Niantic continues to chain events as they have been doing so now for months as they just announced their Halloween event for 2019 shortly after the latest Community Day Event. The Halloween event has now become an annual tradition as it provides an opportunity for the community to have a fun event to engage with players around the world. This year, it seems they are raising the bar a bit as they are adding some special Pokemon to pursue during the event.
The event will, as expected, increase the ability to capture Ghost and Dark type Pokemon aligned with the Halloween theme. This will include some of the Pokemon that are with those types in Generation Five which will be the first time they appear in game. For example, Darkrai will start to be available in five star Raid battles during the event which is due to start on October 17th and last for two weeks ending November 1st.
In the essence of Halloween and disguises, three Pokemon will have new forms released which will change their appearance doing the event: Bulbasaur wearing Shedinja costumes, Charmander wearing Cubone costumes, and Squirtle wearing Yamask costumes. Their shiny forms will also be available if you are lucky enough to encounter one! This is a pretty cool addition as the only other Pokemon to really have such a dramatic change was the Armored Mewtwo released a couple of months ago.
The event will also bring new Field Research tasks related to these Pokemon types as well as a Special Research that will reward a "Forbidden Pokemon." Since I am not well versed in Generation Five, I am wondering which Pokemon that would be but it is always good to get a new entry for our Pokedexes. Lastly, bonuses will also be available during the event. Given the Halloween theme, candy received will be doubled for catches, hatches and transfers. This is the time of year that I clean out my Pokemon storage to get additional candy, especially for the Legendaries!
Thanks!
"Forbidden Pokémon" that will most likely be Spiritomb from gen 4, who we got through a Special Research Task last year for Halloween as well. Since it is a Pokémon you can obtain multiple times in Diamond & Pearl too.