Pokémon Go ‘Deep Depths’ event guide

The Pokémon Go “Deep Depths” celebration brings aquatic and shadowy creatures to the forefront, running from March 19 through March 24 with specialized content for collectors and battlers alike.

This aquatic-themed occasion introduces two significant additions: the gleaming debut of shiny Clauncher alongside the inaugural appearance of Nickit, the cunning dark-type fox from the Galar region. Shiny Clauncher appears at elevated encounter rates, providing hunters with improved odds compared to standard shiny releases.

A crucial bonus reduces egg hatch distance by 50% for all eggs placed in incubators during the event timeframe. This creates prime conditions for clearing egg inventory and pursuing rare hatches. Strategic players should prepare their incubator stockpile beforehand to maximize this limited-time advantage.

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Multiple acquisition methods exist for obtaining Nickit, including dedicated research tasks, egg hatching possibilities, and wild encounters. Savvy trainers should pursue multiple capture opportunities to secure sufficient candy for evolution into Thievul, its more powerful form.

As with most contemporary Pokémon Go events, Deep Depths offers both complimentary and premium research tracks bearing identical names but differing rewards.

Is the paid “Deep Depths” Timed Research worth purchasing? Absolutely—the dual Super Incubators alone justify the $2 expenditure based on their standard shop value. For trainers urgently seeking Nickit without relying on egg RNG or sporadic spawns, this provides a guaranteed acquisition method. Ensure completion before the March 24 cutoff at 8 p.m. local time to avoid forfeiting your investment.

Below we detail both research paths available throughout the event, beginning with the free version followed by the premium option.

Free Timed Research Tasks

• Catch 10 water-type Pokémon (Clauncher encounter)
• Catch 20 water-type Pokémon (2,000 XP)
• Catch 30 water-type Pokémon (Clauncher encounter)
• Hatch 3 eggs (Nickit encounter)
• Spin 15 PokéStops or Gyms (1,500 Stardust)

Premium Timed Research Tasks ($2)

• Catch 25 water-type Pokémon (Super Incubator)
• Hatch 5 eggs (Nickit encounter)
• Earn 5,000 Stardust (Super Incubator)
• Complete all tasks (Rare Candy ×3, Nickit encounter)

Pro Tip: Stack your water-type catching tasks during rainy weather for boosted spawns and easier completion. The premium research’s Stardust task naturally complements egg hatching, creating efficient task synergy.

The Deep Depths Collection Challenge requires capturing specific water- and dark-type Pokémon available through various methods during the event period.

Water-Type Collection Challenge:

• Clauncher (wild spawns, research tasks)
• Binacle (wild spawns, eggs)
• Carvanha (wild spawns)
• Mantine (wild spawns)
• Wailmer (wild spawns)

Reward: 1,500 XP, 1,500 Stardust, and a Wailmer encounter

Dark-Type Collection Challenge:

• Nickit (research tasks, eggs)
• Alolan Meowth (wild spawns)
• Carvanha (wild spawns)
• Purrloin (wild spawns)
• Sableye (wild spawns, raids)

Reward: 1,500 XP, 1,500 Stardust, and a Sableye encounter

Strategic Approach: Focus on areas with diverse PokéStop distributions to access varied research tasks containing needed Pokémon. Lure Modules and Incense can help target specific missing species, especially during peak playing hours. Remember that Collection Challenges disappear after the event concludes, so prioritize completion early.

Event-exclusive Field Research tasks from PokéStops provide additional opportunities for encountering featured Pokémon and earning valuable resources.

Available Field Research Tasks:

• Catch 5 water-type Pokémon (Mantine or Wailmer encounter)
• Catch 5 dark-type Pokémon (Alolan Meowth or Purrloin encounter)
• Catch 10 Pokémon (Binacle or Clauncher encounter)
• Hatch an egg (Carvanha encounter)
• Power up Pokémon 5 times (1,000 Stardust)

Boosted Wild Spawns:
The following Pokémon appear more frequently during the event:

• Water-type: Clauncher, Binacle, Carvanha, Mantine, Wailmer, Tentacool
• Dark-type: Nickit, Alolan Meowth, Purrloin, Sableye, Murkrow

Spawn Optimization Strategy: Water-type Pokémon cluster near oceans, rivers, lakes, and other water features on the map. Dark-types appear more consistently during evening hours (6 PM to 6 AM local time). For optimal efficiency, visit parks with multiple water features during dusk or dawn to target both types simultaneously.

The 50% reduced hatch distance bonus applies to all eggs placed in incubators during the event period, creating unprecedented efficiency for clearing egg inventory.

Event Egg Pool Additions:

• 2km Eggs: Nickit, Clauncher, Binacle
• 5km Eggs: Carvanha, Alolan Meowth, Purrloin
• 7km Eggs: Regional water-types, occasional Nickit
• 10km Eggs: Remains unchanged from standard pool

Incubator Management Strategy: With halved distances, 2km eggs hatch after just 1km walked, 5km eggs require only 2.5km, and 7km eggs need just 3.5km. Use your unlimited incubator for 2km eggs while reserving limited-use incubators for 5km and 7km eggs. This approach maximizes value from your incubator resources.

Advanced Technique: Start with a full egg inventory before the event begins. As you hatch eggs, replace them immediately to maintain continuous hatching progress. The bonus only applies to eggs incubated during the event, so avoid placing eggs before March 19. For more advanced gameplay strategies, check out our Class Guide that covers resource optimization techniques.

Common Mistake: Many trainers waste the distance bonus by not having enough incubators ready. Stock up on incubators from previous events or consider the premium research for the included Super Incubators to capitalize fully on this opportunity.

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