Niantic has announce that they will build upon Trainer Battles, the current form of PvP battling that exists within Pokémon GO now and a new feature called the GO Battle League will be released in early 2020.

Coming 2020: GO Battle League

Trainers, Battling has been a core part of the Pokémon universe since the very beginning. We’re excited to announce the development of a feature that will build upon Trainer Battles, the current form of player vs. player battling that exists within Pokémon GO. This feature will be called GO Battle League.

Like many Pokémon GO features, GO Battle League will encourage players to get out and explore the world with Pokémon. Trainers will be able to walk in order to earn entry into the GO Battle League, then battle opponents from around the globe through an online matching system and rise in the ranks of the league. We hope this feature will make the Pokémon GO battling experience more competitive and accessible to more Trainers.

GO Battle League is slated for release in early 2020. We’ll be sharing more details in a special Dev Insights video soon. Stay tuned, Trainers!

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/gobattleleague-announcement

The Pokémon Masters website has revealed details of two new updates. The Elesa Spotlight Scout takes place from October 16th, 2019 until October 30th, 2019 while the Pryce EX Challenge has been added to the training area as of October 16th, 2019.

Elesa Spotlight Scout - Scout Period:

10/16/2019 at 11:00 p.m. – 10/30/2019 at 10:59 p.m.

Increased chance to scout newly released Elesa! Elesa Spotlight Scout! 5★ Elesa & Zebstrika now available to scout! To celebrate their release, this sync pair will be featured for a limited time. Featured sync pairs have a higher chance of appearing than other 5★ sync pairs.

About Elesa & Zebstrika

This Gym Leader from Unova puts it all on the line with Wild Charge!

Scout Period:

10/16/2019 at 11:00 p.m. – 10/30/2019 at 10:59 p.m.

Important

• Sync pairs other than the one mentioned above may appear.
• The scout period and its content are subject to change without notice.
• To check the offering rates of sync pairs, go to the offering rate section on the sync pair scout screen.
• Please read the notes section under offering rate on the sync pair scout screen before using the feature.

Source: https://pokemonmasters-game.com/en-US/announcements/Gacha_M2_W3_1

Pryce EX Challenge

Pryce now appearing in the training area! Take on super difficult bosses! Pryce has been added to the training area as of 10/16/2019 at 11:00 p.m.! Opponents in the training area are crazy tough! Use everything you’ve got to win!

Newly Added to Training Area

• EX Challenge: Pryce

Date/Time Added

10/16/2019 at 11:00 p.m.

Available Rewards

• 1★ Electric Pin ×1
• 2★ Electric Pin ×1

Important

• To explore the newly added area, you must have completed co-op: Challenge Cheren & Hilbert &  Hilda (Hard).

Source: https://pokemonmasters-game.com/en-US/announcements/Story_M2_W3_1

Sync Pair Scout Issue and Compensation Plan

Earlier, there was an issue which unintentionally caused the sync pair Elesa & Zebstrika to become available in the game through sync pair scouting, which has since been resolved.

We apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused to players looking forward to obtaining this sync pair and those affected by the emergency maintenance. More details about the issue and how impacted players will be compensated are listed below.

Issue Details

• Certain sync pairs that were not planned to be available unintentionally became obtainable through sync pair scouts.
• Sync pairs that were not planned to be available were not listed on the Offering Rate screen.

Affected Sync Pairs and Sync Pair Scouts

• Featured Type Scout
- Elesa & Zebstrika


• Hilda Spotlight Scout
- Elesa & Zebstrika


• 5★-Guaranteed Launch Celebration Scout
- Blue & Pidgeot
- Lyra & Chikorita
- Hilbert & Oshawott
- Hilda & Tepig
- Elesa & Zebstrika

Time Affected

10/15/2019 at 9:48 p.m. - 10/16/2019 at 4:00 a.m.
We have confirmed that this issue has been resolved.

Cause of the Issue

• When server data was updated at 10/15/2019 at 9:48 p.m. sync pairs listed above were mistakenly included in the available pool of sync pairs.
• The Offering Rate menu is updated based on live server data, but this only refreshes when sync pair scout events update. Since there was no planned adjustment to sync pair scout event data, the Offering Rate menu did not refresh to display the correct rates, but instead showed the rates prior to 10/15/2019 at 9:48 p.m..
• This system was based on the assumption that live sync pair data wasn't going to be updated, so rates wouldn't need to change. As a result, there was a period of time when inaccurate rates were displayed.

