Pokémon GO is getting a crossover with new 'Detective Pikachu Returns!' game

Players can catch Pikachu wearing the signature Detective Pikachu hat!

Anna Bernardo
·Contributor
Updated ·4 min read
Pokemon GO is celebrating the release of Detective Pikachu Returns on Nintendo Switch from 5-9 October. (Photo: Niantic)
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Detective Pikachu makes its comeback in the popular Augmented Reality game Pokémon GO this October!

In celebration of the release of the new Nintendo Switch game, Detective Pikachu Returns, Pokémon GO will be holding an event with the same name from 5 to 9 October.

From 5 October at 10am local time until 9 October 8pm local time, trainers can catch Pikachu wearing the signature Detective Pikachu hat, along with Slowpoke wearing a hat in the wild.

What’s even more exciting is that you get a chance to encounter Shiny ones too!

This is the second time Detective Pikachu is making an appearance in-game, with the first event debuting in 2019 when the Detective Pikachu movie came out. This involved Detective Pikachu photobombing the trainer’s snapshots, along with Smeargle.

If you’re as excited as we are, here’s everything you need to know, plus a few tips and tricks to make the most out of the event.

Event Bonuses

Take snapshots to encounter a photombombing Detective PIkachu. Trainers also get x2 exp for spinning Pokéstops. (Photo: Niantic)
Take snapshots to encounter a photombombing Detective PIkachu. Trainers also get x2 exp for spinning Pokéstops. (Photo: Niantic)

  • Trainers can relish unexpected run-ins with Pikachu donning its detective hat once every day simply by taking snapshots in-game.

  • 2x XP for spinning Pokéstops during the event

Which Pokémon can I expect to catch during the event?

During the event, you can catch Pikachu with a Detective hat, Slowpoke with a hat, Alolan Exeggutor, Bellosom, Falinks, Chimecho, Magikarp, Cutiefly, Growlithe, Lotad, Ducklett, Xatu, and Bronzor. You can also evolve Detective Pikachu to become Detective Raichu! (Photo: Niantic)
During the event, you can catch Pikachu with a Detective hat, Slowpoke with a hat, Alolan Exeggutor, Bellosom, Falinks, Chimecho, Magikarp, Cutiefly, Growlithe, Lotad, Ducklett, Xatu, and Bronzor. You can also evolve Detective Pikachu to become Detective Raichu! (Photo: Niantic)

Probably the most exciting Pokémon you can catch Pikachu wearing a detective hat—especially if you’re a Pikachu costume collector and missed the 2019 event.

You’d want to catch more than one because if you evolve this one, it will turn into Raichu with a detective hat!

Slowpoke wearing a hat will also debut in this event, so you wouldn’t want to miss encountering this one. Sadly, Niantic didn’t confirm if this Pokémon will keep the brown hat if you choose to evolve these to Slowbro and Slowking.

There’s also a high chance for you to encounter Growlithe, the Alolan Exeggutor, Magikarp, Xatu, Bellosom, Lotad, Chimecho, Bronzor, Ducklett, Cutiefly, and Falinks.

Pokémon that can be shiny include Detective Pikachu, Growlithe, Slowpoke wearing a hat, Alolan Exeggutor, Magikarp, Lotad, Chimecho, and Bronzor.

How do I catch a Shiny Detective Pikachu?

The more chances of encountering Pikachu, the more chances of finding a shiny. You can use a lure module or an incense. Electric-type Pokémon also spawn more when it rains. (Photo: Niantic)
The more chances of encountering Pikachu, the more chances of finding a shiny. You can use a lure module or an incense. Electric-type Pokémon also spawn more when it rains. (Photo: Niantic)

While there’s a chance to catch a Shiny Detective Pikachu, most trainers know this is no easy feat. There’s no sure-fire way to catch one at the onset, but you can take note of a few factors to help increase your chances.

Weather is one of the best indicators that might help you. The game has a weather boost feature—which takes real-world weather conditions into account when determining the type of Pokémon that would spawn.

With Pikachu being an electric-type, rainy weather can definitely increase the chances of Pikachu spawning—so with more of them spawning, there’d be more chances for you to encounter a shiny.

If it’s nice and sunny from where you are, no need to panic: you can an incense or a lure module to increase the Pokémon spawning around you as well.

Detective Pikachu Field Research

Complete the field research tasks to get Sudowoodo, Snivy, and Rowlet. (Photo: Niantic)
Complete the field research tasks to get Sudowoodo, Snivy, and Rowlet. (Photo: Niantic)

There will be Themed Field Research tasks available throughout the event. When you complete these, you can encounter either Sudowoodo, Snivy (Shiny also available) and Rowlet. On top of that, completing this will also help you complete the event-themed Collection challenge.

Event Timed Research

Help Professor Willow track down a
Help Professor Willow track down a "Pokémon of interest." More details on 5 October. (Photo: Niantic)

In this event-timed research, you’re going to help Professor Willow track down a “Pokémon of interest.” Completing the research will guarantee a detective Pikachu encounter.

Not much has been revealed about the tasks just yet, but the task should be completed, and rewards must be claimed before 9 October, 8pm local time.

So get ready to put your detective hats and sneakers on for some great rewards! Happy hunting!

Anna is a freelance writer and photographer. She is a gamer who loves RPGs and platformers, and is a League of Legends geek. She's also a food enthusiast who loves a good cup of black coffee.

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