1. V0.79.2: clientside code for gen 3 finalized & new bug fixes
Dataminers have found some very interesting code in the latest update to Pokémon GO!
GEN 3 & HALLOWEEN EVENT: The sound files for the new Pokémon, the last required code for the APK, has been added. This means that once the GAME_MASTER file is updated with movesets, Generation 3 will be ready to launch. No new moves or Evolution Items were added, but they were never "required." That said, with Niantic only acknowledging bug fixes in the release notes, we would not be surprised if Niantic released one more update containing the final Gen 3 features that they want to add later on this week. There is also a new badge for catching Hoenn-region Pokémon.
The Halloween Event for 2017 now has a designation in the code, hinting that we may get a special Pikachu or other costumed variant. A new music for the event's nighttime was also added to increase the spooky experience. Finally, a new Halloween loading screen was added for this year, featuring third-generation Ghost-types (such as Duskull and Sableye).
RAIDS: There is now code to send alerts if an EX Raid gets cancelled. Niantic does have to take location and crowd size into consideration when hosting an EX Raid, so we'll need a warning system in case Niantic as to call off one. There is also new code that will help with the debugging of the Raid lobby counter.
MISCELLANEOUS FIXES: Tweaks were made to the AR feature and Promo Code feature. This could be a preparation for the AR Playground feature for iOS and the reward box finally coming to iOS devices. There is also a new anti-cheat feature that should make a dent in spoofing and tracking services.
GEN 3 & HALLOWEEN EVENT: The sound files for the new Pokémon, the last required code for the APK, has been added. This means that once the GAME_MASTER file is updated with movesets, Generation 3 will be ready to launch. No new moves or Evolution Items were added, but they were never "required." That said, with Niantic only acknowledging bug fixes in the release notes, we would not be surprised if Niantic released one more update containing the final Gen 3 features that they want to add later on this week. There is also a new badge for catching Hoenn-region Pokémon.
The Halloween Event for 2017 now has a designation in the code, hinting that we may get a special Pikachu or other costumed variant. A new music for the event's nighttime was also added to increase the spooky experience. Finally, a new Halloween loading screen was added for this year, featuring third-generation Ghost-types (such as Duskull and Sableye).
RAIDS: There is now code to send alerts if an EX Raid gets cancelled. Niantic does have to take location and crowd size into consideration when hosting an EX Raid, so we'll need a warning system in case Niantic as to call off one. There is also new code that will help with the debugging of the Raid lobby counter.
MISCELLANEOUS FIXES: Tweaks were made to the AR feature and Promo Code feature. This could be a preparation for the AR Playground feature for iOS and the reward box finally coming to iOS devices. There is also a new anti-cheat feature that should make a dent in spoofing and tracking services.
2. Niantic ceo: Generation 3 next up and PVP in 2018
John Hanke, the CEO of Niantic, did an interview with a Taiwanese media outlet this week and revealed some very exciting information! Hanke revealed that Generation 3 will be the next major update (further confirmation of the news from the latest update), and will be released sometime soon! He also said something about a battle-system update. Because the translations from Chinese, we are not exactly sure what Hanke meant, but he did say that a battle-system update and / or player-versus-player battles will be launching in 2018!
3. EX Raid update: leak debunked and testing not over
Niantic officials have given us updates on the future of EX Raids on social media this week. Regarding the Ho-Oh leak, officials debunked the authenticity of it. That said, they never denied that they plan to release Ho-Oh in December. We'll see what happens during the holiday season. Regarding EX Raid testing, Niantic says they have not finished. We may have not seen Mewtwo Raids in the past two weeks, but we can expect more in the near future.
4. The ar photo contest on instagram
The AR Photo Contest for Pokémon GO is now ongoing. The competition is put on by Niantic to allow ten Trainers to win a GO Plus, Bluetooth earbuds, and a signed poster. For the full list of rules, visit pokemongolive.com.
5. Ultra sun & Ultra moon: New Z-Moves and Rotom Dex functionality
Another trailer was released for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon on Thursday. On top of that, there was a leak regarding a new Z-Move for Mimikyu!
TYPINGS AND A NEW MOVE FOR THE NECROZMA FORMS: The typings for Dusk Mane and Dawn Wings Necrozma have been revealed! Dusk Mane Necrozma shares Solgaleo's Psychic-and-Steel-typing. Dawn Wings Necrozma shares Lunala's Psychic-and-Ghost-typing. The two new moves also have access to the Prism Armor Ability and a powerful new Psychic-type move known as Photon Geyser.
SEARING SUNRAZE SMASH: This is the first of two exclusive Z-Moves revealed in the trailer. Bonded to Sunsteel Strike, a Solgaleo or Dusk Mane Necrozma can use this new Steel-type Z-Move when holding a Solaglium-Z. The new Z-Move ignores the effect of the opponent's Ability.
