The 2017 Holiday Event on Niantic Labs' augmented reality video game "Pokemon GO" is now live. Santa Hat Pikachu once again roams the entire map and another 3<sup>rd-generation legendary Pokemon is on its way.
The Holiday event this year came a little early compared to last year that went live on Christmas day. However, just like last year, players can catch the Festive Pikachu and therefore be able to evolve it into a Santa Hat Raichu. Players can also hatch a Santa Hat wearing Pichu.
Niantic Labs added 20 Ice and Water-type Pokemon that originated from the Hoenn region. Pokemon like Milotic, Sharpedo, Relicanth, and more from "Pokemon Ruby" and "Pokemon Sapphire" can now be spotted across the map. Ice-type Pokemon will be more active during the Holiday event. Niantic Labs also revealed the next legendary Pokemon to surface in the AR application game. The great Kyogre is speculated to appear during the Holiday event, but there is still no confirmation from the video game company. Kyogre's counterpart Groudon can now be raided and caught.
Niantic Labs is also giving out free Egg Incubators, and trainers can acquire the best items from the game's special boxes purchased from the in-game shop. Trainers can get items like Premium Raid Passes, Star Pieces, Super Incubators, and so much more from special boxes.
Niantic Labs is urging players to screenshot in-game experiences with the Holiday event in motion. "As you're outside exploring the world, be sure to share your favorite AR photos and best catches using #PokémonGO," Niantic wrote.
The Holiday event will last until Jan. 4, 2018.
Niantic Labs continues to keep "Pokemon GO" engaging for players with new updates like the weather dynamic feature and legendary Pokemon raids. The video game company will be releasing two new AR games in 2018, "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" and "Ingress Prime." The company made sure that "Pokemon GO" will not be left out.
