Ekans Leads Pokemon's Year of the Snake Celebration

Pokémon Celebrates the Year of the Snake

Releases an Animated Short, Featuring a Shiny Ekans and Arbok

To mark the Lunar New Year of 2025, Pokémon's YouTube channel unveiled a captivating animated short on January 29, celebrating the Year of the Snake. This charming video features a delightful interaction between two Ekans, one of which is a rare Shiny variant, dangling from a tree.

The narrative unfolds as the Shiny Ekans, captivated by its surroundings, falls onto a passing Arbok. In a surprising twist, the Shiny Ekans evolves amidst a playful threat from its companions. Embraced as one of their own, the other Arboks follow the newly evolved golden Shiny Arbok as it ventures out of the forest.

Despite its brevity, the animated short struck a chord with many viewers. One fan poignantly remarked, "Even though we were able to meet, it’s sad to say goodbye," reflecting on the transient encounter between the two Ekans. Another viewer drew parallels to childhood friendships, observing that the Ekans' interaction transcended their different appearances, showcasing an immediate bond despite one being a Shiny variant.

The nostalgia evoked by the Shiny Pokémon resonated deeply with fans. One shared, "When I was playing Gold and Silver, the first Pokémon of a different color I encountered was Arbo. For some reason, it ran away from me at the time, 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 range of events and merchandise to enhance the Lunar New Year festivities.

Pokémon GO’s Lunar New Year Event

On January 9, 2025, Pokémon GO announced its Lunar New Year event, boosting the encounter and Shiny rates of snake-like Pokémon. This event falls within the Dual Destiny season, running from December 3, 2024, to March 4, 2025.

Players can expect to encounter more Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka. Although Darumaka appears more humanoid, its design is inspired by the Daruma doll, symbolizing good luck and perseverance.

The event also includes themed Field Research tasks and special 2 km Eggs containing Makuhita, Nosepass, Meditite, Duskull, and Skorupi. Additionally, a themed Timed Research offers rewards of the rare Zygarde Cells, essential for altering Zygarde's forms.