Pokémon Go Halloween Event: Niantic has released a Halloween themed Pokémon Go update and our guide tells you all you need to know about netting double Candy, finding rare Ghost Pokémon and snaring other spooky treats.
Pokémon Go isn’t a traditional Halloween pastime, but from October 26 to November 1, Pokétrainers can expect plenty of spook-tacular bonuses, including increased spawn rates for Ghost and Psychic-type Pokémon, as well double Candy when they catch, hatch or transfer a critter.
Check out the trailer for a quick overview of the update.
Specifically, the seasonal twist will see Niantic upping the number of Ghastlys, Marowaks, Haunters, Gengars, Drowzees, Hypnos, Zubats, Golbats, Persians, Cubones and – perhaps most notably – Meowths that spawn.
In true trick or treat fashion, there will also be plenty of Candy on offer. Over the Halloween period, catching Pokémon will net you six Candies rather than the standard three, while your Buddy Pokémon will award four Candies instead of one Candy for each distance milestone achieve.
Professor Willow is feeling generous, too, and will be offering double Candy for each Pokemon transferred to him.
"It's been incredible watching people explore their neighborhoods and catch wild Pokémon all summer," said Niantic's senior product manager Tatsuo Nomura. "We would like to trick-or-treat in our own special way by giving Trainers the chance to catch more Pokémon and earn extra Candy this Halloween."
Our hot take is that Niantic is probably trying to curry favour with its fanbase – the last update to the game was a bit of a balls-up – as well as lure lapsed Trainers back to the game.
This is the first time Niantic has hosted an 'event', if you can call it that, so if Pokémon Go is still glued to your Home screen, be sure to take advantage of all the rewards on offer over the Halloween weekend.
