Pokémon GO has announced that the Gen 9 Steel-type Pokémon, Orthworm, will debut in the Steeled Resolve event, running from April 28 to May 4, 2026. As the game approaches its 10th anniversary, players can look forward to a series of exciting limited-time events. The ongoing Memories in Motion event brought much-anticipated Pokémon like Gigantamax Pikachu and Blipbug. Now, April's event continues to bring fresh content for Pokémon GO fans.
Recent Event Recap
April kicked off with a bang. On April Fools' Day, Pokémon GO surprised players with the debut of Mimikyu as part of the A Shockingly Good Time event. Shortly after, the Fashion Raid Day on April 4 featured over ten costumed Pokémon. These events set the stage for the upcoming Steeled Resolve event, which will introduce a fan-favorite Steel-type Pokémon from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet — Orthworm.
Key Event Highlights
- Event Duration & Mechanics: Orthworm will appear in 3-Star Raids, where players need to battle and catch it.
- Shiny Version: Unlike most Pokémon debuts, Orthworm will launch with its Shiny version available.
- Meltan & Mystery Box: The event will focus on Meltan, with a chance to encounter Shiny Meltan via the Mystery Box. Additionally, the wait time to open new Mystery Boxes will be reduced.
- Increased Spawn Rates: Steel-type Pokémon like Magnemite, Aron, Ferroseed, and Pawniard will appear more frequently in the wild.
Event Rewards & Gameplay Strategy
- Field Research Tasks: Completing themed tasks will allow players to encounter Pokémon like Pineco, Nosepass, and Drilbur.
- 1-Star Raids: Pokémon such as Honedge, Shieldon, and Beldum will appear in 1-Star Raids, with a chance to encounter their Shiny variants.
- GO Pass: Steeled Resolve – Taken Over: Players will unlock this limited-time pass, which provides double catch candy, Super Rocket Radar, and encounters with Meltan and other event Pokémon.
- Strategic Value: Steel-type Pokémon, especially Meltan and Metagross, are invaluable in PvP and Raids. This event offers a prime opportunity to stock up on candies for powerful creatures.
Background & Future Events
In the mainline Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games, Orthworm is known as the Lurking Steel Titan, a giant earthworm that players must defeat. In Pokémon GO, it will appear in raids rather than spawning in the wild, continuing the trend of debuting in event-specific mechanics. The growing popularity of Orthworm even saw it joining the lineup for Pokémon Champions.
Other exciting events are also lined up for April:
- Sustainability Week (April 14-20): Features the debut of Silicobra, a Ground-type Pokémon.
- Tinkatink Community Day (April 11): Tinkatink will get its first Community Day, with the exclusive Charged Attack “Gigaton Hammer.”
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Comments
The event design for Steeled Resolve not only enhances Pokémon collection and combat variety but also provides developers with key data points. The participation rates in raids, Shiny Pokémon collection trends, and Mystery Box usage will offer insights into player preferences. Orthworm’s limited-time appearance and the launch of its Shiny version reflect a strategic approach to engagement — focusing on scarcity, collectability, and player retention.
FAQ
What are the core mechanics for the Orthworm debut event?
Orthworm will appear in 3-Star Raids, requiring players to battle and catch it. The Shiny version will be available at launch.
How does the Mystery Box feature impact player engagement?
The reduction in wait times for the Mystery Box encourages more frequent usage, creating higher engagement with Shiny Meltan and other event Pokémon.
What are the strategic advantages of Steel-type Pokémon in PvP and Raids?
Steel-types, such as Meltan and Metagross, are highly effective in both PvP and Raids due to their solid defensive capabilities and versatile attacks.
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