Pokémon celebrates the Year of the Snake with a special animated short featuring the snake Pokémon Ekans and Arbok. Dive into the details of this enchanting video and discover how The Pokémon Company is marking the Lunar New Year of 2025.
Pokemon Celebrates the Year of the Snake
Releases an Animated Short, Featuring a Shiny Ekans and Arbok
On January 29, 2025, Pokémon's YouTube channel delighted fans with a new animated short to celebrate the Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake.
The short showcases a playful encounter between two Ekans dangling from a tree, with one being a dazzling Shiny variant. Captivated, the Shiny Ekans tumbles onto a passing Arbok and evolves amidst a playful threat from its peers. Embraced by the other Arboks, the golden Shiny Arbok leads them out of the forest, leaving a heartwarming impression.
The brief yet touching video resonated with the Pokémon community. One viewer remarked, "Even though we were able to meet, it’s sad to say goodbye," capturing the essence of the fleeting bond between the two Ekans. Another fan drew parallels to childhood friendships, noting that despite the difference in appearance, the two Ekans bonded instantly, showcasing the universal theme of acceptance.
Many fans experienced a wave of nostalgia upon seeing the Shiny Pokémon, reminiscing about their first encounters with a Shiny Ekans in Pokémon Gold and Silver. One fan shared, "When I was playing Gold and Silver, the first Pokémon of a different color I encountered was Arbo. It ran away from me, 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!"Beyond the animated short, The Pokémon Company has prepared a variety 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 kicked off its Lunar New Year event, enhancing the encounter and Shiny rates for 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 encountering more Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka, the latter inspired by the Daruma doll, symbolizing good luck and perseverance.
The event also features themed Field Research tasks and special 2 km Eggs, which can hatch into Makuhita, Nosepass, Meditite, Duskull, and Skorupi. Additionally, a themed Timed Research offers players the chance to earn rare Zygarde Cells, essential for altering Zygarde’s forms.
