Pokémon GO X Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle event announced to celebrate the movie's premiere

Niantic has announced an event will be coming to Pokémon GO to commemorate the premiere of the latest Pokémon animated film, Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, on Netflix on October 8, 2021. The Rogue Monkey Mythical Pokémon, Zarude will be making its Pokémon GO debut as part of this event, with players able to encounter it by completing limited-time Special Research. Trainers can also look forward to lots of other in-game content inspired by the movie, including the return of Jessie and James to Pokémon GO. The event will take place from October 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to October 10, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. local time.

During the event, Pokémon related to the movie, including Hoothoot, Combee, Drilbur, Cottonee, Dwebble, and more will be appearing more frequently in the wild. Larvitar may also occasionally appear in the wild. Explorer Pikachu will be making its return to Pokémon GO during the event, appearing in the wild together with the Shiny variant. Pokémon seen in the movie; Explorer Pikachu, Larvitar, Roggenrola, Foongus, and Rufflet will be appearing in one-star raids, while Lickitung, Chansey, Pinsir, Ludicolo, and Flygon will be appearing in three-star raids. Completing themed Field Research tasks from PokéStops will lead to encounters with Audino, Rufflet, and more. A limited-time Special Research story will also be available that lets trainers encounter Zarude and help Professor Willow learn more about the Rogue Monkey Pokémon. (Note that you can obtain this Special Research only during the event period, but once you have it, you can complete it anytime.)

Team GO Rocket members, Jessie and James will be returning to Pokémon GO until October 15, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time. Keep an eye out for them in your snapshots, and watch for their Meowth Balloon.

Additionally, new free avatar items will be available in the Style Shop, including the Adventure Hat and the Wailmer Water Bottle.