Pokemon Go Detective Pikachu Returns Event: New costumes, bonuses, more

Philip Trahan
pokemon go detective pikachu header

Pokemon Go has announced a brand new themed event centered around Detective Pikachu Returns for the Nintendo Switch. Here’s everything trainers need to know about this upcoming event.

Many Pokemon fans likely remember the Detective Pikachu series. The franchise first started off as a 3DS mystery adventure game and eventually spun off into a live-action movie.

Now, a sequel to the 3DS title called Detective Pikachu Returns is nearing release on Nintendo Switch, and Pokemon Go is celebrating with a themed event.

The Detective Pikachu Returns event will feature new costumed Pokemon, in-game bonuses, and much more, so here’s everything fans need to know about this upcoming themed event.

Detective Pikachu promotional image screenshot.
Detective Pikachu Returns is set to release on Nintendo Switch on October 6, 2023.

Pokemon Go Detective Pikachu Returns event dates & times

According to the Pokemon Go blogthe Detective Pikachu Returns event begins on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 10 AM and runs until Monday, October 9, 2023, at 8 PM local time.

Pokemon Go Detective Pikachu Returns Wild encounters

Here are the Pokemon that will spawn during the Detective Pikachu Returns event:

  • Pikachu (wearing a detective hat)*
  • Growlithe*
  • Slowpoke (wearing a hat)*
  • Alolan Exeggutor*
  • Magikarp*
  • Xatu*
  • Bellossom
  • Lotad*
  • Chimecho*
  • Bronzor*
  • Ducklett
  • Cutiefly
  • Falinks

Pokemon marked with an * may appear as shiny

Pokemon Go Detective Pikachu Returns Field Research task encounters

During the event, trainers will be able to complete Field Research tasks to encounter the following Pokemon:

  • Sudowoodo*
  • Snivy*
  • Rowlet

Pokemon marked with an * may appear as shiny

Pokemon Go Detective Pikachu Returns free Timed Research tasks

For the free Timed Research quest, trainers will be able to complete tasks to earn items, stardust, and encounters with Pikachu wearing a detective hat.

Being that it’s a Timed Research, it must be completed with all rewards claimed by Monday, October 9, 2023, at 8 PM local time.

pokemon go detective pikachu cosmetics

Pokemon Go Detective Pikachu Returns bonuses

During the event, there will be the following bonuses for trainers to enjoy:

  • Surprise encounters with Pikachu wearing a detective hat once per day by taking snapshots
  • 2x XP for spinning PokeStops

Pokemon Go will also have a new Detective Pikachu Avatar Pose added to the shop to customize your avatar.

There’s everything you need to know about the Pokemon Go Detective Pikachu Returns event! Check out our other handy Pokemon Go guides below:

Best Pokemon in Pokemon Go | All upcoming Spotlight Hours | Current Raid bosses | Arlo counters guide | Cliff counters guide | Giovanni counters guide | Sierra counters guide | Grunt counters guide | How to catch a Ditto | What are Strange Eggs? | How to get Remote Raid Passes | Fastest way to get Best Buddy status | Pokemon Go catching tips

About The Author

Philip is a Staff Writer at Dexerto based in Louisiana, with expertise in Pokemon, Apex Legends, and general gaming industry news. His first job in the games industry was as a reviewer with NintendoEverything.com while attending college. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication focusing on Multimedia Journalism, he worked with GameRant.com for nearly two years before joining Dexerto. When he's not writing he's usually tearing through some 80+ hour JRPG. You can contact him at philip.trahan@dexerto.com.