Pokemon GO Spotlight Hours: The Ultimate Guide to Boosts, Bonuses and Rare Pokemon

Are you a Pokémon GO enthusiast always on the lookout for rare Pokémon and game-changing bonuses? If so, you’re probably already familiar with Spotlight Hours, one of the most exciting weekly events in the game. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned trainer, these 60-minute windows offer the perfect opportunity to catch a highlighted Pokémon, rack up valuable in-game rewards, and level up your game.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Pokémon GO Spotlight Hours. From upcoming event details and rare Pokémon encounters to tips on how to make the most of every bonus, you’ll learn how to truly maximize your Spotlight Hour experience.

What is Pokémon GO Spotlight Hour?

Spotlight Hour is a recurring weekly event in Pokémon GO where players get a chance to catch a specific Pokémon that spawns at an increased rate for just one hour. Every week, the featured Pokémon changes, along with special bonuses that range from double Stardust to double Candy.

Think of it as a speed round where you can focus your efforts on catching as many of the featured Pokémon as possible, all while enjoying the added benefits provided by the event. Whether you’re after a high-IV Pokémon, aiming to evolve your team, or just trying to collect more resources, Spotlight Hours offer something for everyone.

Pokémon GO Spotlight Hour Schedule for October 2024

Niantic, the developers of Pokémon GO, have laid out the Spotlight Hour schedule for October 2024, with exciting Pokémon like Shroomish, Gastly, and Duskull taking center stage. Here’s the lineup so far:

• October 1, 2024: Duskull – 2× Catch XP
• October 8, 2024: Gastly – 2× Catch Candy
• October 15, 2024: Shroomish – 2× Catch Stardust
• October 22, 2024: Slakoth – 2× Evolve XP
• October 29, 2024: Shuppet – 2× Transfer Candy

Each Spotlight Hour takes place from 6 PM to 7 PM local time, meaning the event starts based on your region, no matter where you are in the world. This convenient time slot allows for a fun break after work or school, so make sure you’re logged in and ready to go!

Spotlight Hour Pokémon: Shroomish – October 15, 2024

On October 15, 2024, Shroomish, the Grass-type Mushroom Pokémon, will be in the limelight. Not only will Shroomish be spawning more frequently, but you’ll also enjoy double Stardust for every Pokémon you catch during the event.

Shroomish may not seem like much at first, but don’t underestimate its evolution. With 50 Shroomish Candy, you can evolve it into Breloom, a powerful Grass and Fighting-type Pokémon that can hold its own in battles. It’s also worth noting that Shiny Shroomish will be available, though its shiny rate won’t be boosted specifically for the event.

So, what’s the best way to prepare for this Spotlight Hour? Let’s break it down.

How to Prepare for Spotlight Hours: Pro Tips for Pokémon Trainers

Spotlight Hours only last for 60 minutes, so time is of the essence. Here’s how to make sure you’re fully prepared to catch them all:

1. Stock Up on Poké Balls: The last thing you want during Spotlight Hour is to run out of Poké Balls. Head to your nearest PokéStops before the event begins to collect as many Poké Balls, Great Balls, or Ultra Balls as you can. Consider using Incense and Lure Modules to further increase the spawn rates of Shroomish.
2. Make Space in Your Pokémon Storage: Freeing up space in your Pokémon storage box is critical. Before the event, transfer any low-IV or unwanted Pokémon to Professor Willow to clear space for all the Shroomish you’ll be catching.
3. Use a Star Piece: Since this Spotlight Hour offers double Stardust for catches, using a Star Piece can further boost your Stardust rewards by 50% for 30 minutes. This stacks with the event’s Stardust bonus, giving you maximum returns on every catch.
4. Mega Evolve a Grass-Type Pokémon: Shroomish is a Grass-type, so if you have a Mega Evolved Grass-type Pokémon, such as Mega Venusaur or Mega Sceptile, evolve them before the event. This will grant you an additional Candy boost whenever you catch Shroomish, as well as a chance to earn Candy XL, especially useful for powering up your Pokémon to higher levels.
5. Activate Incense and Lures: To increase the number of Shroomish that spawn around you, use Incense and Lure Modules. If you want even more encounters, walk around while the Incense is active it works better when you’re moving!
6. Prepare for Shiny Hunting: Shiny Shroomish will be available during this event, and while the shiny rate isn’t increased, the sheer number of spawns gives you a better chance of finding one. Tap every Shroomish you see to check for the shiny variant!

