Creepy-crawly chaos returns to Pokémon Go as the Bug Out 2025 event unleashes a swarm of Bug-types, headlined by the fiery debut of Sizzlipede and Centiskorch. From March 26 to March 30, trainers can chase rare shinies, tackle exclusive raids, and rack up double XP-all while racing to complete limited-time research and collection challenges before these elusive Pokémon scuttle away for another year.
The event also features some other neat bonuses, including double XP for catching Pokémon with nice or better throws, increased candy and candy XL for nice or better throws, as well as some bonuses for Lure Modules. Sizzlipede will show up to lures more often and if you catch “enough Pokémon” from a single lure, even more Pokémon will show up.
Below, we list out all the other perks for Pokémon Go’s “Bug Out” 2025 event, including the Timed Research, Collection Challenge, boosted spawns, and more.
Pokémon Go ’Bug Out’ 2025 event Timed Research and rewards
The Pokémon Go ’Bug Out’ 2025 event features both free and premium Timed Research quests, each offering a variety of bug-type encounters and valuable rewards. The free Timed Research consists of a single step with escalating catch requirements-catching up to 150 bug-type Pokémon unlocks encounters with Nymble, Cutiefly, Volbeat, Illumise, Sizzlipede, and Kleavor, with a Lure Module and a Shedinja encounter as completion rewards. For those who purchase the $2 premium Timed Research, there are two steps, each requiring players to catch increasing numbers of Pokémon, culminating in encounters with region-exclusive Heracross and other event Pokémon. Completing the premium research grants two Premium Battle Passes, a Lure Module, extra Stardust, and XP, making it a strong value for dedicated players. All Timed Research tasks and rewards must be completed before the event ends on March 30, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
As usual with events these days, there’s both a premium and a free Timed Research for the event.
We list both research sets below.
’Bug Out’ free Timed Research
Step 1 of 1
- Catch 10 bug-type Pokémon (Nymble encounter)
- Catch 25 bug-type Pokémon (Cutiefly encounter)
- Catch 50 bug-type Pokémon (Volbeat encounter)
- Catch 75 bug-type Pokémon (Illumise encounter)
- Catch 100 bug-type Pokémon (Sizzlipede encounter)
- Catch 150 bug-type Pokémon (Kleavor encounter)
Rewards: 1 Lure Module, Shedinja encounter
’But Out’ premium Timed Research
The premium research costs $2 and gives you two raid passes and a Lure Module, thus making it worth the $2 price tag for the items alone (so long as you finish the research before the deadline and actually get the rewards).
An additional consideration that makes this research worth it is if you don’t have Heracross already. Heracross is usually a regional Pokémon, only obtainable in South America, Central America, Mexico, and southern Florida and Texas. If you don’t already have one, this is a great opportunity to fill in that Pokédex slot, though note that it’s one of the final rewards.
Step 1 of 2
- Catch 10 Pokémon (Nymble encounter)
- Catch 15 Pokémon (Cutiefly encounter)
- Catch 20 Pokémon (Volbeat encounter)
- Catch 25 Pokémon (Illumise encounter)
- Catch 30 Pokémon (Scyther encounter)
- Catch 35 Pokémon (Sizzlipede encounter)
Rewards: 1 Lure Module, 4,000 XP, 2,000 Stardust
Step 2 of 2
- Catch 10 Pokémon (Nymble encounter)
- Catch 15 Pokémon (Cutiefly encounter)
- Catch 20 Pokémon (Volbeat encounter)
- Catch 25 Pokémon (Illumise encounter)
- Catch 30 Pokémon (Kleavor encounter)
- Catch 35 Pokémon (Sizzlipede encounter)
- Catch 40 Pokémon (Heracross encounter)
Rewards: 2 Premium Battle Passes, 8,000 XP, 4,000 Stardust
Pokémon Go ’Bug Out’ 2025 event Collection Challenges
The Bug Out 2025 event features three exclusive Collection Challenges-String Theory, Butterfly Effect, and Strength or Speed-each focused on catching and evolving specific Bug-type Pokémon. Completing these challenges requires players to catch Pokémon like Wurmple, Caterpie, Weedle, and Nincada, and evolve them into their respective forms, such as Beautifly, Dustox, and Butterfree. Notably, several evolutions are required, and obtaining the necessary forms may involve evolving multiple Wurmple due to its random evolution path. Completing each Collection Challenge rewards players with 2,500 Stardust, 2,500 XP, and encounters with event-themed Pokémon such as Sizzlipede or Shedinja. All Collection Challenges must be finished before the event ends on March 30, 2025, at 8 PM local time to claim the rewards and progress toward the Elite Collector medal.