Compensation Plan

We will return all paid and non-paid Gems used in the affected sync pair scouts during the affected time period. Players will be allowed to keep sync pairs obtained in the affected sync pair scout. Players should allow up to one week to receive Gem returns.

As additional compensation, all players have been sent 3,000 non-paid Gems. This compensation will be available to redeem in-game from now until 11/16/2019 at 3:30 a.m.

Source: https://pokemonmasters-game.com/en-US/announcements/Other_M2_W3_4

Niantic have announced the details for the 22nd Pokémon GO Community Day which takes place on November 16th, 2019 at 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM EST. The featured Pokémon for this day is Chimchar. Chimchar will appear in the wild more frequently for three hours that day. Trainers who evolve Monferno into Infernape during the Community Day or up to two hours afterward can obtain an Infernape that knows the exclusive move Blast Burn. The 1/4 Egg Hatch Distance and 3-hour Lures bonuses will also be available that day.

Pokémon GO’s November Community Day Features Chimchar and a Special Move

This month’s Pokémon GO Community Day event features Chimchar, and you can get an Infernape that knows a special move.

The Fire-type Chimchar is the hot Pokémon for November's Pokémon GO Community Day, and you'll definitely want to catch as many of this Pokémon as you can during the event. This month's Community Day event will happen on Saturday, November 16, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time.

Chimchar will appear much more frequently in the wild during this time, and if you're lucky, you might even find a Shiny Chimchar! If you evolve Monferno (the Evolution of Chimchar) into Infernape during the event or up to two hours afterward, the Infernape will know a move it can't normally learn. Also during this time, Lure Modules will last for three hours and Eggs will hatch in one quarter of their usual distance.

Check back soon to find out the name of the special move, and have fun on Chimchar Community Day, Trainers!

Sources: https://pokemongolive.com/events/community-day/ and https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-gos-november-community-day-features-chimchar-and-a-special-move/

The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo today revealed the Gigantamax forms of Pikachu, Charizard, Eevee, Meowth, and Butterfree. Gigantamaxing changes a Pokémon’s size, power, and appearance and allows them to use a G-Max Move. Only certain species of Pokémon can Gigantamax—and even among such species, only rare specimens will be able to. Gigantamax Pokémon will appear in the highly anticipated upcoming video games Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, launching on November 15, 2019, exclusively on Nintendo Switch systems. High resolution artwork and screenshots from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

NEW GIGANTAMAX POKÉMON REVEALED IN POKÉMON SWORD AND POKÉMON SHIELD

Gigantamax Forms of Pikachu, Eevee, and More Announced ​​​​​​​


Gigantamax Pikachu
Type: Electric
Height: 68'11"+
Weight: ???
Ability: Static

The electricity generated in the sacs in its cheeks is stored in its tail. In battle, it will strike opponents with its tail and send a jolt of electricity through them as great as any lightning strike. Gigantamax Pikachu has become so powerful that it can produce enough electricity to rival a power plant. However, using this electricity to help power people’s homes seems difficult, as Pikachu can only remain Gigantamaxed for a short time. Electric-type attacks used by Gigantamax Pikachu will change to G-Max Volt Crash, which not only deals damage but also paralyzes all opponents.

Trainers that have play records from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! on their Nintendo Switch system will be able to receive a special Pikachu that can Gigantamax in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.


Gigantamax Charizard
Type: Fire/Flying
Height: 91'10"+
Weight: ???
Ability: Blaze

The flames inside its body have become stronger, and now fire erupts from its mouth and horns in addition to its tail. It seems that the strength of the flames increases when Gigantamax Charizard roars. Charizard’s flames have become enhanced with Gigantamax power and now form wings on its back. These wings are hotter than magma, and Charizard can fire them off to scorch its opponents. Fire-type attacks used by Gigantamax Charizard will change to G-Max Wildfire. G-Max Wildfire doesn’t just deal damage to an opponent when it hits—it will also continue to deal damage for four turns to any Pokémon that isn’t Fire type.

Gigantamax Eevee
Type: Normal
Height: 59'1"+
Weight: ???
Ability: Run Away / Adaptability

The fur around its neck has become extra fluffy and luxurious thanks to Gigantamax power. Any opponent caught in this fur becomes enamored with Eevee and loses the will to fight. Gigantamaxing has caused Eevee to become more rambunctious than ever, and it will attempt to play with any opponent. However, it often ends up crushing its opponent due to its massive size. Normal-type attacks used by Gigantamax Eevee will change to G-Max Cuddle. G-Max Cuddle doesn’t only deal damage when it hits—any opponent that is the opposite gender of Eevee will become infatuated.

