In nearly six years, I don’t think I’ve ever been busier playing Pokémon Go. This weekend’s ticketed Johto Tour event offered an eye-opening checklist of things to hunt down, battle and trade – so much so, some fans have said the event should have lasted two days, or had better signposting for some of its more obscure challenges.
Johto Tour was a celebration of the series’ Gold and Silver game region, and in that it was a success. Its questline saw you choosing between those game’s Starter Pokémon, while its rotating hourly creature spawns were themed around key in-game areas. As with last year’s Kanto Tour, the region’s full Pokédex of creatures was available to catch, trade for or evolve.
For long-time fans of the series, the sight of the normally raid-exclusive Legendary dogs Raikou, Entei and Suicune appearing in the wild was a brilliant nod. And while tough to catch (although easier via Incense) these could even be available in their rare Shiny versions.
As announced, Johto Tour’s story quest concluded with the chance to catch the time-travelling Mythical Pokémon Celebi – only the third time it has ever been obtainable since Pokémon Go launched. This also unlocked a lengthy post-event questline for players to complete over the days ahead, offering a super-powered Shadow Ho-Oh and Lugia.