Pokémon GO players will soon have another event to participate in, as the upcoming High Zaptitude Global Challenge event will give fans a chance to find a Shiny Tadbulb for their collections. In addition Pokémon GO challenge event will mark the arrival of Wattrel, a flying-type animal from the Paldea region, along with its evolved form, Kilowattrel.
Known as the Storm Petrel Pokémon, Wattrel first appeared in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Wattrel and its evolved form, Kilowattrel, are dual-type electric and flying creatures known for their high special attack and speed stats. Wattrel and Kilowattrel can often be found near the ocean and sands of Paldea. Despite having access to moves like Volt Switch, Hurricane, and Air Slash, Wattrel and Kilowattrel are considered glass cannons, making them far from the strongest Electric Pokémon players can send into battle. While other animals from the Paldea region have already made their way Pokémon GOthe upcoming event will mark the debut of Wattrel and Kilowattrel in the popular mobile game.
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The High Zaptitude Event introduces Wattrel and Kilowattrel to Pokemon GO in January
After the conclusion of Pokémon GOs ongoing Pinch Perfect event, trainers will have another challenge to take on as part of the Precious Paths season. The High Zaptitude event starts on Tuesday, January 13th at 10:00 AM local time and ends on Sunday, January 18th at 8:00 PM local time. While High Zaptitude is active, Shiny Tadbulb will have an increased chance of hatching from a Pokémon Egg, including those that require walking two kilometers to hatch. In addition, Global Challenges will take place during High Zaptitude, which will give trainers bonus rewards for completing various tasks. At level 1, trainers will receive double experience for catching Pokemon.
The level 2 rewards will double the amount of Stardust that Pokémon GO trainers can get and let Wattrel and Kilowattrel meet in nature and via Field Research. The High Zaptitude event will give trainers the chance to meet and capture Wattrel for the first time in Pokémon GO. After catching a Wattrel, it will take 50 Wattrel Candies to evolve it into Kilowattrel. At level 3, the amount of experience points and Stardust from hatching Pokemon eggs will also be doubled.
Pokemon GO High Zaptitude Global Challenge Rewards (January 13 to 18, 2026)
Level 1
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2x XP for catching Pokemon
Level 2
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2x XP Stardust for catching Pokemon
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Wattrel and Kilowattrel Field Research and Wild Encounters
Level 3
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2x XP for Hatching Pokemon
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2x Stardust for hatching Pokemon
Along with the increased chances of hatching a Shiny Tadbulb, other Electric Pokémon will have increased odds of appearing in the wild, including Chinchou, Shinx, and Helioptile. Each wild electric Pokemon has an increased chance to become shiny. Alongside the Tadbulb, hatching an egg at 2km has a chance to give players a Pichu, Elekid, or Toxel, all of which have a chance to become Shiny. There will also be Paid Time Research available for $1.99 which will cut the time needed to hatch eggs in an incubator in half. Various field research tasks will be available during the High Zaptitude event. The electrical challenges will run parallel to January 2026 Pokémon GO Pass event, which gives players a chance to catch a Shiny Dialga and get rewards like the Lucky Trinket.
Pokemon with increased shiny odds under high zaptitude
2 km Egg
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Tadbulb
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Pichu
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Elekid
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Toxel
Wild encounters
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Shinx
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Tadbulb
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Chinchou
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Helioptile
The High Zaptitude event should be a great way to Pokémon GO trainers to add more Shiny Pokémon to their collections when they arrive on January 13. Even if Pokémon GO are running out of new animals to add to the game's Pokedex, the upcoming Pokemon Day festivities could give trainers a look at the franchise's future plans. With Pokémon GO10th anniversary also takes place in 2026 along with Pokémon the franchise's 30th year of service, it is likely that Pokémon GO will be hosting some themed events to mark both occasions.
Between the game's upcoming anniversary and the potential for new Pokemon to arrive later in 2026, Pokémon GO coaches remain hopeful that Scopely will add some new features to make the game a better experience for everyone. Time will tell what The Pokemon Company and Scopely have in mind Pokémon GO now that 2026 has arrived.
- Released
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July 6, 2016
- Engine
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Unit
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
