Ditto is out as the Research Breakthrough encounter in Pokémon GO as of today at 1 p.m. Pacific, while Yamask, a Ghost-type Pokémon, is in. Yamask is a Shiny-capable, slightly unusual encounter that has been present in the wild since the game’s release in October.
During October, gamers will be able to claim a Yamask encounter every seven days if they accomplish daily activities.
We don’t know if the Yamask feature in the Research Breakthrough box indicates a lower spawn rate for this Pokémon during the yearly Halloween event, which kicks off in mid-October.
Let’s take a look at what else is going on in Pokémon GO in the month of October 2021.
Here’s a rundown of what’s going on in Pokémon GO this October, with no word yet on the specifics of the Halloween event:
Tier Five Raids:
Douse Drive Genesect from today, October 1, 2021 at 10 AM until Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 10 AM local time. Debut appearance, no Shiny.
Altered Forme Giratina from Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 10 AM until Friday, October 22, 2021 at 10 AM local time. Shiny can be encountered.
Darkrai from Tuesday, Friday 22, 2021 at 10 AM until Friday, November 5, 2021 at 10 AM local time. Shiny can be encountered. Darkrai will have the exclusive attack of Sludge Bomb for the first time.
Mega raids:
Mega Gengar from Friday, October 1, 2021, at 10 AM until Friday, October 22, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
Mega Absol from Friday, October 22, 2021, at 10 AM until Friday, November 5, 2021, at 10 AM local time.
Events:
Secrets of the Jungle tie-in event: Friday, October 1, 2021 until Sunday, October 10, 2021. Features the release of the Galarian Mythical Pokémon Zarude through Special Research as well as raids tying into the Secrets of the Jungle Pokémon movie.
Niantic’s Birthday: Claim a free box in the Pokémon GO shop on Wednesday, October 6, 2021.
Annual Halloween event: Friday, October 15, 2021, to Sunday, October 31, 2021. Details TBA.