Earlier this year, developer Niantic announced that this year’sPokemon GOHalloween spectacle would take place in two parts, with the first occurring in mid-October and the second covering Halloween itself.
Details regarding the first part ofPokemon GO’s2024 Halloween event were recently revealed via an official Niantic blog post. The event will kick off with the debut of a first for the game: Morpeko, a Pokemon capable of changing form in the middle of battle.
Morpeko Shifts Modes When It Uses Charged Attacks
Previous examples of Pokemon who come in multiple forms, such as Castform or Furfrou, were handled by making them separate entries in players’Pokemon GOinventories. Morpeko, a Generation 8 hamster-like Pokemon used byPokemon Sword and Shieldtrainer Marnie, will instead switch between its Full Belly and Hangry Mode mid-battle.
Morpekowill start each battle in Full Belly Mode, with its Charged Attack Aura Wheel as an Electric-type move. The first time Aura Wheel is used, the Pokemon will switch into Hangry Mode, with Aura Wheel now a Dark-type attack. Switches will continue to occur each time the Pokemon’s Charged Attack is used, encouraging Trainers to make careful timing decisions about when to switch things up.
During the Halloween Part 1 event, which will run from October 22 through October 28, players can potentially earn Morpeko as a reward when completingPokemon GOLeaguebattles at any rank. Players will also be able to encounter one Morpeko as part of a Spiritomb-themed Timed Research task, and others by completing limited-time Field Research. Following the event’s conclusion, Morpeko will continue to appear inPokemon GOLeague at Rank 16 and above. Players on the Premium track will be more likely to encounter Morpeko.
Morpeko Could Pave The Way For Other Form-Changing Pokemon
With the introduction of mid-battle form swapping, other Pokemon who have similar abilities could be added toPokemon GOin the near future. One major contender isPokemon Scarlet and Violet’sPalafin, with its visually distinct Zero and Hero forms. Other Pokemon that are already inPokemon GObut lack their signature form-changing abilities, such as Darmanitan with Zen Mode, could have their play style altered in future updates.
Other Events During The Halloween Part 1 Celebration
While the addition of Morpeko is the primary draw of Part 1 ofPokemon GO’sHalloween event, it is not the only spooky surprise Niantic has in store for its players. During the week-long event, players can also look forward to the following:
Of course, this is only Part 1 of the exciting 2024 Halloween event inPokemon GO.A second part, featuring more spooky fun, will run in late October, encompassing Halloween itself. More details regarding the second part of the Halloween event, as well as other exciting new developments coming toPokemon GOin the near future, will be revealed later this month.
