The "Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek" event has arrived in Pokémon Go, running from October 13 through October 19. This in-game event marks the debut of Bramblin, the tumbleweed Pokémon, and introduces Super Max Mega Manectric.
This event signifies the first time Manectric can reach Super Max Level, the fourth tier of Mega Evolution in Pokémon Go. When Mega Evolved, Mega Manectric will also know the move Discharge+, regardless of its Mega Level.
Catching Bramblin
Players seeking to encounter Bramblin during the event have several options. It can be found as an Incense spawn, as a reward at ranks 30 and 60 within the event's Go Pass, and potentially as a reward from the "earn a candy exploring with your buddy" Field Research task.
Bramblin evolves into Brambleghast after collecting 50 Bramblin Candy and walking 20 kilometers with Bramblin set as the player's buddy. Bramblin is not yet available in its shiny form.
Event Go Pass and Bonuses
The "Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek" Go Pass features 30 standard ranks and an additional 30 bonus ranks. Players can advance through these ranks by participating in raids, catching Pokémon, and hatching eggs. Daily tasks, such as using an Incense or exploring 1 kilometer, each award 50 points, contributing to one full rank upon completion of both.
Event bonuses are unlocked by reaching specific milestones within the Go Pass. At Rank 10, the duration of Incense use is doubled. Upon reaching Rank 20, players receive a 5x bonus on Mega Energy when exploring with Electrike or Manectric as their buddy, provided Manectric has been Mega Evolved at least once.
Timed Research and Rewards
Completing the event's Timed Research before its conclusion offers a special reward. This research requires significant exploration, with tasks involving walking distances of 5 km, 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km. Upon completion, players will receive an encounter with Pikachu wearing a marathon visor.
Field Research and Boosted Spawns
Spinning PokéStops during the event may yield Field Research tasks. These include tasks like earning a buddy candy for an Electrike or Bramblin encounter, exploring 1 km for encounters with Doduo, Cacnea, or Electrike, and exploring 3 km for 25 Manectric Mega Energy or one Rare Candy. Another task, spinning a previously unvisited PokéStop, also rewards 25 Manectric Mega Energy or one Rare Candy.
Certain Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild during the event, including Ponyta, Doduo, Electrike (with an increased chance of being shiny), Skarmory, and Blitzle.
Incense spawns will vary by day. Galarian Ponyta and Hoppip will appear from October 13-16, while Hisuian Growlithe (with an increased chance of being shiny), Nincada, Helioptile, and Bramblin will be available from October 16-19. Electrike will spawn from Incense throughout the entire event period. Dwebble will be available from October 13-16, and Electrike will spawn from Incense throughout the entire event.