The following Collection Challenges will be live throughout the duration of the event:
Bug Out Collection Challenge: String Theory
- Catch a Wurmple
- Evolve a Wurmple into a Silcoon
- Evolve a Silcoon into a Beautifly
- Evolve a Wurmple into a Cascoon
- Evolve a Cascoon into a Dustox
Rewards: Sizzlipede encounter, 2,500 Stardust, 2,500 XP
Bug Out Collection Challenge: Butterfly Effect
- Catch a Caterpie
- Evolve a Caterpie into a Metapod
- Evolve a Metapod into a Butterfree
- Catch a Weedle
- Evolve a Weedle into a Kakuna
- Evolve a Kakuna into a Beedrill
Rewards: Sizzlipede encounter, 2,500 Stardust, 2,500 XP
Bug Out Collection Challenge: Strength or Speed
- Catch a Nincada
- Evolve a Nincada into a Ninjask
Rewards: Shedinja encounter, 2,500 Stardust, 2,500 XP
Pokémon Go ’Bug Out’ 2025 event Field Research and rewards
The Pokémon Go ’Bug Out’ 2025 event features a range of exclusive Field Research tasks and rewards centered around Bug-type Pokémon. Players can spin PokéStops to collect event-themed Field Research tasks, which include objectives like catching or evolving specific numbers of Pokémon and opening gifts. Completing these tasks can reward you with encounters with featured Pokémon such as Wurmple, Venipede, Paras, Combee, and the event debut Sizzlipede, as well as valuable items like Mega Energy and Scatterbug Candy.
Additionally, the event offers both free and paid Timed Research quests. The free Timed Research involves catching increasing numbers of Bug-type Pokémon, with rewards including encounters with Nymble, Cutiefly, Volbeat, Illumise, Sizzlipede, Kleavor, and a Shedinja, plus a Lure Module. The paid Timed Research, available for $2, consists of two steps with similar catch tasks, offering premium rewards like two Premium Battle Passes, a Lure Module, and rare encounters such as Heracross, which is typically region-locked. All research and rewards must be completed before the event concludes, making it a prime opportunity to catch event-exclusive Pokémon and stock up on useful items.
Spinning a PokéStop during the event period may yield one of these tasks:
- Catch 15 Pokémon (Wurmple or Venipede encounter)
- Catch 20 Pokémon (Paras or Combee encounter)
- Catch 25 Pokémon (Sizzlipede encounter)
- Evolve 3 Pokémon (25 Beedrill, Pinsir, or Scizor Mega Energy)
- Open 3 gifts (3 Scatterbug Candy)
- WIn a raid (Sizzlipede encounter)
Pokémon Go ’Bug Out’ 2025 event boosted spawns
During the Pokémon Go ’Bug Out’ 2025 event, trainers will encounter a surge of Bug-type Pokémon in the wild, with several species enjoying significantly increased spawn rates. Featured boosted spawns include Caterpie, Weedle, Wurmple, Nincada, Venipede, Dwebble, Joltik, Grubbin, Dewpider, Nymble, and Cutiefly, all appearing more frequently throughout the event window. Notably, Wurmple and Venipede will have an increased chance of appearing as shiny variants, making this event a prime opportunity for shiny hunters. In addition, Cutiefly is highlighted as a rarer spawn, also available in its shiny form. These boosted spawns, alongside the debut of Sizzlipede and Centiskorch, ensure that trainers have plenty of reasons to get outside and catch as many Bug-types as possible during the event.
