Get ready, Trainers—Giovanni is back, and he’s brought Shadow Dialga with him.
Niantic has officially announced a brand-new Pokémon GO event titled Crown Clash: Taken Over, running from May 14 to May 18, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most intense Team GO Rocket takeovers yet. The five-day event will give players the chance to confront Giovanni, rescue new Shadow Pokémon, and participate in a variety of Shadow-themed activities.
Shadow Dialga and the Return of Giovanni
The highlight of the Crown Clash: Taken Over event is the return of Giovanni, who now commands the legendary Shadow Dialga. Players can receive a Super Rocket Radar to locate Giovanni by completing a Special Research questline, which will remain claimable until June 3 as part of the ongoing Pokémon GO: Might and Mastery season.
During the event, Team GO Rocket Grunts and Leaders will appear more frequently at PokéStops and in balloons, providing more opportunities to engage in battle. Players can also use a Charged TM to help their Shadow Pokémon forget the move Frustration—a rare opportunity that usually only comes during major Rocket events.
New Shadow Pokémon and Raid Challenges
In addition to Shadow Dialga, players can encounter new Shadow Pokémon such as:
- Shadow Slakoth
- Shadow Inkay
- Shadow Tyrunt
- Shadow Amaura
These Pokémon will be used by Rocket Leaders and may also appear in one-star and three-star Shadow Raids. According to Niantic, Pokémon caught in these raids will feature a wider variance in stats, making them more dynamic than their standard counterparts. Lucky trainers might even encounter Shiny Shadow Pokémon during the event.
Crown Clash Bonuses and Timed Research
Players can enjoy a mix of rewards and bonuses during the event, including:
- Larvitar and Pawniard newly added to 10km Eggs
- Field Research tasks rewarding Fast TMs, Charged TMs, and Mysterious Components
- Event-themed Pokémon appearing in PokéStop Showcases
For those looking to go further, a Paid Timed Research will be available for $4.99, which includes:
- 1x Super Rocket Radar
- 2x Premium Battle Passes
- Encounters with event-themed Pokémon
More Coming in May: Max Battle Weekend with Dynamax Suicune
This Rocket invasion isn’t the only event on the horizon. Just before Crown Clash begins, Niantic is launching a Max Battle Weekend from May 10, featuring the debut of Dynamax Suicune in a high-powered raid event. It’s clear that May is packed with content for dedicated Pokémon GO Trainers.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after a Shiny Shadow Pokémon, new Egg hatches, or the epic showdown with Giovanni and Shadow Dialga, Crown Clash: Taken Over is a must-play event. Don’t forget to claim your Special Research and prep your battle teams—Team GO Rocket isn’t holding back.
