Pokémon GO‘s Throwback Challenge keeps rolling through May. Starting at 1 PM local time on Friday, May 15th, it’s the Hoenn region’s turn in the spotlight. Trainers can complete exclusive research tasks in order to earn an encounter with an exclusive Pokémon variant. Here’s everything you need to know.
Pokémon GO: Every Pokemon GO Hoenn Throwback Challenge Task and Reward
Like this past week’s Johto-themed event, the Hoenn Throwback Challenge is a series of shout-outs to 2002’s Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. (…those games are an entire high school senior old now. How did that happen?) During the challenge, you receive passive bonuses that halve Egg and Buddy Candy Distance.
An assortment of Pokémon native to the Hoenn region are set to appear more frequently during the Challenge, from random encounters, 7-KM eggs, and as boss fights in Raids. You can also find and catch another special Pikachu–this time, it’s sporting a Rayquaza hat–and have a chance to find Shiny versions of Skitty and Delcatty.
Most importantly, you have another shot at a special Pokémon encounter by completing this week’s Timed Research. While completing every task can earn you an assortment of useful items and guaranteed Pokémon encounters, your ultimate reward is the chance to capture a special version of Groudon that knows Fire Punch. You’ve got from 1 PM local time today to 1 PM local time next Friday, May 22nd.
| Step | Tasks | Rewards | Completion Reward |
| 1 | Catch 3 Grass-, Water-, or Fire-type Pokémon | 10 PokéBalls | 1 Pinap Berry, 2 Razz Berries, Nosepass encounter |
| [automatically completed]* | 5 Rare Candies | ||
| Catch a Rock-Type Pokémon** | 500 Stardust | ||
| 2 | Power up a Pokémon | 5 Pinap Berries | 1 Razz Berry, 2 Pinap Berries, Hariyama encounter |
| Make 3 Nice Throws | Lairon encounter | ||
| Catch a Fighting-type Pokémon | 500 Stardust | ||
| 3 | Send a Gift to a Friend | 1 Incense | 1 Pinap Berry, 2 Razz Berries, Manectric encounter |
| Make 3 Curveball Throws | Wailmer encounter | ||
| Catch an Electric-type Pokémon | 500 Stardust | ||
| 4 | Earn a Candy walking with your Buddy | Trapinch encounter | 1 Razz Berry, 2 Pinap Berries, Camerupt encounter |
| Catch 3 Pokémon with Weather Boost | Bagon encounter | ||
| Catch a Fire-type Pokémon*** | 500 Stardust | ||
| 5 | Make 3 Great Throws | Shedinja encounter | 1 Pinap Berry, 2 Razz Berries, Slakoth encounter |
| Power up Pokémon 3 times | 10 Great Balls | ||
| Catch a Normal-type Pokémon | 500 Stardust | ||
| 6 | Catch a Water-, Electric-, or Bug-type Pokémon | 10 Ultra Balls | 1 Razz Berry, 2 Pinap Berries, Swellow encounter |
| Battle another Trainer | Absol encounter | ||
| Catch a Flying-type Pokémon | 500 Stardust | ||
| 7 | Catch a Ghost-type Pokémon | 5 Revives | 1 Pinap Berry, 2 Razz Berries, Claydol encounter |
| Give your Buddy 3 Treats | 1 Charged TM | ||
| Catch a Psychic-type Pokémon | 500 Stardust | ||
| 8 | Take a Snapshot of a Water-type Pokémon | Clamperl encounter | 1 Razz Berry, 2 Pinap Berries, Sealeo encounter |
| Evolve a Pokémon | 1 Star Piece | ||
| Catch a Water-type Pokémon | 500 Stardust | ||
| 9 | [Claim 3 Rewards] | 3,000 XP x3 | 10 Rare Candies, special Groudon encounter |
*: You were supposed to get 10 Rare Candies for finishing the Timed Research during the Johto Throwback Challenge over the course of the last week, but trainers who turned it in only got 5. You can now get the other 5 just for showing up this week.
**: This is apparently harder than it sounds; a lot of trainers are reporting difficulty finding a Rock-type right now. Your best bet may be to find an Aron.
***: Keep your eyes open for a Torchic.
This is the third of four Throwback Challenges during the month of May. If you can complete all four, you’ll earn access to the Challenge Champion 2020 Special Research, which rewards encounters with Genesect, Galarian Meowth, and Galarian Stunfisk. You’ll also receive Professor Willow’s glasses as a cosmetic item–read: forehead ornament–for your avatar.
Related: Pokemon GO Sinnoh Throwback Challenge Schedule and Details
Good luck during this week’s Throwback Challenge, trainers. Check out our Pokémon GO hub page for more tips and tricks, including:
- How to capture Virizion before it’s gone
- Here’s what you need to know about the next Raid Hour
- If you missed it, here’s how to play with your Buddy
Pokemon GO has been red-hot this week, between the Remote Raid Pass and the Throwback Challenges. Have you already burned through all the steps and gotten your new fiery Groudon pal, or are you watching the clock and waiting for your time zone to tick over? Check in with our Pokemon trainers via our official Twitter, @PrimaGames.
Published: May 15, 2020 08:21 pm