Pokemon Go Legendary Heroes Event: Shiny Zacian Release, Timed Research Tasks, and Gameplay Bonuses

Niantic is continuing its Galar-centric season with Pokémon Go’s Legendary Heroes event, featuring Pokémon Sword mascot Zacian.

Max Out has introduced new mechanics and Pokémon to the mobile game, focusing on creatures added in the Gen 8 games.

The upcoming event will further this theme by highlighting a Legendary Pokémon from the Galar region and requiring players to choose between Sword and Shield.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Legendary Heroes event in Pokémon Go.

Dates & Times

Legendary Heroes will take place from September 26, 2024, at 10 am local time through October 1, 2024, at 8 pm local time.

Shiny Zacian Debut

Zacian and Shiny Zacian — The Pokémon Company / Niantic

This event finally introduces Zacian’s Shiny form to Pokémon Go, three years after its initial debut in the mobile title.

Note that its Pokémon Shield counterpart, Zamazenta, will not be featured in this event, and its Shiny form remains unavailable.

Event Bonuses

Players can enjoy the following bonuses during the Legendary Heroes event:

Special Trades will require 50% less Stardust
Koffing can evolve into Galarian Weezing

Timed Research: Sword Path or Shield Path?

Legendary Heroes includes free Timed Research with two branching paths: Sword Path and Shield Path.

The path you choose will affect the Collection Challenge, Incense encounters, and wild Pokémon spawns, so pick wisely. Completing the tasks will reward items, XP, Stardust, and encounters with event-themed Pokémon.

Incense & Wild Encounters

Galarian Ponyta Limited Research — Niantic

The following Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild during Legendary Heroes. Any Pokémon with a chance of being Shiny is marked with an asterisk:

Galarian Ponyta*
Koffing*
Galarian Darumaka*
Grookey
Scorbunny
Sobble
Skwovet*

The path you choose will influence which Pokémon you’ll encounter while using Incense. Below are the encounters categorized by Path.

Sword Path

Seedot*
scraggy*
Gothita*
Deino*
Swirlix*
Passimian*

Shield Path

Larvitar*
Lottery*
Croagunk*
Solosis*
Spritzee*
Oranguru*

Raids

Screenshot of Pokémon Sword & Shield Legendary Zacian attacking. — Game Freak / The Pokémon Company

The following Pokémon will appear in Raids during the event:

One-Star Raids

Galarian Ponyta*
Galarian Darumaka*
Goomy*
Jangmo-o*

Three-Star Raids

Turtonator*
Drampa*

Five-Star Raids

Zacian*

Mega Raids

Mega Gardevoir*

Collection Challenges & Field Research

The Legendary Heroes event will include a “catch- and trade-focused” Collection Challenge that offers the following rewards:

XP
Encounters with event-themed Pokémon

There will also be themed Field Research during the event, providing the following rewards:

Rare Candy
Stardust
Galarian Slowpoke encounters

That’s all you need to know about the Legendary Heroes event!

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