Pokemon GO

Pokémon GO is bringing another exploration-focused event to players this October with Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek, running from October 13 to October 19, 2026. The event encourages Trainers to explore their surroundings, travel with their Buddy Pokémon, and complete special challenges to unlock valuable rewards.

One of the biggest highlights is the Pokémon GO debut of Bramblin, alongside major improvements to Mega Manectric, new Incense encounters, and a special Pikachu wearing a marathon visor. Players can also participate in free Timed Research and progress through a limited-time GO Pass to collect Pokémon encounters, Mega Energy, and useful items.

Whether you are a casual collector or an experienced Trainer, this guide covers everything you need to know about the event, including its schedule, featured Pokémon, research tasks, rewards, and strategies for making the most of the limited-time activities.

For Trainers looking to make the most of the event, having enough PokéCoins can be helpful for purchasing useful in-game items such as Incense and storage upgrades. Players interested in Top Up Pokémon GO Pokécoins can explore available offers on Z2U and compare seller prices before preparing for the limited-time activities.

Pokémon GO Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek 2026 Event Schedule

The event begins on October 13 at 10:00 a.m. and ends on October 19 at 8:00 p.m., based on each player's local time.

The event offers several activities that can be completed simultaneously. Walking with a Buddy Pokémon, collecting Field Research tasks, and progressing through the GO Pass can all contribute to a more rewarding experience.

However, players should pay attention to the different deadlines. Most event activities end on October 19, while unlocked GO Pass rewards remain claimable until October 21.

Bramblin Makes Its Pokémon GO Debut

One of the most exciting additions to Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek is Bramblin, the Grass- and Ghost-type Pokémon originally introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Known for its tumbleweed-like appearance, Bramblin joins Pokémon GO as a new collectible Pokémon during the event.

How to Get Bramblin

Players have several opportunities to encounter Bramblin throughout the event:

• Incense Encounters: Activate regular Incense while exploring to attract featured Pokémon, including Bramblin.

• GO Pass Rewards: Progress through the event's GO Pass to unlock Bramblin encounters.

• Field Research: Complete eligible event-themed research tasks that offer Bramblin encounters.

Regular Incense is particularly important because Bramblin appears in the featured Incense pools during both stages of the event.

Daily Adventure Incense does not qualify for these special event encounters.

Can Bramblin Evolve?

Bramblin evolves into Brambleghast, another Grass- and Ghost-type Pokémon. However, the official event announcement does not specify the exact evolution requirements in Pokémon GO.

Players should check the in-game evolution screen for the latest requirements.

Additionally, a Shiny Bramblin debut has not been announced for this event.

Mega Manectric Receives a Major Upgrade

Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek also introduces an important improvement for Mega Manectric.

Starting October 13, Mega Manectric can reach the Super Max Mega Level, providing an additional progression opportunity for players who regularly use Mega Evolution.

Unlike the standard Mega Level progression system, reaching Super Max requires more than repeatedly Mega Evolving the Pokémon.

Players must first reach the existing Max Mega Level and then spend the required Manectric Mega Energy to unlock the additional enhancement.

New Charged Attack: Discharge+

Mega Manectric also gains access to Discharge+, an enhanced Electric-type Charged Attack available while it is Mega Evolved.

According to the official announcement, Discharge+ becomes more powerful as Mega Manectric's Mega Level increases.

The complete damage values for every Mega Level have not been published, so players should avoid assuming specific maximum damage numbers.

For Trainers planning to strengthen Mega Manectric, collecting additional Mega Energy during the event is particularly worthwhile.

Featured Wild Pokémon and Shiny Opportunities

Several Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild throughout Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek.

These encounters give players opportunities to collect Candy, search for desirable Pokémon, and potentially discover Shiny variants.

Shiny Electrike receives an increased encounter chance during the event, making it one of the most attractive targets for collectors.

However, Niantic has not disclosed the exact Shiny rate or the size of the increase.

Players hoping to find Shiny Electrike should focus on checking as many eligible encounters as possible while exploring.

Special Incense Encounters: Two Different Stages

The event features two separate Incense encounter periods, each with a different Pokémon lineup.

Stage One: October 13–16

From October 13 at 10:00 a.m. until October 16 at 10:00 a.m., regular Incense can attract:

• Galarian Ponyta

• Hoppip

• Dwebble

• Electrike

• Bramblin

This stage is particularly useful for players interested in Galarian Ponyta and Bramblin.

