Pokémon Go Hoenn Throwback Challenge event guide

Pokémon Go’s Throwback Challenge for the Hoenn region takes place from May 15 until May 22.

Pokémon from the Hoenn region will start spawning more frequently, as well as hatching out of seven kilometer eggs you obtain during this event period. Pikachu with Rayquaza hats will spawn during the event period, adding yet another variation to the “Pikachu in hats” list. Skitty will also be spawning Shiny for the first time during this event.

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Image source: Niantic

Throughout the week, the distance you need to walk to hatch eggs and earn buddy candy will be halved.

There’s also a batch of Field Research tasks players can complete to encounter some Hoenn region Pokémon:

The star feature of this event is the special Throwback Challenge. Completing these tasks will reward you with a Groudon with the move Fire Punch. You’ll also get rewards like Incense and rare Pokémon encounters like Shedinja along the way.

There will be five weeks of challenges, Hoenn being the third. Finishing all five weeks (including the previous weeks’ Kanto tasks and Johto tasks) will reward you with a Genesect.

Hoenn Throwback Challenge Tasks

Step 1 of 9

• Catch 3 grass-, water-, or fire-type Pokémon (10 Poké Balls)
• 5 Rare Candy
• Catch a rock-type Pokémon (500 Stardust)

Reward: Nosepass encounter, 1 Pinap Berry, 2 Razz Berries

Step 2 of 9

• Power up a Pokémon (5 Pinap Berries)
• Make 3 Nice Throws (Lairon encounter)
• Catch a fighting-type Pokémon (500 Stardust)

Reward: Hariyama encounter, 1 Razz Berry, 2 Pinap Berry

Step 3 of 9

• Send a gift to a friend (1 Incense)
• Make 3 curveball throws (Wailmer encounter)
• Catch an electric-type Pokémon (500 Stardust)

Reward: Manectric encounter, 1 Pinap Berry, 2 Razz Berries

Step 4 of 9

• Earn a candy walking with your buddy (Trapinch encounter)
• Catch 3 Pokémon with weather boost (Bagon encounter)
• Catch a fire-type Pokémon (500 Stardust)

Reward: Camerupt encounter, 1 Razz Berry, 2 Pinap Berries

Step 5 of 9

• Make 3 great throws (Shedinja encounter)
• Power up a Pokémon 3 times (10 Great Balls)
• Catch a normal-type Pokémon (500 Stardust)

Reward: Slakoth encounter, 1 Pinap Berry, 2 Razz Berries

Step 6 of 9

• Catch a water-, electric, or bug-type Pokémon (10 Ultra Balls)
• Battle another trainer (Absol encounter)
• Catch a flying-type Pokémon (500 Stardust)

Reward: Swellow encounter, 1 Razz Berry, 2 Pinap Berries

Step 7 of 9

• Catch a ghost-type Pokémon (5 Revives)
• Give your buddy 3 treats (1 Charged TM)
• Catch a psychic-type Pokémon (500 Stardust)

Reward: Claydol encounter, 1 Pinap Berry, 2 Razz Berries

Step 8 of 9

• Take a snapshot of a water-type Pokémon (Clamperl encounter)
• Evolve a Pokémon (1 Star Piece)
• Catch a water-type Pokémon (500 Stardust)

Reward: Sealeo encounter, 1 Razz Berry, 2 Pinap Berries

Step 9 of 9

• 3000 XP
• 3000 XP
• 3000 XP

Reward: Groudon encounter, 10 Rare Candy

Pokémon Go Plus

The Pokémon Go Plus is a small Bluetooth device that lets you enjoy Pokémon Go while you’re on the move and not looking at your smartphone. The device notifies you about events in the game, such as the appearance of a Pokémon nearby using an LED and vibration.

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