Trainers that have play records from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! on their Nintendo Switch system will be able to receive a special Eevee that can Gigantamax in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.


Gigantamax Meowth
Type: Normal
Height: 108'3"+
Weight: ???
Ability: Pickup/Technician

Gigantamaxing has caused Meowth’s body to stretch to astounding lengths, and the coin on its head has also become massive. The giant coin can emit a torrent of Gigantamax power, filling the surrounding area with a powerful golden gleam. Meowth loves shiny objects, and when it sees skyscrapers lined with glass, it won’t be able to resist the urge to sharpen its claws on them. This behavior can cause considerable damage, such as wearing down the exterior walls and breaking windows. Normal-type attacks used by Gigantamax Meowth will change to G-Max Gold Rush. G-Max Gold Rush deals damage to opponents and also scatters coins all over the area, giving Trainers a considerable in-game cash bonus after the battle.

This special Meowth that can Gigantamax can be received as an early-purchase bonus for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield by selecting the Get via Internet option in Mystery Gift from Friday, November 15, 2019, to Wednesday, January 15, 2020.


Gigantamax Butterfree
Type: Bug/Flying
Height: 55'9"+
Weight: ???
Ability: Compound Eyes

Its most notable feature is its blinding wings, which have grown to gigantic proportions. The light of Gigantamax Butterfree’s wings comes from its scales, which can inflict paralysis, poisoning, or sleep on its opponents. These scales are Butterfree’s most effective weapons. Its vast wings can stir up a wind strong enough to lift a 10-ton truck, just by flapping. This wind also scatters poisonous scales around the area, so simply being near this Pokémon is very dangerous. Bug-type attacks used by Gigantamax Butterfree will change to G-Max Befuddle. G-Max Befuddle doesn’t only deal damage—it will also scatter scales around opponents and cause them to become poisoned, become paralyzed, or fall asleep.

YouTube Clip - G I G A N T A M A X P O K É M O N are coming to Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i2_Eotzh6M

Niantic has announced that their Niantic Wayfarer will be entering beta soon and some players of will be able to use this function soon.

Community Note: Niantic Wayfarer beta coming soon!

Trainers, As you may have read on the Niantic blog, we are very excited that the beta version of our new tool—Niantic Wayfarer—will soon enable Pokémon GO Trainers to review nominations for PokéStops and Gyms, helping determine places to play.

Eligible players in certain countries can continue to submit PokéStop nominations within Pokémon GO. Over the coming weeks, Wayfarer will start rolling out to a subset of the player base. Stay tuned to our Niantic channels for additional updates on future rollouts and availability of this new tool.

We hope that the launch of Wayfarer will help in our continued efforts to create an engaging experience worldwide and give Trainers like you the opportunity to shape Pokémon GO. Thank you for exploring with us, and as always, let’s GO!

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/communitynote-niantic-wayfarer/

Niantic has announced that Regirock, Regice, and Registeel will reunite in raids from Friday, November 1st, 2019 until November 4th, 2019 and that a Special Research story event will be available on Saturday, November 2nd, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. which requires a ticket purchase to this access this unique experience. The ticket costs £7.99/$7.99/€8.99/980¥.

Regirock, Regice, and Registeel reunite in raids! Prepare for a colossal discovery!

Trainers, Regirock, Regice, and Registeel are reuniting and returning to raids! If you haven’t caught all of them yet, this is the perfect chance to fill your Pokédex. You can also find Pokémon to counter them in the wild and in Eggs to help build a formidable team to take on these forces of nature.

Regigigas, the Colossal Pokémon, will be appearing in EX Raids, starting in November. If you purchase a ticket, you can get the chance to encounter Regigigas earlier through a special event that will feature Regigigas’s first-ever appearance in Pokémon GO!


Regirock, Regice, and Registeel reunite and return to raids!
Date + Time

• From Friday, November 1, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. to Monday, November 4, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. PDT

Features

• Regirock, Regice, and Registeel will be available to encounter in five-star raids.
• The following Pokémon will be appearing more often in the wild: Geodude, Magnemite, Swinub, Aron, and Spheal.
• The following Pokémon will be hatching more often from Eggs: Aerodactyl, Shuckle, Sneasel, Skarmory, Snorunt, and Beldum.
• If you’re lucky, you might encounter Shiny Skarmory, Shiny Regirock, Shiny Regice, or Shiny Registeel!

