Pokémon GO picks a confusing poster child for Lunar New Year event

The Lunar New Year is kicking off this month, and it will be the Year of the Fire Horse. Pokémon GO is capitalising on this by putting Blitzle front and center in the marketing. The electric zebra.

If only Pokémon had an actual fire horse they could have chosen. 

Don’t worry, though, 'cause the event, taking place between the 17th and 21st, will also feature Darumaka and Gimmighoul, two bipeds. You will also have an increased chance to get Lucky Pokémon in trades, and to also become Lucky Friends, which is pretty good. I have a Lucky Lucario, and they are powerful. 

Lunar New Year event details

If you have the time to go out and about during the event, you might come across a golden PokéStop without having to use a Golden Lure Module. This will get you Gimmighoul Coins for spinning it, and may also attract the rare Gimmighoul Roaming Form. Can’t say no to a rare Pokémon.

Those who head out into the wild will also find themselves surrounded by event-themed Pokémon, including Blitzle, Darumaka, Fuecoco, and more. You may even find a Galarian Ponyta, or a regular Ponyta who is, let me just check my notes here, yes, they are in fact a literal fire horse. Watch out for the year of the electric mouse, featuring Delphox no doubt.

I don’t think I have seen a more open goal than this. I mean, they clearly remembered that Ponyta was a thing; they’re in the event somewhat. Unless there is an electrical fire, Blitzle isn’t bursting into flames any time soon. And even then, they're still a zebra. I'm baffled.

Anyway. During the event, you can take part in the customary Field Research tasks for encounters with probably not a Ponyta. Something unexpected, however, is the themed Collection Challenge that will net you Stardust and more Pokémon encounters.

Pokémon GO is available from the App Store and Google Play.