Pokemon Go adds new “Apex” versions of Shadow Lugia & Ho-Oh for Johto Tour

❘ Published: 2022-02-15T20:03:34

Alpha Ho-Oh and Alpha Shadow Lugia in Pokemon Go Johto Tour screenshot.

Niantic / The Pokemon Company

Niantic is adding new versions of Shadow Lugia & Shadow Ho-Oh for the upcoming Johto Tour. The new “Apex” variants boost the already-powerful Legendaries with insane stats.

In a surprise announcement, Niantic revealed that they are going to be introducing a brand new version of the Johto Legendary birds in Pokemon Go.

Apex Shadow Ho-Oh and Apex Shadow Lugia are both being offered as a special reward for those participating in the Go Tour: Johto on February 26, 2022.

Celebi appearing in Pokemon Go's Johto Tour

The February Johto Tour will feature new versions of Lugia and Ho-Oh.

Apex Shadow Ho-Oh & Apex Shadow Lugia Pokemon Go debut announced

In a February 15 Twitter post, Niantic announced that the Johto Tour will be debuting new Apex versions of both Shadow Lugia and Ho-Oh.

Read More: Pokemon Go Tour Johto event: date & time

“Looming in the dark are even more powerful Shadow Pokémon. Powered by ambition, Arlo has used the mysterious power behind the door to create Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh!” the tweet read.

On the official Niantic website, the developer explained that the Apex Shadow Ho-Oh and Apex Shadow Lugia can be unlocked after players complete the event’s Masterwork Research.

Looming in the dark are even more powerful Shadow Pokémon. 😈

Powered by ambition, Arlo has used the mysterious power behind the door to create Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh!

📝 Learn more here: https://t.co/7GLIoSPoxx pic.twitter.com/h8wWWGownV

— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) February 15, 2022

As far as what the Apex versions entail, the Legendary Shadow Pokemon will have boosted special moves. Trainers who manage to purify them will then upgrade their attack to get a second damage buff.

Apex Shadow Ho-Oh moves & stats

Apex Shadow Ho-Oh Pokemon Go moves page.

Apex Shadow Lugia moves & stats

In good news for players, Niantic has also revealed that Johto Tour Ticket holders will be able to get both Apex Legendaries regardless of which version of the event they choose.

Read More: Pokemon Go fans furious over Shadow Lugia’s design

“Ticket holders will be able to obtain both Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh regardless of which version they select for Pokémon GO Tour: Johto,” they wrote.

The powerful new versions of the Legendaries can only be obtained as a reward for those who purchase tickets to the Johto Tour. The price of admission is US$11.99 and can be purchased in the Pokemon Go app.