Pokémon GO Shadow Kyogre Debuts in Shadow Raids + Shadow Giratina Special Research in August 2025

🌑 Shadow Kyogre & Shadow Giratina Take Center Stage — Pokémon GO’s August 2025 “Taken Over” Event 🇺🇸

August in Pokémon GO is lighting up with bold Shadow raid debuts, powered-up Team GO Rocket invasions, and Special Research missions that put you face-to-face with legendary threats. Let’s dive into what U.S. players can expect from the Delightful Days: Taken Over event—from Shadow Kyogre and Shiny Shadow odds, to Rocket challenges and event-specific bonuses. 🕵️‍♂️✨

🕷️ “Taken Over” Event Highlights: August 11–17

From 12:00 a.m. local time on August 11 through 11:59 p.m. on August 17, Pokémon GO’s “Taken Over” season joins the Dark side:

Team GO Rocket Grunts and Leaders (Sierra, Cliff, Arlo) roam more frequently at PokéStops and via balloons.

Trainers can purchase a Rocket Box (U.S. price US$9.99) loaded with radars, Battle Passes, Ultra Balls, and Silver Pinap Berries.

Charged TMs are usable to remove Frustration from Shadow Pokémon.

Field Research offers Fast and Charged TMs, plus mysterious components.

A timed Collection Challenge earns you XP and a Rocket Radar.

A Special Research questline offers a Super Rocket Radar to track and face Giovanni—and save Shadow Giratina.

Plus, this is the first time players may encounter Shiny Salandit via egg hatching.

🔥 Shadow Kyogre Debut in Raids: Aug 16–17

Mark your calendars: Shadow Kyogre debuts in Tier 5 Shadow Raids from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, August 16, through Sunday, August 17.

That’s the first-ever opportunity to catch Shiny Shadow Kyogre, featuring 1 in 20 odds.

You'll also receive one extra Raid Pass daily by spinning Gym Photo Discs during event hours.

What else spawns in Shadow Raids?

One-star Shadow raids—candidates like Shadow Bellsprout, Aipom, Teddiursa, Seedot—and Shiny variants remain possible. Three-star raids include Shadow Absol, Girafarig, and Whirlipede.

🎯 Special Research: Save Shadow Giratina

Unlockable on August 11, this research storyline leads you through battles with Rocket Leaders before confronting Giovanni—who currently commands Shadow Giratina. Rewards include Rocket-themed gear, XP, and eventually a Super Rocket Radar for that showdown.

You’ll have until September 2, 2025 (9:59 a.m. local time) to complete the storyline and claim your rewards.

🔍 Why U.S. Players Should Participate

Historical firsts: Shadow Kyogre + shiny odds = must-runs for collectors.

Enjoy extra Raid Passes and focused Rocket bonuses that ease access.

Rocket Box offer provides great value for serious Rocket hunters.

Tracking Giovanni’s Shadow Giratina enhances prestige—and rewards Rocket medals and map background flair.

💬 Community Reactions

From Reddit and The Silph Road:

> *“Dream shiny odds—1 in 20 Shadow Kyogre? I'm there!”*

*“Need that Super Radar to track down Giovanni’s Shadow Giratina.”*

Streamers are already planning crowded raid marathons and highlight reels for the Shiny Kyogre hunt.

✅ Final Summary

Delightful Days: Taken Over promises a jam-packed Pokémon GO week—from Shadow Kyogre raids and Shiny odds to high-stakes Giovanni research missions and Rocket gameplay boosts. U.S. players can expect upgraded access, exclusive rewards, and genuinely fresh content from August 11–17. Don’t miss out on your chance to snag legend—if you’re ready to face the shadows.