MENACING MOONRAZE MAELSTROM: This is the final of the new Z-Moves that was revealed in the latest trailer. Bonded to Mooniest Beam, a Lunala or Dawn Wings Necrozma can use this new Ghost-type Z-Move when holding a Lunalium-Z. As with the last Z-Move, the target's Ability does not come into consideration.
NEW POWERS IN YOUR ROTOM DEX: The Rotom Dex has got some new functionality! You can befriend your living Pokédex to unlock special powers (very similar to O Powers from Gen 6) through the Roto Loto feature. One such power is the ability to use multiple Z-Moves in a battle. From what we have seen, this feature will be exclusive to the storyline and not able to be used in competitive play.
A NEW Z-MOVE FOR MIMIKYU: From a leak of merchandise, we know that Mimikyu will have its own exclusive Z-Move. We are awaiting a new trailer for the specific effects of this move. Mimikyu is already very overpowered and widely used, so lets hope this new Z-Move isn't too broken!
TYPINGS AND A NEW MOVE FOR THE NECROZMA FORMS: The typings for Dusk Mane and Dawn Wings Necrozma have been revealed! Dusk Mane Necrozma shares Solgaleo's Psychic-and-Steel-typing. Dawn Wings Necrozma shares Lunala's Psychic-and-Ghost-typing. The two new moves also have access to the Prism Armor Ability and a powerful new Psychic-type move known as Photon Geyser.
SEARING SUNRAZE SMASH: This is the first of two exclusive Z-Moves revealed in the trailer. Bonded to Sunsteel Strike, a Solgaleo or Dusk Mane Necrozma can use this new Steel-type Z-Move when holding a Solaglium-Z. The new Z-Move ignores the effect of the opponent's Ability.
MENACING MOONRAZE MAELSTROM: This is the final of the new Z-Moves that was revealed in the latest trailer. Bonded to Mooniest Beam, a Lunala or Dawn Wings Necrozma can use this new Ghost-type Z-Move when holding a Lunalium-Z. As with the last Z-Move, the target's Ability does not come into consideration.
NEW POWERS IN YOUR ROTOM DEX: The Rotom Dex has got some new functionality! You can befriend your living Pokédex to unlock special powers (very similar to O Powers from Gen 6) through the Roto Loto feature. One such power is the ability to use multiple Z-Moves in a battle. From what we have seen, this feature will be exclusive to the storyline and not able to be used in competitive play.
A NEW Z-MOVE FOR MIMIKYU: From a leak of merchandise, we know that Mimikyu will have its own exclusive Z-Move. We are awaiting a new trailer for the specific effects of this move. Mimikyu is already very overpowered and widely used, so lets hope this new Z-Move isn't too broken!
6. PNN update for the week ahead
Time for a look ahead into aspects of the Pokémon community!
GENERATION 3 AND HALLOWEEN: Stay tuned in the upcoming week for official details about the release of Generation 3 and / or the Halloween 2017 event! We're expecting some sort of news!
In the meantime, look back at some of last week's articles if you missed them! We have theorized about how Deoxys would work in Pokémon GO and what you need to do to prepare for the new generation.
ULTRA SUN & ULTRA MOON: The Pokémon Company seems to be back on weekly trailers. Because of this, we are expecting one soon. We'll definitely see some information about Mimikyu's new Z-Move. We wouldn't be surprised if we see some other Pokémon (possibly Tsareena, Lurantis, Togedemaru, Silvally, Heatmor, and / or Bewear) to get an exclusive Z-Move revealed alongside Mimikyu's. And if we are to receive any new regional variants (which seems incredibly unlikely at this point), we could see them now, especially when the hype around Generation 3 in Pokémon GO is strong.
AHEAD ON PNN: We'll be exploring the new Generation 3 Pokémon soon with in-depth guides once they are released. We are also going to be publishing an article this week on the possibility of Legendaries ruining Pokémon GO. We hope you stay tuned!
GENERATION 3 AND HALLOWEEN: Stay tuned in the upcoming week for official details about the release of Generation 3 and / or the Halloween 2017 event! We're expecting some sort of news!
In the meantime, look back at some of last week's articles if you missed them! We have theorized about how Deoxys would work in Pokémon GO and what you need to do to prepare for the new generation.
ULTRA SUN & ULTRA MOON: The Pokémon Company seems to be back on weekly trailers. Because of this, we are expecting one soon. We'll definitely see some information about Mimikyu's new Z-Move. We wouldn't be surprised if we see some other Pokémon (possibly Tsareena, Lurantis, Togedemaru, Silvally, Heatmor, and / or Bewear) to get an exclusive Z-Move revealed alongside Mimikyu's. And if we are to receive any new regional variants (which seems incredibly unlikely at this point), we could see them now, especially when the hype around Generation 3 in Pokémon GO is strong.
AHEAD ON PNN: We'll be exploring the new Generation 3 Pokémon soon with in-depth guides once they are released. We are also going to be publishing an article this week on the possibility of Legendaries ruining Pokémon GO. We hope you stay tuned!
SOURCES: The Silph Road, Serebii.net