Exciting New Features in Pokémon GO: Final Strike Event and Urshifu Debut
As the vibrant world of Pokémon GO continues to evolve, Niantic has announced new and thrilling events for players. This latest addition, the Final Strike: GO Battle Week, promises to be an exciting experience, particularly with the introduction of the Wushu Pokémon, Urshifu. Let’s delve into what players can expect from this event, including details on special research tasks, Pokémon debuts, event bonuses, and much more.
Final Strike: GO Battle Week Overview
The Final Strike: GO Battle Week will take place from Wednesday, May 21, at 10:00 a.m. until Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time. This event is designed for trainers of all levels, highlighting the importance of battle strategy in Pokémon GO. Players will have the opportunity to engage in exciting battle scenarios and complete special research tasks that offer unique rewards.
Might and Mastery Special Research
As part of this event, trainers will gain access to the Might and Mastery Special Research storyline. After an extensive period of training, Kubfu is now prepared to evolve into Urshifu. This special research will be freely available for all trainers from the start of the event until Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time. By completing various tasks, players can earn Mysterious Components, Kubfu Candy, and even encounters with event-themed Pokémon, including Charcadet with a special background.
Introducing Urshifu
One of the highlight features of the Final Strike event is the debut of Urshifu in Pokémon GO. Players can evolve their Kubfu into two distinct forms of Urshifu, each with its unique battle style.
Urshifu (Single Strike Style): To evolve Kubfu into this form, trainers need to defeat 30 Dark-type Pokémon in raids or Max Battles while having Kubfu as their buddy. The evolution requires 200 Kubfu Candy.
- Urshifu (Rapid Strike Style): Alternatively, trainers can evolve Kubfu into the Rapid Strike Style by defeating 30 Water-type Pokémon in raids or Max Battles with Kubfu as their buddy. This evolution also requires 200 Kubfu Candy.
This dual evolution feature adds a new layer of strategy for trainers as they choose which version of Urshifu best suits their battling style.
Event Bonuses to Enhance Your Experience
The Final Strike event comes with several bonuses that trainers can take advantage of:
Double XP: Players will earn double experience points for winning Raid Battles, making it easier to level up during this period.
Increased Shiny Chances: The event also boosts the chances of encountering Shiny variants of Meditite, Stunky, and Mareanie. This is a fantastic opportunity for trainers to expand their shiny collections.
- Free Timed Research Rewards: Upon completing the free Timed Research tasks, trainers will unlock an extra Raid Pass each day, further enhancing their raid experience.
Wild Encounters
During the Final Strike: GO Battle Week, trainers can expect specific Pokémon to appear more frequently in the wild. The following Pokémon are likely to be spotted:
- Mankey
- Seel
- Galarian Zigzagoon
- Meditite
- Froakie
Additionally, players might encounter rarer Pokémon such as Deino and Nickit. If luck is on their side, trainers may even find shiny versions of these Pokémon, making exploration more rewarding.
Raids During the Event
The raid battles during the Final Strike event will feature a variety of Pokémon, categorized by their difficulty levels:
One-Star Raids: Trainers can participate in raids against Carvanha, Stunky, and Mareanie.
- Three-Star Raids: More challenging raids will include Lapras, Hisuian Samurott, and Bombirdier.
As with wild encounters, trainers may have the chance to find Shiny versions of these Pokémon in raids, creating an added incentive to participate.
Field Research Task Rewards
Event-themed Field Research tasks will also be available during the Final Strike event. Completing these tasks will reward trainers with encounters featuring event-themed Pokémon. This is an excellent way to engage with the event and earn valuable rewards that can assist in battles and collections.
Featured Attacks for Evolving Pokémon
A unique aspect of this event is the opportunity to evolve specific Pokémon to learn special attacks. Trainers can evolve the following Pokémon during the event to acquire a Pokémon that knows a featured attack:
- Evolving Mankey will yield a Primeape that knows the Charged Attack Rage Fist.
- Evolving Seel will produce a Dewgong that knows the Fast Attack Ice Shard.
- Evolving Zweilous will result in a Hydreigon that knows the Charged Attack Brutal Swing.
- Evolving Frogadier will give players a Greninja that knows the Charged Attack Hydro Cannon.
Additionally, Lapras encountered in raids and Field Research will possess the Charged Attack Ice Beam, making these Pokémon even more valuable during battles.
Timed Research Opportunities
Trainers can participate in both free and paid Timed Research options during the Final Strike event. The free Timed Research will offer exciting rewards such as Rare Candy, Kubfu Candy, and encounters with event-themed Pokémon that feature special backgrounds.
For those interested in an enhanced experience, a paid Timed Research option is available for $1.99. This paid research grants access to rewards like two Premium Battle Passes, four Lucky Eggs, and encounters with Meditite, Stunky, and Mareanie.
Paid Special Research – Fuzzy Fighter
For $7.99, trainers can purchase the Fuzzy Fighter Special Research. This separate research opportunity allows players to encounter Dynamax Kubfu once again. Special Research rewards will include an Incense, two Premium Battle Passes, a Star Piece, and a rare encounter with a Dynamax Kubfu.
Tickets for this Special Research will be available for purchase starting Monday, May 19, at 10:00 a.m. until Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time. It is crucial for trainers to open Pokémon GO during the event period to access this research.
PokéStop Showcases and Ultra Ticket Box
During the Final Strike event, trainers should keep an eye out for Showcases at various PokéStops, where they can enter event-themed Pokémon. Additionally, the Fuzzy Fighter Ultra Ticket Box will be available for $7.99, including an event ticket, three Rare Candies, and three bonus Max Revives at no additional cost.
Staying Safe While Playing
As trainers immerse themselves in the exciting activities of the Final Strike event, it’s essential to remain mindful of their surroundings and adhere to local health guidelines. While the game offers thrilling experiences, player safety should always be a priority.
With an array of features, special research opportunities, and the introduction of Urshifu, the Final Strike: GO Battle Week is poised to be an exhilarating chapter in the ongoing adventure of Pokémon GO. Trainers can look forward to engaging battles, unique rewards, and the chance to catch new Pokémon, all while enjoying the vibrant community that makes this game so special.