Bonus

• 2× Incubator effectiveness

A Colossal Discovery—a Special Research story event
A Colossal Discovery introduces a Pokémon originally from the Sinnoh region that’s closely related to Regirock, Regice, and Registeel—Regigigas! You can purchase a ticket to gain access to a unique limited-time experience where you’ll be challenged with a variety of tasks to earn an encounter with the Colossal Pokémon before it debuts in EX Raids later in November. This event does not have a set location—if you have a ticket, you can take part wherever you can play Pokémon GO.

Date + Time

• This Special Research story event will be available on Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in your local time zone with a ticket purchase.

Features A ticket to this Special Research story event will grant you access to a unique experience for you to play through during the specified time period! Access to this event comes with the following.

• A new Special Research story event, featuring an early-access encounter with Regigigas, appearing in Pokémon GO for the very first time!!
• A Colossal Discovery medal
• Up to 10 additional Raid Passes at no cost during the Special Research story event time period when you spin a Photo Disc at a Gym. These Raid Passes will not be available after the event period is over. You cannot hold more than one Raid Pass at once.
• A Unova Stone, a Sinnoh Stone, and an exclusive avatar pose (see below!) from conducting the Special Research

Ticket details

• To receive the Special Research titled A Colossal Discovery, you must open Pokémon GO during the event on Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in your local time zone. After you have collected it, you can complete the Special Research at any point.
• The ticket is US$7.99 (or the equivalent in your local currency) and can be purchased directly from the shop. The ticket cannot be purchased with PokéCoins.
• Tickets can be purchased from when they go live until Saturday, November 2, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. in your local time zone. Stay tuned for when they go live!
• The ticket to this Special Research story event is nonrefundable. (Subject to applicable law and the exceptions set forth in the Terms of Service)

How to purchase a ticket and access the Special Research Stay tuned to our channels for when tickets go live. Then, follow these steps to get a ticket for A Colossal Discovery.

1. Tap on the Learn More button in the shop.
2. Tap on the Purchase button.
3. You will then receive a pop-up indicating that you have received a ticket for A Colossal Discovery. Once you click OK, the ticket will appear in your Item Bag.
4. Before the event, you will receive a medal. When the event begins and you open the app during the event time, you’ll receive access to the Special Research titled A Colossal Discovery.

Once you receive the Special Research on November 2, you will be able to finish it at a later time if you don’t complete it by the end of the event. However, for an optimal gameplay experience, we recommend trying your best to complete the research on Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in your local time zone. Don’t worry, Trainers—if you’re unable to participate in this colossal event, you can look forward to Regigigas coming to EX Raids next month!

Our new in-game event-ticketing system combined with the location-based gameplay that we’re known for has opened the door to new ways of creating innovative and fun experiences for players worldwide. Plan accordingly to take down Regirock, Regice, and Registeel in five-star raids, as you’ll need to catch them to help complete your Special Research! Gather fellow Trainers and be prepared to take on a lot of Raid Battles in order to complete the Special Research.

As you dive into your adventures, remember to be respectful of your surroundings and of others nearby. Get ready for an exciting weekend of raids in November! Let’s GO!

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/a-regi-return-2019

Niantic has announced the Pokémon GO Halloween 2019 festivities which take place from Thursday, October 17, 2019 until November 1st, 2019.


Trainers, October is here, which means it’s almost time to make things a bit spookier! This year, you’re all in for a spine-chillingly good treat. Starting Thursday, October 17, 2019, at 1 p.m. PDT (GMT −7)

Features

• Rescue more Shadow Pokémon from Team GO Rocket — Be ready to rescue the following Pokémon from Team GO Rocket Grunts at PokéStops near you: Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill, Electabuzz, Magmar, Lapras, Mareep, Seedot, Nuzleaf, Sableye, Trapinch, Cacnea, Shuppet, and Duskull.
• Thrilling threads in the Style Shop — Play dreadful dress-up with new avatar items, including a Zubat Bag, a Pikachu Onesie, a Cubone Cap, a Litwick Cap, and a Mimikyu Bag!
• A Spooky Shiny Pokémon makes its debut — If you’re lucky, you might encounter Shiny Yamask.

