Befitting today’s Friday the 13th, Niantic has announced the first part of Pokémon GO Halloween event for 2023, including the app’s debut of a new Pokémon and a shiny variant!

The Generation 9 Ghost-type Pokémon Greavard and its evolution Houndstone will make its first appearance for the game, making them the 26th and 27th Pokemon from the Paldea region in Pokémon GO. Additionally, the Pokémon Phantump will have its shiny version debut. Other Ghost, Poison and Dark-type Pokémon will have increased spawn rates during the event. 

Besides the new Pokémon, the world of Pokémon GO aesthetics will transform to celebrate the spooky occasion. A remix of the infamous Lavender Town song will be background music, PokéStops and Gyms will be creepily decorated, and players will have new customizations to purchase at the in-game store. 

For activities, there will be free event-themed Timed Research for players to pursue. One revolves around catching Ghost-themed Pokémon, players will be rewarded with Houndstone encounters and Stardust. The other focuses on the Ghost-type Pokémon Spiritomb and its 108 spirits. Players who complete those tasks will receive encounters with Spiritomb and other Ghost-type Pokémon, potentially earning a shiny Spiritomb!

There will also be paid event-themed Timed Research as well. Titled “Ticket of Treats,” this research’s rewards include two Incubators, an avatar pose inspired by Halloween, and additional encounters with Phantump, meaning more chances to catch that new shiny!

Lastly, Pokémon GO has teamed up with Amazon Prime Gaming for even more Timed Research! From October 16, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. PDT to November 17, 2023, 9:59 A.M. PST, Amazon Prime Gaming Members can claim the research. Completing it will give early access to the Greavard Wig avatar item. 

The rest of these festivities will start October 19, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. PST. As this is only the first part of the two part Halloween event, Pokémon GO  players can expect even more fun in the coming weeks.