Halloween is a magical time for Pokémon GO trainers, especially those who love collecting Ghost-types and seasonal outfits. There's a special thrill in snagging a Pokémon that completes your collection, even if the only difference is a tiny accessory you might miss on the map. It also makes deciding which duplicates to transfer a whole lot harder than it should be.
The seasonal wardrobe is a particular danger for anyone who thought they already had enough Pikachu variants. Halloween gives even familiar faces a reason to take up another slot in your storage, and the designs don't need to be elaborate to win you over. This year, one of the strongest arguments for clearing out some space involves a very small top hat.
Pokémon GO's Halloween 2026 Part I runs from October 27 at 10 a.m. to November 1 at 10 a.m. local time. It introduces Pikachu in a hat and capelet, Zubat in a top hat, and Sinistea wearing a bow. All three can be Shiny. Costumed Zubat appears in the wild, while the new Pikachu and Sinistea appear in one-star raids.
More Than Just New Costumes
The event also brings tappable surprises in the wild that can award Pokémon encounters or Candy. Catch bonuses are tied to the Halloween GO Pass: Rank 10 unlocks double catch Candy, and Rank 20 unlocks double catch Stardust. Players with GO Pass Deluxe receive triple bonuses at those milestones instead. The free Halloween pass arrives automatically when the event begins, and progression continues until November 5 at 8 p.m. local time, with unlocked rewards expiring November 7 at 8 p.m. Deluxe costs $7.99, while the $9.99 option includes enough points to reach Rank 11.
The new costumes are easily the biggest draw, and Zubat wearing a tiny top hat deserves a spot in even the most overcrowded Pokémon storage. Pikachu is usually a safe bet for the cutest seasonal addition, but Sinistea showing up in a bow makes that a much harder call this year. There's also the possibility of finding all three in their Shiny forms, which should keep collectors busy between Halloween plans. Anyone hoping to bring the whole costumed crew home should start clearing some space now.
For those looking to expand their spooky collection, this event is a must. And if you're in the mood for more Halloween-themed entertainment, check out some forgotten Far Side Halloween gems that are almost perfect. Or, if you're a fan of classic spooky movies, Christina Ricci's Casper is haunting Disney+ charts ahead of Halloween.
Don't forget to mark your calendars for the event start, and get ready to catch 'em all in style. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or just starting out, this Halloween event promises plenty of treats and maybe a few tricks.
