Pokémon GO Rivals Week Event Brings Exciting Zangoose Raids and PvP Opportunities

Pokémon GO Trainers are gearing up for an action-packed Rivals Week event, set to take place from May 4 to 9, 2024. This battle-themed event promises to bring a host of exciting features, including the appearance of rival Pokémon species that are normally region-locked. Coinciding with the GO Battle Weekend, the Rivals Week event offers a thrilling experience for Pokémon enthusiasts worldwide.

One of the main attractions of the event is the appearance of Zangoose in 3-star Raid battles. Trainers will have an increased chance to encounter the elusive shiny Zangoose during these battles, making it an excellent opportunity for collectors and shiny hunters alike. To prepare for the event, Trainers are advised to assemble their best counters, including Fighting-type Pokémon like Mega Heracross and Lucario, to exploit Zangoose's weaknesses and emerge victorious in the Raid battles.

In addition to the Raid battles, the Rivals Week event will feature increased battle sets, free and paid Timed Research, and various event bonuses. Event-themed Field Research tasks will be available throughout the week, rewarding Trainers with encounters featuring event-themed Pokémon. For those seeking an extra challenge, a paid Timed Research, priced at US$0.99 or the local equivalent, will offer rewards such as Stardust, a Star Piece, Rare Candies, and Rare Candy XL.

The Rivals Week event also presents an excellent opportunity for Trainers to hunt for PvP builds, as it coincides with the Rediscovering Kanto event, which aims to level the playing field for new players in the PvP scene. Meta-relevant spawns and region-locked Pokémon will be available worldwide during the event, making it the perfect time to focus on building a competitive PvP roster.

Serious PvP players should prioritize hunting for Mankey's evolution, Annihilape, which has become a staple in the Great League and Ultra League. Other recommended Pokémon for PvP include Gligar, known for its speed and bulk; Gliscor, particularly as a shadow variant; Poliwag's evolution, Poliwrath, now a meta staple with its recent buffs; and Lickitung, a bulky safe swap for the Great League.

Trainers should keep in mind that Annihilape's moveset and typing make it a priority build, with recommendations to create two variants: one with Shadow Ball and another with Close Combat. When hunting for Gligar, attention to its IVs is vital, as a slight attack weighting can allow it to overcome Whiscash in certain situations. Poliwrath's recent buffs and movepool additions have made it a must-have for PvP rosters, particularly in the Great League and Ultra League. "Prioritize high bulk for non-shadow Poliwrath variants and consider running a shadow variant for Great League anda non-shadow variant for Ultra League,"advises a seasoned PvP player.

Rivals Week event draws near, Trainers are preparing their teams and strategies to make the most of this exciting opportunity. With the chance to encounter rare and powerful Pokémon, improve PvP rosters, and participate in thrilling Raid battles, theRivals Week eventis set to be an unforgettable experience for Pokémon GO players around the world.

Key Takeaways

• Rivals Week event: May 4-9, 2024, with battle-themed features and region-locked Pokémon.
• Zangoose appears in 3-star Raid battles with increased shiny encounter chance.
• Event features increased battle sets, free/paid Timed Research, and event bonuses.
• Perfect time to build competitive PvP rosters with meta-relevant spawns and region-locked Pokémon.
• Prioritize Annihilape, Gligar, Gliscor, Poliwrath, and Lickitung for PvP builds.