Spotlight Hour Bonuses: How to Maximize Your Gains

Every Spotlight Hour comes with a unique bonus, which could be the key to levelling up faster or powering up your team. The October 15, 2024 event offers 2× Stardust for catching Pokémon, a bonus you don’t want to miss, especially if you’re grinding for high-level power-ups.

Here are some other ways to maximize your gains during the event:

• Double Catch Candy: Certain Spotlight Hours grant you double catch candy, which is ideal for evolving Pokémon. Pair this bonus with a Pinap Berry to multiply your Candy gains even further.
• XP Boosts: If the event offers double XP for catches, use Lucky Eggs to further boost your experience points. This is a great opportunity to level up faster, especially for newer players.
• Evolve XP: If the bonus is related to evolving Pokémon, make sure you have Pokémon ready to evolve before the event starts. You can rack up tons of XP during these events, making it one of the best times to use a Lucky Egg.

Spotlight Hour Spawn Rates and Shiny Odds

The main allure of Spotlight Hour is the increased spawn rates of the featured Pokémon. During these events, the selected Pokémon will appear in much higher numbers than usual, giving you a great chance to catch a high-IV version or grind for enough Candy to evolve it.

But what about Shiny rates? While the overall shiny rate remains the same, Spotlight Hours provide more opportunities to encounter shiny variants simply because you’re seeing more of the same Pokémon.

For example, if you’re participating in the Shroomish event and hoping to find a Shiny Shroomish, the best strategy is to tap on as many Shroomish as possible during the event window. While the shiny rate isn’t boosted, more spawns mean a higher chance of finding that coveted shiny.

How to Make the Most of Your Stardust Bonus

Stardust is one of the most valuable resources in Pokémon GO, used for powering up your Pokémon, trading, and unlocking second charge moves. The Shroomish Spotlight Hour on October 15, 2024, will feature a 2× Catch Stardust bonus, making it the perfect time to stock up on Stardust.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Use a Star Piece: A Star Piece increases the amount of Stardust you earn by 50% for 30 minutes. Using one during the Spotlight Hour will multiply your gains even more, especially when combined with the event’s 2× Stardust bonus.
• Catch Everything: Don’t just focus on the featured Pokémon catch everything you see during this hour. Every Pokémon caught during the event will yield double Stardust.
• Visit PokéStops in High-Density Areas: To maximize your encounters, play in an area with plenty of PokéStops. Not only will this increase the number of Pokémon you encounter, but you’ll also be able to replenish your Poké Balls.

How to Prepare for Future Spotlight Hours

Spotlight Hours are a recurring event, so even if you miss one, there’s always another just around the corner. To stay prepared for each event, follow these general guidelines:

• Keep Your Poké Balls Stocked: You don’t want to be scrambling for Poké Balls right before an event. Make it a habit to regularly visit PokéStops to stock up.
• Check for Shiny Availability: Not all Spotlight Hour Pokémon have a shiny form, but when they do, it’s a golden opportunity for shiny hunting. Always check whether the featured Pokémon can be shiny and plan accordingly.
• Use Incense Strategically: Incense increases the spawn rate of Pokémon around you, and it’s even more effective when you’re on the move. Use it to increase your chances of catching rare Pokémon.
• Make Room in Your Pokémon Storage: Regularly transfer unwanted Pokémon to keep your storage box clear for future Spotlight Hours. Having extra space means you can catch more Pokémon without pausing to clean out your storage mid-event.

FAQ

1. Can Shroomish be shiny during the Spotlight Hour? Yes, Shiny Shroomish will be available during its Spotlight Hour, but the shiny rate will not be boosted.

2. What are Spotlight Hours in Pokémon GO? Spotlight Hours are weekly events where a specific Pokémon has increased spawn rates for 60 minutes, along with a special in-game bonus.

3. When is the next Spotlight Hour? The next Pokémon GO Spotlight Hour is on October 15, 2024, featuring Shroomish and a 2× Stardust bonus.

4. How do I prepare for Spotlight Hours? Make sure you have enough Poké Balls, clean out your Pokémon storage, use Incense and Lures, and stock up on Berries and Star Pieces to maximize your rewards.