From Thursday, October 17, 2019, at 1 p.m. PDT (GMT −7) to Friday, November 1, 2019, at 1 p.m. PDT (GMT −7)

Features

• Don’t be scared! More Ghost- and Dark-type Pokémon will be appearing in the wild, in Eggs, and in raids — Gastly, Murkrow, and more will be appearing. Making its Halloween debut is Yamask, the Spirit Pokémon!
• Pokémon wearing creepy-cute Halloween costumes arrive in raids and in the wild! — Some Pokémon have donned costumes to celebrate Halloween this year! Look forward to Bulbasaur wearing Shedinja costumes, Charmander wearing Cubone costumes, and Squirtle wearing Yamask costumes in raids. In the wild, be on the lookout for Pikachu wearing Mimikyu costumes! If you’re lucky, you might even encounter these alarmingly adorable Pokémon as Shiny Pokémon!
• The Pitch-Black Pokémon makes its ominous debut in Pokémon GO! Darkrai will be appearing in five-star raids!
• Frightful and fun Field Research tasks will be available for a limited time during this event.
• You’ve received a spooky message. Check out your Special Research when the Halloween event begins, Trainer, and you might face a Forbidden Pokémon...

Bonuses

• 2× Catch Candy
• 2× Hatch Candy
• 2× Transfer Candy

Have fun, stay safe, and have a spooky good time, Trainers! Let’s GO!

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/halloween2019/

YouTube Clip - Pokémon GO Halloween is back!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbYIpmlqNaY

The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo confirmed today that the Galar regional form of Ponyta will appear in the highly anticipated upcoming Pokémon Shield video game. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield launch November 15, 2019, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch system. The Galarian Pokémon made a surprise appearance during a “livestream” of a forest in the Galar region. High resolution screenshots and artwork from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Galarian Ponyta

Category: Unique Horn Pokémon
Type: Psychic
Height: 2'7"
Weight: 52.9 lbs.
Ability: Run Away/ Pastel Veil


Galarian Ponyta have been found in a certain forest of the Galar region since ancient times. It is said that they were exposed to the overflowing life energy of the forest over many generations, and therefore their appearance became unique in this region.

Galarian Ponyta can absorb the life energy of the surrounding atmosphere and store it in its mane. Its mane will become more colorful, and even emit a sparkling glow, if there is an abundance of energy around.

Galarian Ponyta’s Ability, Pastel Veil, is a new Ability introduced in these titles. This Ability prevents the Pokémon and its allies from becoming poisoned. It can even cure the poisoned status condition of its allies when this Pokémon enters the battlefield.

YouTube Clip - Meet Galarian Ponyta in Pokémon Shield!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LcerbX5Qh8

The Safari Zone New Taipei City 2019 took place from October 3rd, 2019 to October 6th, 2019. Niantic has written a post event synopsis on the activities and overall statistics.

An exciting Safari Zone New Taipei City finishes up!

Hi Trainers! The Pokémon GO Safari Zone event in New Taipei City, was a great success! Thank you to the Trainers who visited New Taipei Metropolitan Park and numerous exciting local attractions throughout the four-day event.

Over 327,000 Trainers from all over the world joined us at New Taipei City, walking 4.5 million km and catching a total of 50 million Pokémon. Perhaps attracted by the greenery and waterways at the New Taipei Metropolitan Park, many Water-, Grass-, and Bug-type Pokémon such as Oddish, Heracross, Marill appeared. In addition to catching these Pokémon, attendees also enjoyed a wide range of Taiwanese food from over 200 stalls at the Food & Beverage area, Pokémon dance show and even fun photo opportunities.


Going beyond the park, some Pokémon such as Oddish appeared around local attractions such as historical old streets and scenic mountain areas in New Taipei City. Reports show that Trainers even caught Shiny Oddish while touring around the city!


Stay tuned for more information about upcoming events—and until then, let’s GO!

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/ntc-safari-zone-2019/

Niantic has announced that more Legendary Raid Hours taking place in October 2019. For one hour every Wednesday evening, Raid Battles with the currently featured Legendary Pokémon will happen more frequently.

Get ready for spooky Legendary Raid Hours in October!

Trainers, We’re excited to announce that there will be more Legendary Raid Hours taking place in October! For one hour every Wednesday evening, Raid Battles with the currently featured Legendary Pokémon will happen more frequently.

Date + Time
From 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in your local time zone on the following dates:

• October 2, 9, and 16, 2019: Altered Forme Giratina
• October 23 and 30, 2019: To Be Announced

Features

• There will be an increased number of five-star raids during the event hour.

As always, Trainers, be mindful of your surroundings and of others around you while playing Pokémon GO. Stay tuned for more updates. Happy raiding!

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/legendaryraidhoursoctober2019/