Team Rocket Makes a Comeback in Pokémon GO with Shadow Heatran

Excitement is building in Pokémon GO as a new event featuring Team GO Rocket approaches, offering players a chance to rescue a Shadow version of the Legendary Fire and Steel-type Pokémon, Heatran. This limited-time event kicks off on October 8.

Team GO Rocket was first introduced to Pokémon GO in July 2019, just over three years after the game’s launch, along with the introduction of Shadow Pokémon. Players can encounter and battle both grunts and leaders at PokéStops and in hot air balloons. The initial promotional campaign even featured real-world grunts challenging players and vandalizing Pokémon GO posters in New York City.

The upcoming event, titled Galarian Expedition: Taken Over, will offer players a unique Seasonal Special Research quest line. Completing this quest will reward players with a Super Rocket Radar, allowing them to challenge Giovanni, the notorious Team Rocket leader, in their mission to save Shadow Heatran.

While the event runs from midnight local time on October 8 until 8 PM on October 11, players can continue their research quest until December 3 at 9:59 AM. During this period, participants will also encounter a fresh selection of six other Shadow Pokémon, most of which may appear in their Shiny forms, along with some surprise event-themed Pokémon.

Pokémon Available During the Galarian Expedition: Taken Over Event

Grunt and Leader Battles:

• Shadow Caterpie

• Shadow Mankey

• Shadow Roggenrola

• Shadow Venipede

• Shadow Karrablast

• Shadow Shelmet

One-Star Raids:

• Shadow Machop

• Shadow Grimer

• Shadow Exeggcute

• Shadow Sudowoodo

Three-Star Raids:

• Shadow Pinsir

• Shadow Sableye

• Shadow Mawile

• Special Research:

• Shadow Heatran

The chance to obtain and potentially purify Shadow Heatran is likely to entice many players. However, additional rewards tied to Team GO Rocket will enhance the event experience. Participants can expect more frequent encounters with Team GO Rocket leaders and grunts at both PokéStops and hot air balloons. Moreover, players with a stockpile of Shadow Pokémon and Charged TMs will benefit from the event, as they can teach their Shadow Pokémon a new charged move, replacing the ineffective Normal-type move, Frustration.

The last Team GO Rocket event took place in the second week of August, providing players with opportunities to capture Shadow Cresselia and Shadow Lugia. However, some fans expressed disappointment over Shadow Rayquaza's absence, particularly given the season’s focus on the Legendary dragon in Shard Skies.