Pokémon GO Valentine's Day Event 2023: Mega Gardevoir Debuts, Shiny Pokémon, and Global Challenges

Pokémon GO fans have another reason to celebrate as The Pokémon Company and Niantic announce the return of the highly anticipated Pokémon GO Valentine's Day Event for 2023.

Set across iOS and Android platforms, this annual event on the popular augmented reality game brings exciting features, themed research, rare Pokémon debuts, and exclusive rewards to players worldwide from February 8 through February 14, 2023. This year's centerpiece is the much-awaited arrival of Mega Gardevoir in Mega Raids.

For the first time, trainers can also encounter a shiny variant of Mega Gardevoir, making this a golden opportunity for collectors and competitive players alike.

Additionally, shiny forms of Frillish and Tapu Lele will be available, expanding the shiny collection for dedicated Pokémon GO participants.

As in previous events, researchers can look forward to a host of themed Timed Research and Field Research tasks, with event-specific rewards to match the Valentine's Day spirit. The Pokémon GO official website details the specifics: The event begins on February 8 at 10:00 a.m.

local time and runs until February 14 at 8:00 p.m.

local time.

Trainers evolving Kirlia into either Gallade or Gardevoir during this period will ensure their Pokémon learns the powerful Charged Attack 'Synchronise'.

Moreover, any Gallade or Gardevoir caught from raids throughout the event will also possess this exclusive attack. Timed Research, titled 'Lovely Wishes', provides varied reward paths, allowing players to choose between extra Catch XP, bonus Catch Candy, or extended Daily Adventure Incense duration.

Completing these research tasks guarantees an encounter with Frillish, integrating both strategy and excitement into the event. Wild encounters remain a highlight, with Pokémon such as Flabébé (in red, blue, yellow, white, or orange flower variants, depending on region), Alomomola, Audino, Chansey, Illumise, Morelull, Furfrou (Natural Form), and more, roaming the wild.

Also, a notable twist allows players to change their Furfrou into its Heart Trim form, provided they have 25 Furfrou Candy and 10,000 Stardust. A global challenge unites trainers with the aim of sending 100 million gifts between February 7–14.

Achieving this ambitious target unlocks 3x Transfer Candy for the event's duration and an additional 2x Transfer Candy XL for level 31+ trainers. The Egg pool for 7km hatches during the event includes Alomomola, Frillish, Happiny, Lickitung, and Smoochum.

Raids are robust and varied, with one-star raids featuring Chansey, Espurr, Furfrou, and Shinx; three-star raids including Gallade, Lickitung, Miltank, Nidoking, and Nidoqueen; five-star raids headlined by Tapu Lele; and Mega Raids led by Mega Gardevoir. Throughout the event, specific Field Research tasks will reward encounters with Pokémon such as Alomomola, Audino, Chansey, Combee, Eevee, Hippopotas, Litleo, Luvdisc, Morelull, Pikachu, Ralts, Spinda (heart pattern), and more.

Exclusive avatar items—including the Frillish Top and Frillish Glasses—and event stickers are available via PokéStops, gifts, and the in-game shop. As always, Pokémon GO continues to foster community engagement and seasonal festivities with its inventive event structure and broad Pokémon selection.

For dedicated trainers and returning fans alike, the Valentine's Day Event 2023 is set to blend classic charm with innovative gameplay on Nintendo, Android, and iOS devices.

Pokémon Pokémon GO Mega Gardevoir Valentine's Day Event Gardevoir