Pokémon GO’s Legendary Heroes event ran from September 26 to October 1, 2024. Its free Timed Research asked players to choose Sword or Shield: that choice determined the path-specific research encounters, Collection Challenge and Pokémon attracted by Incense. Neither path was officially described as better, so the practical choice was the group of Pokémon you most wanted to encounter.
This is a guide to the completed 2024 event, not a current event schedule. The details below come from the official Pokémon GO announcement published September 12, 2024.
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When did the Legendary Heroes event run?
The event began Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. and ended Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. The announcement specified local time for both hours.
How did the Sword and Shield paths differ?
Players chose one branch of free Timed Research. The selected path affected event-themed research encounters, the Collection Challenge that applied, and the Pokémon attracted by Incense. The official announcement did not rank the choices or give either path a catch-rate or shiny-odds advantage.
#1 Best Overall
- The packaging is Japanese, but item works the same as the US version.
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
| Path | Pokémon attracted by Incense |
|---|---|
| Sword | Seedot, Scraggy, Gothita, Deino, Swirlix and Passimian |
| Shield | Larvitar, Lotad, Croagunk, Solosis, Spritzee and Oranguru |
The announcement said these path-specific Incense Pokémon could be shiny “if you’re lucky,” but did not state shiny odds. Choose based on which listed species you preferred; the available information does not support calling one path objectively superior.
What other Pokémon appeared during the event?
Wild appearances
Galarian Ponyta, Koffing, Galarian Darumaka, Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble and Skwovet appeared more frequently in the wild. The announcement identified Galarian Ponyta, Koffing, Galarian Darumaka and Skwovet as potentially shiny; it did not provide odds.
Rank #2
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Raid bosses
| Raid tier | Pokémon |
|---|---|
| One-star | Galarian Ponyta, Galarian Darumaka, Goomy and Jangmo-o |
| Three-star | Turtonator and Drampa |
| Five-star | Zacian |
| Mega Raid | Mega Gardevoir |
The announcement marked the listed raid Pokémon as potentially shiny and noted that Shiny Zacian became available in Pokémon GO for the first time during this event. It did not publish encounter odds.
What research and event bonuses were available?
- Collection Challenges: Catch- and trade-focused challenges awarded XP and encounters with event-themed Pokémon. The selected research path determined which challenges and encounters applied.
- Field Research: Event-themed tasks could award Rare Candy, Stardust and encounters with Galarian Slowpoke.
- Special Trades: They required 50% less Stardust during the event.
- Evolution: Koffing could evolve into Galarian Weezing during the event.
- PokéStop Showcases: Event-themed Pokémon could be entered at participating Showcases at different PokéStops.
Which path should you have chosen?
Compare the Incense lists and choose the branch whose Pokémon you wanted most. Sword included Deino, Swirlix and Passimian, among others; Shield included Larvitar, Croagunk and Oranguru, among others. The path also set the associated research encounters and Collection Challenge, so a preference for one of those outcomes could guide the choice. The official announcement did not establish rarity, spawn-rate or probability differences between the branches.
Rank #3
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Was there a paid event offer?
The announcement promoted an Ultra Raid Box through the Pokémon GO Web Store for US$4.99, or the equivalent local-currency pricing tier. It contained three Remote Raid Passes and one Premium Battle Pass. This was a historical event promotion; the announcement does not establish that the offer remains available.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are these event details still active?
No. Legendary Heroes was a past event, and its encounter pools, research rewards, bonuses and Web Store offer should not be treated as current. For live schedules and availability, check Pokémon GO’s current official announcements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Rank #4
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- Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
- Package: Silicone Case x1; Hand strap x1. If you need any support please feel free to contact us.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
