Zarude

Another rare and elusive Mythical Pokémon is set to appear for the very first time in Pokémon GO this week, and you'll want to get your hands on one while you can.

In celebration of the upcoming global release of Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, which is set to launch worldwide on Netflix on 8th October, the Rogue Monkey Pokémon Zarude will be appearing in-game. Other content inspired by the movie will also be present, including the return of Team Rocket's Jessie and James.

To get Zarude for yourself, you'll need to complete a new, limited-time Special Research. The research will see you assisting Professor Willow in learning more about the Dark- and Grass-type monster, and can only be obtained between Friday 1st October at 10am local time and 10th October 8pm local time (you can complete the research at your own pace once you've started, but you'll need to kickstart the research between those dates).

Here's a full rundown of everything taking place during the Secrets of the Jungle celebrations:

- A limited-time Special Research story will be available! Complete this research line to encounter Zarude and help Professor Willow learn more about the Rogue Monkey Pokémon. This is the first time that this Dark- and Grass-type Mythical Pokémon will be available in Pokémon GO. Note that you can obtain this Special Research only during the event period, but once you have it, you can complete it anytime.

- Encounter Pokémon related to Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle! Hoothoot, Combee, Drilbur, Cottonee, Dwebble, and more will be appearing more frequently in the wild. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Larvitar!

- Explorer Pikachu will be making its return to Pokémon GO, appearing in the wild. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Explorer Pikachu!

Pokémon seen in the movie will also be appearing in raids throughout the event:
- Explorer Pikachu, Larvitar, Roggenrola, Foongus, and Rufflet will be appearing in one-star raids. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Rufflet!
- Lickitung, Chansey, Pinsir, Ludicolo, and Flygon will be appearing in three-star raids.

- Jessie and James will be continuing their hijinks from last year’s event. Keep an eye out for them in your snapshots, and watch for their Meowth Balloon. Jessie and James will be appearing in their Meowth Balloon until Friday, October 15, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time.

- Get themed Field Research tasks from PokéStops that’ll lead to encounters with Audino, Rufflet, and more. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Rufflet!

- New free avatar items will be available in the Style Shop, including the Adventure Hat and the Wailmer Water Bottle.

Will you be adding Zarude to your team? Are you looking forward to checking out the new movie? Let us know in the usual place.