Pokémon GO has introduced Professor Willow’s assistant Pikachu as part of a special birthday celebration for Professor Willow, with the new costumed Pokémon available from July 21 at 10 a.m. to July 27, 2026, at 8 p.m. local time through Field Research, free Timed Research, snapshot encounters and raids. Players may also encounter a Shiny Professor Willow’s assistant Pikachu or one featuring a team leader-themed Special Background if they are lucky. Event-themed Field Research offers rewards including PokéCoins, Lucky Eggs and additional encounters with the featured Pikachu, while the free Timed Research grants encounters, a Lucky Egg, a Star Piece and other bonuses, with all tasks and rewards needing to be completed before the event ends. The debut coincides with the Pokémon GO Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition event, which adds rotating catch XP bonuses, starter Pokémon appearing in the wild and party hat Pokémon in raids throughout the week.
Source: Official Pokémon GO blog and Pokemon.com
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