Pokémon GO Bug Out 2026 Event: Blipbug, Shiny Sizzlipede & More!

Pokémon GO Bug Out 2026 Event: Blipbug, Shiny Sizzlipede & More!

March 17, 2026 Sarah Wu - Tech Editor Tech and Science

Pokémon GO trainers, get ready to add a novel species to your Pokédex! The Bug Out 2026 event, running from March 17th to March 23rd, 2026, marks the debut of Blipbug, a Bug-type Pokémon originally discovered in the Galar region, along with its evolutions, Dottler and Orbeetle. This event offers multiple avenues for encountering this elusive larva, from Raid Battles to completing tasks within the GO Pass: Bug Out 2026.

Catching Blipbug: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Niantic is offering several ways to encounter Blipbug during the event. Trainers can participate in One-Star Raids, where Blipbug will appear as a Raid Boss. The GO Pass: Bug Out 2026 also provides opportunities. Reaching rank 30 on the free track of the pass guarantees a Blipbug encounter, while those who opt for the deluxe version can encounter Blipbug at rank 25. The deluxe pass also unlocks an encounter with Dottler, Blipbug’s first evolution, at rank 30. This tiered system encourages engagement with the event’s progression mechanics.

Beyond these dedicated methods, the event will witness increased spawns of various Bug-type Pokémon in the wild, including Caterpie, Scyther, Dwebble, Sizzlipede and Nymble. Notably, Sizzlipede will be attracted to Lure Modules, and has a chance to appear in its shiny form for the first time. Paras, Combee, and Cutiefly will also be drawn to Lure Modules with an increased chance of being shiny.

Evolving Blipbug: A Candy Commitment

Once you’ve captured a Blipbug, the next step is evolution. Evolving Blipbug into Dottler requires 25 Blipbug Candy. Even though, the journey doesn’t end there. Further evolution to Orbeetle demands an additional 100 Blipbug Candy, bringing the total candy requirement to 125. Players should plan accordingly and prioritize candy collection during the event. It’s worth noting that Orbeetle possesses a Gigantamax form, which is expected to debut in a future update, potentially influencing players’ decisions regarding candy usage. Eurogamer provides a detailed guide to the evolution process.

The GO Pass: Bug Out 2026 – More Than Just Encounters

The Bug Out 2026 event features a dedicated GO Pass, available from March 17th at 10:00 a.m. To March 23rd at 8:00 p.m. Local time. Trainers automatically receive the free GO Pass upon the event’s start and can earn GO Points by completing tasks. These points unlock rewards, including event-themed encounters, Stardust, and other bonuses. A deluxe version of the pass is available for $4.99 (or local equivalent), offering faster progression and upgraded rewards, including tripled catch candy at rank 20. Polygon details the benefits of the deluxe pass.

Reaching specific milestones on the GO Pass unlocks event bonuses. These include doubled XP for Nice or better throws and doubled catch candy. Rewards unlocked through the GO Pass will expire on March 25th, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Local time, emphasizing the importance of claiming them before they disappear.

Shiny Sizzlipede and Increased Shiny Rates

Alongside Blipbug’s debut, the Bug Out 2026 event introduces Shiny Sizzlipede to Pokémon GO. This marks the first opportunity for trainers to encounter this elusive variant. Paras, Combee, and Cutiefly will experience increased shiny rates when encountered near Lure Modules, providing additional opportunities for collectors. The increased shiny rates add an extra layer of excitement to the event, encouraging players to utilize Lure Modules strategically.

Event Schedule and Pokémon Spawns

The Bug Out 2026 event is divided into three phases, each with its own focus:

  • March 17th at 10:00 a.m. To March 19th at 10:00 a.m. Local time
  • March 19th at 10:00 a.m. To March 21st at 10:00 a.m. Local time
  • March 21st at 10:00 a.m. To March 23rd at 10:00 a.m. Local time

Throughout the event, players can encounter a diverse range of Bug-type Pokémon in the wild, including Caterpie, Scyther, Dwebble, Sizzlipede, Nymble, and more. Blipbug and other Bug-type Pokémon will appear in One-Star and Three-Star Raids, offering further opportunities for encounters and candy collection. The Times of India provides a concise overview of Blipbug’s characteristics and evolution requirements.

Looking Ahead: Gigantamax Orbeetle and Future Events

While the immediate focus is on capturing and evolving Blipbug during the Bug Out 2026 event, the future holds further possibilities. Niantic has confirmed that Orbeetle will eventually gain a Gigantamax form, suggesting a future event dedicated to this powerful transformation. Trainers may want to consider conserving Blipbug Candy in anticipation of this update. The introduction of Blipbug and its evolutions signals Niantic’s continued commitment to expanding the Pokémon GO universe with creatures from the Galar region and beyond. Future events will likely build upon this foundation, introducing new Pokémon, features, and challenges for trainers to enjoy.