Pokémon Go Kicks Off Bug Out 2026 With Blipbug and Shiny Sizzlipede
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Pokémon Go's Bug Out 2026 event is running from March 17 to March 23, featuring the debut of Blipbug, shiny Sizzlipede, and a new event-specific Go Pass progression system.
The annual Bug Out event is live in Pokémon Go, running through March 23, and it brings a few fresh additions for mobile players looking to fill out their Pokédex. Niantic is introducing Galar's larva Pokémon, Blipbug, alongside the shiny debut of Sizzlipede. As usual, players can expect boosted wild spawns, specific raid targets, and themed field research tasks for the duration of the week. If you are planning your candy grind, you will need 25 candies to evolve Blipbug into Dottler, and another 100 to reach Orbeetle, though you might want to hold off on spending resources just yet since Orbeetle's eventual Gigantamax form is already on the horizon.
This year's event also leans further into modern progression formats by swapping traditional paid Timed Research for a dedicated Bug Out Go Pass. Progressing through the free track yields passive bonuses like doubled XP for nice or better throws at rank 10 and doubled catch candy at rank 20. Meanwhile, the $4.99 deluxe pass boosts that rank 20 candy reward to triple and guarantees an encounter with Dottler once you hit rank 30. It is a familiar monetization structure for mobile live service games, giving dedicated players a straightforward path to extra resources while they hunt down those rare shiny variants.
For a full breakdown of raid rotations, lure spawns, and research tasks, you can check out the original coverage over at Polygon. Whether you are playing on your daily commute or coordinating with your local community raid group, these seasonal updates remain a reliable way to keep the mobile catch loop engaging. Just remember to check your candy reserves before committing to any major evolutions, especially with future form drops waiting in the wings.
Tags: Pokémon Go, Mobile Gaming, Niantic, Live Service, Gaming News
Original article: Polygon