Get Nostalgic with Pokemon GO’s Throwback Challenge

Niantic plans to kick off May with the Pokemon GO Throwback Challenge 2020, an event which will celebrate the series’ history and its four different regions. Starting May 1, 2020, trainers will be able to take on Throwback Challenge Research tasks. These will only be available for a limited time until May 29, 2020.

The Timed Research tasks for the Pokemon GO Throwback Challenge will include a series of limited tasks that will change weekly. Each region will feature eight sets of three tasks that need to be completed. Players will have to complete every task in order to access a Special Research Event.

Here’s the schedule for the Timed Research tasks based on various regions.:

• Kanto: May 1-8, 2020
• Johto: May 8-15, 2020
• Hoenn: May 15-22, 2020
• Sinnoh: May 22-29, 2020
• Special Research Event: June 3-8, 2020

First up is the Kanto region, which will transport trainers back to the world of Pokemon Red and Blue. Completing all eight sets of tasks will earn you 10 Rare Candies and an encounter with a Mewtwo that knows Psystrike, which is Mewtwo’s signature move. If you’re lucky, you might find a Shiny Venonat during this first week. Other features and bonuses include 2X Catch XP, 2X Raid HP, 2X Hatch XP, and reward encounters with Kanto region Pokémon.

People who complete the Johto region’s tasks will be able to encounter a Ho-Oh that knows the event-exclusive attack Earthquake. Johto Pokemon will also appear more frequently that week, and trainers might even be able to find a Shiny Dunsparce. Additionally, in honor of Umbreon being the number-one Johto Pokemon, wild Pikachu will wear Umbreon themed hats during this week.

After that is Hoenn, which is home to Pokemon like Zangoose, Seviper, and Skitty, which will appear more frequently. Just like the previous regions, there will be an exclusive shiny Pokemon: Skitty. Also, Pikachu will sport a Rayquaza hat in the wild, as Rayquaza was the Pokémon of the Year for Hoenn. 

Fourth is the Sinnoh region’s week, which will feature Cherubi and Glameow. Trainers will also be able to enjoy one-hour Star Piece duration, one-hour Incense, and one-hour Lucky Egg duration during this week. Completing the field research tasks for Sinnoh will reward trainers with encounters with Pokémon originally found in the region.

Finally, trainers who complete all four regions’ timed research tasks will be able to access the Special Research event with Professor Willow. They’ll rediscover the Unova region Pokémon alongside new Galar region Pokemon. Trainers who complete four sets of tasks will be able to encounter various Galarian forms of Pokemon and the legendary paleozoic Pokemon Genesect, who debuted in Pokemon GO in March 2020.

As a reminder, Niantic has been changing Pokemon GO to make it easier to use during shelter-in-place orders. This includes a new remote raid function which allows players to battle from home.

Pokemon GO is available for Android and Apple iOS devices.