April Fools’ Day in Pokémon GO
April Fools’ Day in Pokémon GO, just like every other place around the world, is celebrated on April 1st of every year. It is a lighthearted occasion marked by pranks, jokes, and laughter. People around the world participate by playing harmless tricks on friends, family, and colleagues, all in the spirit of fun.
The origin of this day is uncertain, but many believe it dates back to 16th-century France when the country switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Those who failed to recognize the new calendar were called “April fools” and subjected to pranks. Over time, the tradition spread globally, with different cultures embracing unique ways to celebrate.
In modern times, even major companies and media outlets join the fun by sharing fake news stories or launching humorous hoaxes. However, the key to a successful April Fools’ prank is ensuring that it remains lighthearted and does not cause harm or embarrassment. Whether it’s a playful trick on a friend or a creative office prank, April Fools’ Day is a time to enjoy laughter and embrace the joy of spontaneity.
Pokémon GO is not left out of these humorous hoaxes. This is why the company has been pulling pranks on its users since April 1, 2018. The following are the April Fools’ Day Events in Pokémon GO.
April Fools’ Day Events in Pokémon GO
8-bit April Fools: Sunday, April 1, 2018, to Saturday, April 7, local time.
On opening the game, Trainers experienced the 8-bit sprites of the Pokémon in the announcements, on the nearby, and in the Pokémon storage. Likewise, Shiny Murkrow and its evolution, Honchkrow, made their debut in Pokémon GO. See the event’s full details.
Photobombs: Monday, April 1, 2019, from 8:00 a.m. to Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at 10:00 p.m. local time.
The event featured Shiny Ash Hat Pikachu as a special spawn via Five (5) Buddy Snapshots per day.
Tricky Pokémon: Wednesday, April 1, 2020, from 8:00 a.m. to Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time.
The event featured Pokémon that are known to be pranksters and masters of disguise everywhere. Examples of these Pokémon are Ditto, Sudowoodo, Aipom, etc. The event also featured the debut of Stunfisk, Shiny Croagunk, and Shiny Toxicroak.
Team GO Rockets Takeover: Thursday, April 1, 2021, to Thursday, April 8, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. local time.
The event featured Shadow Pokémon and Team GO Rocket grunt battles. Team GO Rocket members hacked the game with glitchy effects and odd messages, mimicking Ditto’s way of communication. Only the newly debuted Shadow Pokémon Aipom was used by the Grunts. Likewise, Shadow Zapdos made its debut and was available to catch after defeating Giovanni. In addition, Ditto was available in the wild. See the event’s full details.
Ditto. Ditto. Everywhere: Friday, April 1, 2022, local time.
The event featured Ditto appearing more frequently in the wild as a transform of Pokémon such as Ekans, Gastly, Natu, etc. Likewise, Trainers had the chance to catch Shiny Ditto as a Pokémon transform in the wild. In addition, there was a Special Research titled April Fools 2-Oh?-22. See the event’s full details.
Pidgey Pandemonium: Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.
The event featured only Pidgey appearing more frequently in the wild. Likewise, there was an increased chance of finding XXS and XXL Pidgey in the wild, and in Field Research Tasks. There was also a Timed Special Research available. See the event’s full details.
An Excellent Opportunity: Monday, April 1, 2024, local time.
The event featured rewards based on throw mechanics. Nice and Great throws landing on a Pokémon were counted as Excellent Throws. This reward was applied to every catch opportunity – wild, research, and raids.
What’s That Poké Ball?: Tuesday, April 1, 2025, local time.
The event featured Poké Balls appearing in the wild. Mysterious Poké Balls will appear on the map. You can encounter Ball-like Pokémon upon tapping a Poké Ball. These Pokémon are Voltorb, Hisuian Voltorb, Electrode, Hisuian Electrode, Foongus, Amoonguss, and Galarian Stunfisk. Also, you can encounter other Poké Balls that won’t reveal any Pokémon upon tapping. Such Pokee Balls will be added to your Item storage as the Poké Ball, or Great Ball or Ultra Ball.
These events have been exciting. Looking forward to the upcoming ones!