Pokemon Go Shiny Celebi Research Event Now Live

Pokemon Go players now have a chance to add another Shiny Mythical Pokemon to their collection. To celebrate the upcoming Western release of the series' latest animated film, Pokemon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, Shiny Celebi has arrived in the mobile game as part of a new Research questline.

Developer Niantic kicked off a new Special Research story inspired by the aforementioned Pokemon film earlier this week. This story culminates in an encounter with Shiny Celebi and will only be available in the game for a limited time, but once you've logged in and started the questline, you'll have as much time as you need to complete it and catch Shiny Celebi.

Team Rocket's Jessie and James have also made their return to the game as part of the event. The villainous duo will lead you through the Shiny Celebi Special Research story in place of Professor Willow. You'll also be able to encounter them in their signature Meowth balloon on the map, and this time they'll have different Shadow Pokemon in tow.

Shiny Celebi isn't the only movie Pokemon that players will encounter this month. From December 14-17, other Pokemon featured in Secrets of the Jungle will appear in Pokemon Go more frequently than normal. Hoothoot, Nuzleaf, Drilbur, Cottonee, Dwebble, and others will appear in the wild, while Lickitung, Mawile, Flygon, and Rufflet will be featured in Raids. Shiny Rufflet will also be making an appearance.

Finally, a new hat-wearing Pikachu will make its Pokemon Go debut as well. From December 14-21, Explorer Pikachu will appear in the wild and in Raids. You'll also have a chance to encounter a Shiny version of it, and it'll be the featured Pokemon during December 15's Spotlight Hour. You can read more about the Shiny Celebi event on the Pokemon Go website.

In the meantime, Niantic has a number of December events and activities lined up for the game, including a new batch of Field Research. Niantic is also introducing Galarian Mr. Mime to the game this weekend as part of a ticketed event, while Pokemon Go's annual holiday event returns from December 22-31.