Pokémon is ringing in the Lunar New Year of 2025 with a delightful celebration of the Year of the Snake, featuring a special animated short centered around the snake Pokémon, Ekans and Arbok. Dive into the details of this charming video and discover how The Pokémon Company is commemorating this festive occasion.
Pokemon Celebrates the Year of the Snake
Releases an Animated Short, Featuring a Shiny Ekans and Arbok
On January 29, 2025, Pokémon's official YouTube channel unveiled an animated short to honor the Lunar New Year, specifically celebrating the Year of the Snake.
The heartwarming short showcases a playful exchange between two Ekans dangling from a tree, one of which boasts a striking Shiny variant. Captivated by its surroundings, the Shiny Ekans tumbles onto a passing Arbok, only to evolve amidst a moment of perceived danger from its peers. Embraced as one of their own, the other Arboks trail behind the newly evolved, golden Shiny Arbok as it ventures away from the forest.
Despite its brevity, the video struck a chord with many viewers. One emotional fan remarked, "Even though we were able to meet, it’s sad to say goodbye," reflecting on the fleeting yet meaningful encounter between the two Ekans. Another viewer drew parallels to childhood friendships, observing that the two Ekans, despite their different appearances, instantly connected in a friendly manner.
Moreover, the animated short evoked nostalgia for some, who reminisced about their first encounters with Shiny Pokémon. One fan shared, "When I was playing Gold and Silver, the first Pokémon of a different color I encountered was an Arbok. Unfortunately, it ran away from me at the time, and I was unable to catch it, something I still regret. However, I am very happy that we were able to meet again like this!"In addition to the animated short, The Pokémon Company has rolled out a series of events and merchandise for fans to enjoy during this Lunar New Year.
Pokemon GO’s Lunar New Year Event
On January 9, 2025, Pokémon GO launched its Lunar New Year event, boosting the encounter and Shiny rates of snake-like Pokémon. This event aligns with the Dual Destiny season, spanning from December 3, 2024, to March 4, 2025.
Players can look forward to increased encounters with Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka. Although Darumaka appears more humanoid, it draws inspiration from the Daruma doll, symbolizing good luck and perseverance.
The event also features themed Field Research tasks and special 2 km Eggs, containing Pokémon such as Makuhita, Nosepass, Meditite, Duskull, and Skorupi. Additionally, a themed Timed Research offers the chance to earn rare Zygarde Cells, essential for altering Zygarde’s forms.
