Rejoice! Pokemon GO has resurrected one of its best activities

Pokémon GO has announced that Spotlight Hour will return, starting in June. Since its launch in 2016, Pokémon GO developer Niantic has made a number of changes to the game, some of which have been more welcome than others. Mobile games often struggle to stay alive and relevant for more than a few years, though Pokémon GO continues to thrive a decade after its launch. The 10-year span has had some bumpy moments, as players have often clashed with the developers over the game's direction.

Niantic's frequent attempts to preserve the game and keep things moving in a positive direction don't always land well Pokémon GO audience. Sometimes this means that popular features are removed or changed, often without explanation. It can be frustrating for players, but the constant tinkering is usually to keep things from going stale. It is also becoming increasingly important, as well Pokémon GO has almost added all Pokemon from the main games.

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Pokemon GO Spotlight Hour Schedule

June 18 – Swinub (2x sweets on transfer)
June 25 – Wingull (2x Stardust on Catches)
July 2 – Pidgey (2x XP for Evolving a Pokemon)
July 16 – Zubat (2x XP on catches)
July 23 – Eevee (2x Candy on Catches)
July 30 – Bidoof (2x candy on transfers)

Spotlight Hours used to be offered weekly, before the feature temporarily ended back in March. Pokémon GO brought back Spotlight Hours in April, but only as part of an event where they were held daily and lacked bonuses. Niantic is now restoring Spotlight Hours to its former glory, with weekly events starting June 18th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time. This also means that Spotlight Hours will be moved to Thursdays, rather than the traditional Tuesday. Bonuses will also make a comeback.

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Niantic hasn't given any explanation as to why it took so long for Spotlight Hours to return, but fans already seem pretty happy regardless. The bonuses can be quite a big deal for some players, especially for those who have been waiting to transfer Pokemon when there is an opportunity to get bonus candies. In all Spotlight Hour events announced for this summer, players may encounter a Shiny version of the corresponding Pokémon. The Shiny Crobat's unique color is worth looking for, so players may want to make an effort to find a Shiny Zubat during its Spotlight Hour.

Pokemon GO Mega Skarmory flies near a gym

These Spotlight Hours should also help fill a busy summer too Pokémon GO. Frigibax will play in a Community Day event on June 20th, while the Skarmory Super Mega Raid Day will take place on June 27th. The biggest event of the summer is Pokemon GO Fest, and players can look forward to a global celebration on July 11 and 12. In addition to several other festivities during these two days, Mega Mewtwo X and Y will finally be available.

Find the odd one before the timer reaches zero.

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The return of Spotlight Hours is at least some evidence that Niantic is listening Pokémon GO player. While the company doesn't always bow to fan demands, it seems there are efforts to do so when possible. It remains to be seen if Spotlight Hours will consistently appear in-game after the ones that have been announced, so players will have to wait and see what August brings.