As Pokémon GO’s Delightful Days season nears its grand finale, Niantic has announced a powerful new Legendary Shadow Raid event set to dominate the battlefield in August 2025. Shadow Giratina and Shadow Kyogre will headline this intense week-long event, bringing new Shadow Raids, shiny debuts, and Team GO Rocket activity across the map.
Delightful Days: Taken Over — Event Dates and Highlights
The Delightful Days: Taken Over event will run from Monday, August 11, at 12:00 AM to Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM local time. Throughout the week, players can expect an increased number of Team GO Rocket Grunts appearing at PokéStops and in balloons. Trainers will also be able to use Charged TMs to remove the frustrating move Frustration from their Shadow Pokémon — an opportunity that only comes during select events.
Additionally, Pokémon caught from one-star and three-star Shadow Raids during this event will display a wider variance in their Attack, Defense, and HP stats, increasing the chance of snagging a powerful fighter.
Shadow Giratina: Giovanni’s Next Sinister Ace
As part of a new Special Research story, players can work toward earning a Super Rocket Radar to track down and defeat Giovanni. His latest Shadow Legendary is none other than Shadow Giratina, and players who are victorious will get a chance to rescue it.
This Special Research can be claimed any time during the event and remains available until September 2, 2025, at 9:59 AM local time — giving players nearly a full month to complete the questline and secure their encounter.
Shadow Kyogre Debuts in Shadow Raids
Following Shadow Giratina’s arrival via Giovanni, Shadow Kyogre will make its long-awaited debut in five-star Shadow Raids starting Saturday, August 16 at 6:00 AM until Sunday, August 17 at 10:00 PM local time. During this 2-day window, trainers can also claim one extra Raid Pass per day from Gyms — ideal for battling this Water-type powerhouse multiple times.
Shadow Raid Lineup and Shiny Opportunities
During the Taken Over event, both one-star and three-star Shadow Raids will be available. Some of these featured Pokémon also come with shiny potential:
One-Star Shadow Raids:
- Shadow Bellsprout*
- Shadow Aipom*
- Shadow Teddiursa*
- Shadow Seedot*
Three-Star Shadow Raids:
- Shadow Girafarig
- Shadow Absol*
- Shadow Whirlipede
(Pokémon marked with an asterisk can appear as shiny)
Team GO Rocket Grunt Encounters
Trainers defeating standard Team GO Rocket Grunts during the event may rescue the following new Shadow Pokémon:
- Shadow Staryu
- Shadow Fletchling
- Shadow Pikipek
- Shadow Grubbin
Shiny Salandit Hatch Debut
In a surprising addition, shiny Salandit will become available in Pokémon GO for the first time. While players will need luck on their side to hatch this elusive Pokémon, it adds even more incentive to participate in the event’s activities, especially during Munchlax’s Hatch Day, which will feature reduced egg hatch distances.
What’s Next for August in Pokémon GO?
Following the Taken Over event, the GO Fest: Max Finale will take place on August 23 and 24, finally introducing Eternatus into the game. Then, on August 30, Pokémon GO will host Rookidee’s first-ever Community Day, chosen by community vote.
With Shadow Kyogre, Shadow Giratina, shiny Salandit, and Eternatus all packed into the final weeks, Pokémon GO is closing its Delightful Days season with a powerful and fan-pleasing lineup.
