Dina Bader: Everything you need to know about the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto

The biggest challenge in Pokémon Go yet is almost here!

As we get closer to the 25th Anniversay of Pokémon, Pokémon Go is about to lay down the biggest challenge yet. For one day only, Trainers will have the chance to catch, hatch, battle, and trade for every single Gen I Pokémon. Although all of these Pokémon have been available at some point before, this will be the first opportunity to encounter some of their Shiny variants, as well as the first chance to catch them all in a single day. This event is unlike anything else Niantic has done and we here at iMore have everything you need to know to win it! Also, be sure to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories, so you can be fully equipped to take on this massive challenge.

Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto event

On Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 9 AM to 9 PM local time, the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto event will challenge Trainers to catch every single Gen I Pokémon, from Bulbasaur to Mewtwo in a single day. If you can catch 'em all, you'll earn yourself a chance at a Shiny Mew. Every single Gen I Pokémon will have its Shiny variant available as well, some for the first time in Pokémon Go. This event will be feature two versions, requiring players to work together to reach the goal of 150 Pokémon in one day. There will be special Raids, Special Research, and more.

All new Shiny Pokémon

Promising to unlock the Shiny versions of all Gen I Pokémon, there will be some previously unavailble Shiny Pokémon for this event. These include:

Spearow
Fearow
Paras
Parasect
Hitmonchan
Hitmonlee
Ditto
Snorlax
Mew

Although all 151 of the Pokémon found in Gen I will be available as Shiny, only certain species will see increased Shiny rates and which Shiny Pokémon you'll encounter are partially determined by which version of the ticket you choose.

Two different versions

New to this event, players will be required to select one of two versions when purchasing a ticket. Based on the original Pokémon games, there is a Red version and a Green version for the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto. While your experience will be largely the same, there are a few version specific Pokémon, as well as different Pokémon which will see increased Shiny rates. Both versions will have an increased chance of encountering Shiny starters, Pikachu, Eevee, Dratini, and Pidgey.

Red Version

As with the original Pokémon Red game, if you select the Red version for your Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto ticket, you will be able to attract the following exclusive Pokémon with incense:

Ekans
Oddish
Mankey
Growlithe
Scyther
Electabuzz

Red version will also increase the chances of encountering the following Shiny Pokémon:

Bulbasaur
Charmander
Squirtle
Pidgey
Ekans
Pikachu
Nidoran ♀
Oddish
Diglett
Mankey
Growlithe
Ponyta
Shellder
Drowzee
Krabby
Hitmonlee
Lickitung
Scyther
Electabuzz
Eevee
Kabuto
Dratini

Green Version

As with the original Pokémon Green, if you select the Green version for your Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto ticket, you will be able to attract the following exclusive Pokémon with incense:

Sandshrew
Vulpix
Meowth
Bellsprout
Magmar
Pinsir

Green version will also increase the chances of encountering the following Shiny Pokémon:

Bulbasaur
Charmander
Squirtle
Pidgey
Pikachu
Sandshrew
Nidoran ♂
Vulpix
Meowth
Psyduck
Bellsprout
Geodude
Exeggcute
Hitmonchan
Koffing
Tangela
Horsea
Magmar
Pinsir
Eevee
Omanyte
Dratini

Legendary Raids

All four Legendary Pokémon from Gen I (Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, and Mewtwo will return to Raids with the following exclusive moves:

Articuno caught during the event will know Hurricane.
Zapdos caught during the event will know Thunder Shock.
Moltres caught during the event will know Sky Attack.
Mewtwo caught during the event will know Psystrike.

Special Research

The Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto event will feature two event exclusive Special Research storylines. The first Special Research must be completed during the event to unlock the second. However, once unlocked, the second Special Research storyline can be completed at any time and will reward Trainers with an encounter with a Shiny Mew! Check back soon for the steps for both Special Research storylines.

Additional Bonuses

Trainers who ordered in advance were granted Special Research tickets for both January and February Community Days. Check back soon for additional bonuses.

Questions?

Do you have any questions about the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto event? Which version will you be playing? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to check out our Pokémon 25 year retrospective to look back on the last 25 years of Pokémon games, shows, and more!