Two weeks ago Pokémon GO kicked off a limited Holiday Update that added Pikachus wearing Santa hats, as well as a few select Pokémon from the second generation games. Niantic recently announced they are expanding the Update in two different ways. The first will reward free egg-hatching incubators, while the second sees an increased chance to finding the original Gen 1 starters and their evolutions.
“As the year draws to a close, we want to give you a great way to celebrate the end of the year with Pokémon GO,” states the press release. “For the next couple of weeks, you’ll have even more reason to explore the world with your friends and family while you enjoy our year-end event.”
Running right now through January 3, 2017 (“afternoon PST”), you can earn a free single use incubator each day upon visiting a PokéStop. This is a huge boon since incubators are limited use. All the newly added Gen 2 Pokémon like Togepi and Pichu can only be found by hatching eggs.
The Update also adds “a greater chance of finding [Gen 2] Eggs.” If you’re like me and have played Pokémon GO every day and still haven’t found a Santa-sporting Pikachu, Niantic is keeping them around longer as well, and increasing their spawn rate.
The second update hits on December 30 and runs through January 8, 2017 (“afternoon PST”). During this period the original Kanto starters, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, and all their evolutions will see an increase to their spawn rate. These are some of the rarest and most sought after Pokémon.
As an added bonus, Lure Modules during this time will last 60 minutes instead of the usual 30. Gotta Catch More of ‘Em!
