Complete guide to Pokemon Go’s Catching Some Z’s event with dates, spawns, raids, and optimization strategies
Event Overview and Key Details
Pokemon Go introduces the Catching Some Z’s event, a special celebration marking the debut of both the Pokemon Go Plus+ accessory and the Pokemon Sleep mobile application. This coordinated launch represents Niantic’s expanding ecosystem connecting gameplay across multiple platforms.
The Catching Some Z’s event serves dual purposes: commemorating the Pokemon Go Plus+ hardware release while simultaneously promoting Pokemon Sleep integration opportunities.
The Pokemon Go Plus+ device officially launches across United States markets on July 14, 2023, coinciding with the highly anticipated global release of Pokemon Sleep. This timing creates perfect synergy between the two complementary gaming experiences.
Beyond serving as an advanced auto-catcher for Pokemon Go, the Go Plus+ incorporates sleep tracking functionality that syncs directly with Pokemon Sleep. Niantic developed this thematic event to highlight these interconnected features.
Our comprehensive guide covers every essential detail about the Catching Some Z’s event, including exact scheduling, featured Pokemon encounters, raid opportunities, and exclusive rewards.
While Niantic removed the original announcement blog post, verified information remains available through trusted sources like Serebii, ensuring trainers have accurate event details.
The Pokemon Go Catching Some Z’s event schedule runs from July 15, 2023, at 10 am Local time until July 16, 2023, at 8 pm Local time. This provides 34 total hours of event gameplay across two days.
Wild Pokemon Spawns and Hunting Strategies
Event-specific Pokemon will appear more frequently throughout the wild spawn pool during active hours. These selections thematically connect to sleep and nighttime motifs.
Pokemon marked with an * may appear as shiny
Strategic spawn hunting involves focusing on nest locations and areas with high spawn density. Using Incense during event hours significantly increases encounter rates for featured Pokemon. Parks and water biomes typically offer optimal hunting grounds during sleep-themed events.
Advanced trainers should prioritize Pokemon with boosted shiny rates, as event windows provide limited opportunities for shiny hunting. The Go Plus+ device becomes particularly valuable during this event, allowing automatic catching while you focus on manual shiny checks.
Raid Battles and Boss Lineup
Raid Battles during the Catching Some Z’s event feature specially selected bosses that complement the sleep theme. These provide alternative encounter methods for desirable Pokemon.
Pokemon marked with an * may appear as shiny
Raid strategy should focus on tier-appropriate counters and efficient battle teams. Since event duration is limited, coordinating with local raid groups ensures maximum boss coverage. Premium Raid Passes offer additional opportunities for exclusive raid encounters.
Consider preparing specialized battle parties in advance to minimize preparation time during the event. Weather-boosted raids provide enhanced rewards and potentially higher IV Pokemon, making them priority targets for serious collectors.
Special Research and Exclusive Rewards
Connecting the Pokemon Go Plus+ to your mobile device unlocks exclusive Special Research tasks unavailable through other methods. This represents the event’s primary exclusive content.
Successfully completing this research chain grants encounter opportunities with Snorlax Wearing a Night Cap, a costume variant exclusive to this event. This visually distinctive Pokemon makes valuable addition to any collection.
The Special Research typically involves sleep-themed tasks that may include tracking sleep patterns with Pokemon Sleep, making catches with the Go Plus+, or achieving specific sleep duration milestones. Preparation involves ensuring both apps are properly installed and configured before the event begins.
Unlike time-limited field research, this Special Research remains permanently available once unlocked, though immediate completion during event hours may provide additional benefits or bonuses.
Advanced Event Strategies
Maximizing event rewards requires strategic planning and efficient resource management. Begin by clearing Pokemon storage space to accommodate numerous catches, and stock up on essential items like Poké Balls, Berries, and Raid Passes beforehand.
Optimization Tips: Activate Star Pieces during catch-intensive sessions to boost Stardust gains. Use Lucky Eggs when completing multiple research tasks simultaneously. Prioritize Pokemon with meta-relevance or rare shiny forms. Schedule play sessions during weather boosts that benefit featured Pokemon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t waste time on common spawns when rare Pokemon are available. Avoid using premium items outside event hours. Remember to activate Adventure Sync for distance tracking. Don’t neglect the Pokemon Sleep integration—it may provide additional rewards.
Advanced Tactics: Coordinate with local communities for raid chains and spawn sharing. Use tracking maps where available to locate rare spawns. Set specific goals (shiny hunting, candy farming, etc.) to maintain focus during the limited event window.
In the meantime, check out some more of our Pokemon Go guides:
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