Pokémon GO is still going strong after almost 5 years on our mobile devices. The upcoming paid 'Kanto Tour' event running from 9 am - 9 pm local time on February 20th promises not only to be a great opportunity to catch some new shiny Pokémon, but also a nostalgic return to the region that started it all.
This article is a guide to getting the most out of the event, both when it comes to resources, Pokémon, but maybe most important of all; enjoyment. So let's dive in!
A big choice
Just as in the original games, your journey into Kanto is customizable with a choice of two versions of the event. After you buy a ticket in the in-game shop, go into your inventory and press the ticket icon. This will allow you to essentially choose between two different versions of the event, each featuring different Pokémon.
Which one will you choose?
Here's a breakdown of the different Pokémon which will be more common in each version:
Red version
- Ekans, Oddish, Mankey, Growlithe, Scyther, and Electabuzz will be exclusively attracted to incense in the Red version
- Pokémon with increased shiny chances in the Red version: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pidgey, Ekans, Pikachu, Nidoran♀, Oddish, Diglett, Mankey, Growlithe, Ponyta, Shellder, Drowzee, Krabby, Hitmonlee, Lickitung, Scyther, Electabuzz, Eevee, Kabuto, and Dratini
Green version
- Sandshrew, Vulpix, Meowth, Bellsprout, Magmar, and Pinsir will be exclusively attracted to incense in the Green version
- Pokémon with increased shiny chances in the Green version: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pidgey, Pikachu, Sandshrew, Nidoran♂, Vulpix, Meowth, Psyduck, Bellsprout, Geodude, Exeggcute, Hitmonchan, Koffing, Tangela, Horsea, Magmar, Pinsir, Eevee, Omanyte, and Dratini
Recommendations
The answer to which version is the best can be personal, since you may be missing certain shiny Pokémon in your collection. However, here are some recommendations:
- Red version's Electabuzz evolution Electivire is a great electric type budget counter to some common raid bosses. Catching a weather boosted one and evolving it could make taking down bosses like Kyogre, Mega Pidgeot, and the brand new Mega Gyarados much more effective.
- If you're into the online mode Go Battle League, farming Meowth XL candies in the Green version might be preferable, since the Galarian evolution of Meowth: Perrserker currently is a top pick in Ultra League.
- The evolved form of the Red version exclusive Mankey; Primeape is a good fighting type contender in Great League. You won't need to focus on getting XL candies for this species though, since this only goes for the normally powered-up version of Primeape.
Gotta catch 'em all
The Kanto Tour also features plenty of challenges to take on while basking in the nostalgia. Ticket holders will get access to a two-stage special research story. The first stage is centered around catching the first 150 Pokémon from the Kanto region. You can track your progress in the 'Today' view in-game. 150 Pokémon is a lot, and with the version differences, you're gonna need to trade for some of the species. Thankfully, the trade distance will be increased to 40 km during the week of the event, so clear out your storage and hit up your friends!
Even if it sounds like a daunting task, catching the first 150 Pokémon is gonna be worth it since it gives you access to the second part of the event's special research. This final stage lets you catch shiny Mew. This blue little creature is gonna be a great companion, not only for bragging rights but also since it's a good GO Battle League pick. Since Mew is able to learn so many different types of attacks, it's very diverse in the meta. Beware not to use up all of your TMs though!
A final thing to note about the Kanto Tour special research is that it's meant to be completed over a longer period of time, so no need to rush!
Your favorite professor is back with more research
Raid battles
Some exciting raid battles will also be coming to the game during the event period. Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres will be featured alongside Mewtwo. And maybe most important of all: they will have their legacy moves after being caught. Mewtwo with its legacy move Psystrike is especially strong in both raids and Master League. The birds aren't too shabby either though. Articuno with its legacy move Hurricane is also a strong contender in the Ultra League, while Zapdos with Thunder Shock and Moltres with Sky Attack are great for raiding!
The original legendaries, back with a vengeance
Final tips
Here are some general tips to round this guide out.
- First of all, make sure to mega evolve a Pokémon before starting your catching routine during the event. This will grant you one extra candy for each Pokémon caught that shares the type of your Pokémon that's mega evolved. One specific recommendation is to mega evolve Venusaur. This Pokémon has both the grass and poison type, which are both common types in Kanto. But if you have a farming goal for a specific Pokémon, of course, feel free to mega evolve a Pokémon with a matching type.
- Secondly, clear out your storage. There's nothing more annoying in Pokémon GO than participating in an event, wanting to catch a Pokémon, and being full-on storage. I usually have at least 100 storage slots available for events of this size.
- You might also want to stock up on remote raid passes before the event. Each week before the event, there are 1 Pokécoin boxes which often includes a remote raid pass as well as other useful goodies. So be sure to utilize the freebies, to be able to maximize your chances of getting that good IV Psystrike Mewtwo!
- Finally, remember to stay healthy, hydrated, fed, and at a safe distance from people during this time. Remember that most of the world is still on lockdown and to keep playing this wonderful game, we should all do our best to limit the risk of spreading the virus.
I hope this guide gave you an idea of what to focus on during the Pokémon GO Kanto Tour. Enjoy the event and stay tuned to Games Atlas for more Pokémon GO coverage!