These Pokémon will spawn more frequently during the event period:
- Caterpie
- Weedle
- Wurmple*
- Nincada
- Venipede*
- Dwebble
- Joltik
- Grubbin
- Dewpider
- Nymble
- Cutiefly
*There is an “increased chance” of finding this shiny in the wild as part of the event.
Pokémon Go ’Bug Out’ 2025 event raid targets
The Pokémon Go ’Bug Out’ 2025 event features a diverse lineup of raid bosses across several tiers, with a strong focus on Bug-type Pokémon and a few notable surprises. In Tier 5 raids, trainers can challenge Heatran, while Mega Pinsir headlines the Tier 4 Mega Raids. Three-star raids include Beedrill, Scizor, and Kleavor, all of which can be shiny, offering attractive targets for collectors and battlers alike. For those looking for easier battles, Tier 1 raids feature Ledyba, Nincada, and Sizzlipede-the latter making its Pokémon Go debut during this event. Additionally, Shadow Regice appears as a special Shadow Raid boss, available exclusively on weekends, adding an extra challenge for experienced players. This mix of new debuts, returning favorites, and shiny opportunities ensures there’s something for every raider during Bug Out 2025.
The following changes to the raid schedule will take place as part of the event:
’Bug Out’ 2025 raid line-up
The Pokémon Go ‘Bug Out’ 2025 event features a refreshed raid line-up with a strong Bug-type theme. Throughout the event, one-star raids include Ledyba, Nincada, and the debuting Sizzlipede, offering trainers an accessible way to catch this new Pokémon. Three-star raids feature Beedrill, Scizor, and Kleavor, providing greater challenges and opportunities for rare encounters. For higher-tier battles, Mega Pinsir headlines four-star raids, while Heatran appears in five-star raids. Additionally, Shadow Regice is available in special Shadow Raids during the event period. This diverse line-up ensures trainers of all levels have engaging raid options, with chances to encounter shiny forms and new debuts.
One-star raids |
Three-star raids |
|---|---|
| Ledyba | Beedrill |
| Nincada | Scizor |
| Sizzlipede | Kleavor |
How will Sizzlipede’s debut change my Pokémon GO experience this year
Sizzlipede’s debut in Pokémon GO during the 2025 Bug Out event will add fresh excitement and new goals to your gameplay. For the first time, you can catch Sizzlipede in the wild, through Lure Modules, raids, and as a reward from research and collection challenges. This not only expands your Pokédex with a new Fire/Bug-type from the Galar region, but also gives you the chance to evolve it into Centiskorch using 50 Sizzlipede Candy.
The event is packed with bonuses, including double XP and increased Candy for Nice Throws or better, making it easier to level up and power up your Pokémon. Lure Modules will specifically attract Sizzlipede, and catching enough Pokémon at a lured PokéStop will spawn even more Pokémon, increasing your encounter rates. For collectors and shiny hunters, the event also brings boosted shiny rates for select Bug-types and special research tasks tied to Sizzlipede and other featured Pokémon.
Overall, Sizzlipede’s debut means new collection challenges, more dynamic event gameplay, and the opportunity to add a sought-after Galar Pokémon-and its evolution-to your roster, all while enjoying enhanced rewards and event-exclusive avatar items.
How will Sizzlipede’s debut affect my chances of shiny Pokémon in events
Sizzlipede’s debut in the 2025 Bug Out event does not directly increase your chances of encountering shiny Pokémon, as Sizzlipede itself cannot be shiny during this event. However, the event does feature boosted shiny rates for other Bug-types, specifically Wurmple and Venipede, meaning your odds of encountering these shinies are higher than usual.
Additionally, with Sizzlipede being attracted to Lure Modules and more Bug-types spawning overall, your general shiny hunting opportunities improve due to the sheer volume of encounters, especially for those Pokémon with boosted shiny rates. In summary, while Sizzlipede’s debut adds excitement and more event spawns, it does not add a new shiny to hunt this year, but it does contribute to a more active and rewarding shiny hunting environment for other Bug-types.
