Last week, we had an update to Pokémon GO that added a few new things under the hood, but nothing very noteworthy. However, another new update has begun to hit the app stores in the past several hours, and while the release notes do not portray it as such, it is a big one!
SHADOW POKEMON
Shadow Pokémon have been found in the code. These are a special type of Pokémon seen in the Pokémon Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness spin-offs. Basically, these Pokémon have been corrupted by darkness. Aside from Lugia, Shadow Pokémon do not look any different than their normal forms other than a shadowy aura that surrounds them in Colosseum and XD. These Shadow Pokémon can be purified and returned to their normal forms.
Now, shifting back to Pokémon GO, the following Pokémon have a Shadow form in the code:
It is worth noting that dataminers have not found Shadow forms for Munchlax, Alolan Rattata and Raticate, or the other Hoenn starters. As for why Mudkip and its evolutions are the only non-Kanto Pokémon on this list (excluding Crobat), this may be an indication that Niantic intends to roll out Shadow Pokémon by July's Community Day (which stars Mudkip).
Shadow Pokémon can be purified, just like in Colosseum and XD. It costs Candy and Stardust to purify a Shadow Pokémon, but the amounts of both currencies are unknown.
Now, shifting back to Pokémon GO, the following Pokémon have a Shadow form in the code:
- Bulbasaur
- Ivysaur
- Venusaur
- Charmander
- Charmeleon
- Charizard
- Squirtle
- Wartortle
- Blastoise
- Rattata
- Raticate
- Zubat
- Golbat
- Snorlax
- Dratini
- Dragonair
- Dragonite
- Crobat
- Mudkip
- Marshtomp
- Swampert
It is worth noting that dataminers have not found Shadow forms for Munchlax, Alolan Rattata and Raticate, or the other Hoenn starters. As for why Mudkip and its evolutions are the only non-Kanto Pokémon on this list (excluding Crobat), this may be an indication that Niantic intends to roll out Shadow Pokémon by July's Community Day (which stars Mudkip).
Shadow Pokémon can be purified, just like in Colosseum and XD. It costs Candy and Stardust to purify a Shadow Pokémon, but the amounts of both currencies are unknown.
INVASIONS
After Team Rocket was spotted at Pokémon GO Fest in photobombs, many Trainers thought Niantic was hinting at some future update. And this new patch seems to confirm that theory. v0.147.1 adds code for Invasions, which seem to be takeovers of PokéStops by Team Rocket Grunts.
While the Invasion is active, you'll battle a Team Rocket Grunt that uses a specific type of Pokémon. Like a Raid, it appears you'll encounter a Pokémon after you defeat your opponent. From the code, it appears your encounter will be a Shadow Pokémon.
While the Invasion is active, you'll battle a Team Rocket Grunt that uses a specific type of Pokémon. Like a Raid, it appears you'll encounter a Pokémon after you defeat your opponent. From the code, it appears your encounter will be a Shadow Pokémon.
MISCELLANEOUS
NEW ITEM: A new item called the "Route Maker" has shown up in the code. It is unclear what this item will be used for.
NEW MOVES: Three new moves have shown up in the code: Frustration, Return, and Synchronoise.
NEW BADGES, QUESTS: The code also shows us two new Badges and Field Research tasks for Team Rocket battles and purifying Pokémon.
NEW MOVES: Three new moves have shown up in the code: Frustration, Return, and Synchronoise.
NEW BADGES, QUESTS: The code also shows us two new Badges and Field Research tasks for Team Rocket battles and purifying Pokémon.
Thanks for reading, Trainers!
SOURCE: Chrales, GO Hub Datamine