbin (Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Hisuian Growlithe, Galarian Ponyta*, and Hoothoot* (Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time)
- Clefairy*, Tentacool, Marill*, Skrelp, and Popplio (Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 at 8 p.m. to Sunday, May 28th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time)
- 1-Star Shadow Raids:
- Shadow Poliwag*, Shadow Machop*, Shadow Bellsprout*, and Shadow Beldum* (Monday, May 22nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Sunday, May 28th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time)
- 3-Star Raids:
- Vileplume, Victreebel, Muk, and Whimsicott (Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Ninjask, Mawile*, Excadrill, and Fletchinder (Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Kleavor* (Saturday, May 6th, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. your local time)
- Galarian Stunfisk*, Druddigon*, Hisuian Braviary*, and Hisuian Avalugg* (Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time)
- Magneton, Lapras*, Mawile*, and Empoleon (Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 at 8 p.m. to Sunday, May 28th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time)
- 3-Star Shadow Raids:
- Shadow Bayleef, Shadow Quilava, Shadow Croconaw, and Shadow Sneasel* (Monday, May 22nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Sunday, May 28th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time)
- 4-Star Raids:
- Braixen (Sunday, May 21st, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. your local time)
- 5-Star Raids:
- Tapu Bulu* (Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Genesect (Shock Drive)* (Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Tapu Fini* (Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Regigigas* (Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- 5-Star Shadow Raids:
- Shadow Mewtwo* (Saturday, May 27th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Sunday, May 28th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time)
- Mega Raids:
- Mega Slowbrow* (Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Mega Scizor* (Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Mega Pinsir* (Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Mega Altaria* (Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 10 a.m. your local time)
- Elite Raids:
- Regidrago (Saturday, May 13th, 2023 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. your local time)
Notes:
- Pokémon marked with an * means that “If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!”
- Saturday, May 27th, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. your local time, all Raids will be Shadow Raids (either 1-Star, 3-Star, or 5-Star).
What events are happening in March 2023?
All events for March 2023 have been announced. Here’s what’ll be happening in March 2023:
- Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, March 7th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time – Hawlucha’s Debut event (exclusive to Mexico): Hawlucha is now available in Pokémon GO as a regional exclusive. To celebrate, Trainers in Mexico can take part in a special Timed Research Story and more.
- Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 at 1 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. ET (GMT −8) until Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 1 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. ET (GMT −7) – March 2023 Research Breakthrough: Parasect, Pinsir, Snorlax, Gible, Furfrou, and Goomy
- Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Torandus (Incarnate Forme)
- Sunday, March 5th, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. your local time – Catch Mastery event: An event dedicated to Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, Hitmontop, and Tyrogue. Shiny rates for these Pokémon will be boosted.
- Tuesday, March 7th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Eevee
- Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time – Festival of Colors: The Festival of Colors event returns for 2023! Mega Medicham and Bruxish debut.
- Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Ho-Oh
- Saturday, March 11th, 2023 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. your local time – Elite Raid Day (featuring Regidrago): Gather your friends to take on Elite Raids! Regidrago will star in this one. Timed Research will also be made available to Trainers that complete an Elite Raid.
- Sunday, March 12th, 2023 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. for GMT +13 timezone ONLY – Elite Raid Day (featuring Regidrago) makeup event: Due to errors in the GMT +13 timezone that prevent Trainers from battling in Elite Raid Battles and catching Regidrago, a makeup event of Elite Raids will take place the following day.
- Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Rowlet
- Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Ho-Oh
- Saturday, March 18th, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. your local time – March Community Day featuring Slowpoke and Galarian Slowpoke: The first Community Day event for the Season of Rising Heroes! It’s another double feature event, this time with Slowpoke and Galarian Slowpoke in the spotlight.
- Saturday, March 18th, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. your local time – Bonus Raid Battles after Community Day: Slowpoke and Galarian Slowpoke will appear in special Four-Star Raids after Community Day’s 3-hour block. Defeating Slowpoke and Galarian Slowpoke will cause more Slowpoke and/or Galarian Slowpoke to spawn nearby for 30 minutes afterward (it depends on which Slowpoke variant you defeated in the Raid)!
- Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time – Let’s GO!: The Mystery Box featuring Meltan will have boosted spawns of Meltan that are XXS and XXL, plus the chance of ’em being shiny! Ditto’s transformation pool is also getting a shake-up. Pansage, Pansear, and Panpour will ignore their region-exclusive zones for a bit and appear worldwide instead.
- Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Litten
- Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Thundurus (Incarnate Forme)
- Saturday, March 25th, 2023 from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. your local time – GO Battle Day: Palmer: A GO Battle Day that will feature a free Timed Research that will give Trainers gloves from the Palmer-inspired Avatar Item set.
- Saturday, March 25th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time – Team GO Rocket takeover event: Team GO Rocket is starting their takeover a bit early this Season. Giovanni will be battling with Shadow Regice and Team GO Rocket Leaders and Grunts will be battling with different Shadow Pokémon too!
- Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Popplio
- Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Lugia
What events are happening in April 2023?
All events for April 2023 have been announced, but more could be revealed (or makeup events scheduled due to errors). Based on currently available information, here’s what’ll be happening in April 2023:
- Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 at 1 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. ET (GMT −8) until Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 1 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. ET (GMT −7) – April 2023 Research Breakthrough: Parasect, Pinsir, Snorlax, Gible, Furfrou, and Goomy
- Saturday, April 1st, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Pidgey Pandemonium event (April Fools’ Day event): For this year’s April Fools’ Day, it’s a Pidgey invasion in Pokémon GO.
- Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Monday, April 10th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time – Spring into Spring: The yearly spring and Easter-inspired event returns. Get ready for the spotlight to be shown on Cuteifly, some new spring-themed Costumed Pokémon, and more.
- Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Exeggcute
- Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Lugia
- Sunday, April 9th, 2023 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. your local time – Elite Raid Day (featuring Regieleki): Gather your friends to take on Elite Raids! Regieleki will star in this one.
- Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Shellder
- Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Landorus (Incarnate Forme)
- Thursday, April 13th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time – A Mystic Hero: Team Mystic Leader Blanche has a request for aiding in their research. Trainers can get XP bonuses from evolving Pokémon, as well as get a Costumed Lapras from a Special Research Story.
- Saturday, April 15th, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. your local time – April 2023 Community Day featuring Togetic: It’s true – Togetic will be the star of April 2023’s Community Day event. Free Timed Research will be available so Trainers can have enough Sinnoh Stones to evolve Togetic into Togekiss!
- Saturday, April 15th, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. your local time – Bonus Raid Battles after Community Day: Togetic will appear in special Four-Star Raids after Community Day’s 3-hour block. Defeating Togetic will cause more Togetic to spawn nearby for 30 minutes afterward!
- Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Trapinch
- Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Tapu Bulu
- Thursday, April 20th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time – Sustainability Week: Celebrating Earth Day, the Sustainability event returns! Bounsweet also debuts.
- Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. your local time – Stunfisk Limited Research Day: A Limited Research Day that’s all about Stunfisk and Galarian Stunfisk.
- Tuesday, April 25th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Tangela
- Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Tapu Bulu
- Saturday, April 29th, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. your local time – April 2023 Community Day Classic featuring Swinub: Community Day Classic returns! Relive February 2019’s Community Day with the appearance of Swinub.
What events are happening in May 2023?
All events for May 2023 have yet to be announced. Based on currently available information, here’s what’ll be happening in May 2023:
- Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 at 1 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. ET (GMT −8) until Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 1 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. ET (GMT −7) – May 2023 Research Breakthrough: Parasect, Pinsir, Snorlax, Gible, Furfrou, and Goomy
- Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Monday, May 8th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time – An Instinctive Hero: Team Instinct Leader Spark will have his own event! Just like the A Mystic Hero event, there will be a special Costumed Pokémon and a Special Research Story. This time it’s Elekid wearing a Spark-themed accessory. Larvesta also debuts in Pokémon GO.
- Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Alolan Geodude
- Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Genesect (Shock Drive)
- Saturday, May 6th, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. your local time – Kleavor Raid Day: Hailing from the Hisui region (Pokémon Legends: Arceus), Kleavor debuts in Pokémon GO! You’ll find ’em in Three-Star Raids during this event.
- Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Ponyta
- Wednesday, May 10th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Tapu Fini
- Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time – A Valorous Hero: Team Valor Leader Candela gets her moment in the spotlight with her own event. This battle-themed event will also include a free Special Research Story. Trainers can complete the Costumed Pokémon Teams Trio with a Ponyta wearing a Candela-themed accessory.
- Saturday, May 13th, 2023 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. your local time – Elite Raid Day (featuring Regidrago) global makeup event: Third time’s the charm? A global Regidrago Elite Raid Day makeup event has been scheduled and will include Time Research (from both Regidrago and Regieleki events). Trainers in the GMT +13 timezone will also get a free bundle of items.
- Sunday, May 14th, 2023 from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. your local time – GO Battle Day: Stardust: Another GO Battle Day, this time focusing on Stardust rewards. A paid Timed Research ticket will be made available.
- Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Bellsprout
- Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Tapu Fini
- Sunday, May 21st, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. your local time – May 2023 Community Day featuring Fennekin: The adorable Fire-type Starter from Kalos is May’s Community Day Pokémon! You’ll find a plethora of Fennekin in the wild (and Shiny boosted) during this event.
- Sunday, May 21st, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. your local time – Bonus Raid Battles after Community Day: Braixen will appear in special Four-Star Raids after Community Day’s 3-hour block. Defeating Braixen in these Raids will cause Fennekin to spawn nearby in the wild for 30 minutes afterward!
- Monday, May 22nd, 2023 at 10 a.m. to Sunday, May 28th, 2023 at 8 p.m. your local time – Rising Shadows: Team GO Rocket has taken over Gyms with their Shadow Pokémon. Trainers can now participate in Shadow Raids and get specific Shadow Pokémon (like Shadow Mewtwo, which will Shiny debut too). Season of Rising Heroes’ season-long Special Research will also continue with the last few steps finally released.
- Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Skorupi
- Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Regigigas
- Saturday, May 27th, 2023 and Sunday, May 28th, 2023 – Shadow Raid takeover: Only Shadow Raids will be happening in Gyms across the world and Shadow Mewtwo will be available to battle (and catch) in 5-Star Shadow Raids.
- Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Spotlight Hour: Houndour
- Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. your local time – Raid Hour: Regigigas
Are there any special Stickers for the Season of Rising Heroes?
Themed Stickers that feature Cherrim (Sunshine Form), Lilligant, Pikachu, Bellossom, Lurantis, Spring Deerling, Spring Swasbuck, and Combee will be released during the Season of Rising Heroes. You can get them from spinning PokéStops and/or Gyms, opening Gifts (from Friends and/or your Buddy Pokémon), and purchasing them for PokéCoins via the in-game shop.
More Pokémon GO guides
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Written by Jennifer Burch
Illustrator, designer, writer and big Nintendo geek, you can find Jennifer with an N3DS within reach 24/7. As the oldest of three, she has survived many Mario Party, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart sessions intact in addition to getting her brothers hooked on some really weird games. (Cubivore anyone?)