Stage Two: October 16–19

Beginning October 16 at 10:00 a.m., the Incense encounter pool changes to:

• Hisuian Growlithe

• Nincada

• Helioptile

• Electrike

• Bramblin

During this second stage, players also have an increased chance of encountering Shiny Hisuian Growlithe through Incense.

Trainers specifically targeting Hisuian Growlithe should therefore consider saving some Incense for the second half of the event.

Remember that these special encounters require regular Incense rather than Daily Adventure Incense.

Event Field Research Tasks and Rewards

Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek includes themed Field Research tasks that reward exploration and Buddy activities.

Players can obtain eligible tasks by spinning PokéStops during the event.

The rewards listed above are possible outcomes for their corresponding tasks, rather than rewards granted together.

These tasks are particularly useful because they allow players to work toward multiple objectives simultaneously.

For example, exploring three kilometers can contribute toward the event's walking challenges while also providing opportunities to earn Mega Energy.

Players should prioritize tasks based on whether they want Bramblin encounters, additional Candy, or Mega Manectric upgrades.

Free Timed Research: Walk 42 Kilometers for a Special Pikachu

Another major attraction is the event-exclusive Timed Research.

Players can complete distance-based challenges to earn experience points and unlock a special Pikachu wearing a marathon visor.

Timed Research Tasks

Completing the distance milestones provides a total of 16,800 XP, in addition to the special Pokémon encounter.

The marathon visor makes this Pikachu particularly appealing to collectors interested in limited-time costume Pokémon.

Because the final milestone requires substantial walking, players should plan their exploration carefully instead of leaving the entire challenge until the final day.

All Timed Research tasks and rewards must be completed and claimed before October 19 at 8:00 p.m. local time.

GO Pass: Fall Marathon Rewards and Deluxe Benefits

Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek introduces a dedicated GO Pass with both free and paid reward tracks.

The free version becomes available automatically when the event begins, while GO Pass Deluxe provides additional rewards.

The standard Deluxe upgrade costs US$4.99, while Deluxe + 6 Ranks costs US$6.99. Prices may vary by region.

Notable GO Pass Rewards

The free track already provides opportunities to obtain Bramblin, meaning players do not need to purchase Deluxe simply to encounter the new Pokémon.

Deluxe is more attractive to Trainers who want additional Mega Energy, Incense, and other progression resources.

Important GO Pass Bonuses

Two progression milestones provide particularly useful benefits:

• Rank 10: Regular Incense activated during the event lasts two hours.

• Rank 20: After previously Mega Evolving Manectric, exploring with Electrike or Manectric as your Buddy can provide five times the Mega Energy.

Players must earn their GO Points before October 19 at 8:00 p.m., but unlocked GO Pass rewards can be claimed until October 21 at 8:00 p.m.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek

Players hoping to maximize their rewards should focus on combining multiple objectives during each exploration session.

Recommended Strategies

1. Start the GO Pass immediately. Early progress helps unlock useful bonuses before the event ends.

2. Use regular Incense strategically. Take advantage of the two different encounter stages, especially if you want Hisuian Growlithe or Bramblin.

3. Prioritize Mega Energy tasks. Trainers interested in Super Max Mega Manectric should collect additional Mega Energy whenever possible.

4. Plan the 42 km challenge. Divide the walking requirement into manageable sessions and complete the Timed Research before its deadline.

5. Check event reward deadlines. Timed Research expires on October 19, while unlocked GO Pass rewards remain available until October 21.

These strategies can help players collect more rewards without wasting valuable Incense or missing limited-time encounters.

Final Thoughts

Pokémon GO Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek 2026 offers a rewarding combination of exploration, Pokémon collection, and Mega Evolution progression.

Bramblin's debut provides a new collection goal, while Mega Manectric's Super Max upgrade and Discharge+ introduce additional opportunities for players interested in strengthening their Pokémon.

The event also offers valuable incentives through its 42-kilometer Timed Research, special marathon visor Pikachu, increased Shiny opportunities, and GO Pass rewards.

With the event ending on October 19, Trainers should prioritize their preferred encounters and complete time-sensitive challenges before the deadline.

Whether your main goal is collecting Bramblin, upgrading Mega Manectric, or earning exclusive rewards, Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek gives players plenty of reasons to get outside and explore.

As the event approaches its conclusion, Trainers may want to prepare additional resources for future Pokémon GO adventures. Those planning to Buy Pokémon GO Pokécoins can visit Z2U to compare available offers, review seller details, and explore purchasing options that suit their needs.