Pokémon GO kicks off a regal celebration with the introduction of Kingambit, the Big Blade Pokémon, during the Crown Clash event from May 10th to 18th, 2025. This event offers Trainers exciting new challenges, increased chances to encounter shiny Pokémon, and a wealth of rewards designed to help sharpen skills and expand collections.
Kingambit’s Grand Debut and Evolution Challenge in Pokémon GO
Want to master Kingambit’s evolution process? Check out Poké AK’s detailed video walkthrough to learn how to evolve Bisharp and conquer the raid challenges with ease!
Kingambit, a Dark/Steel-type Pokémon from Generation 9, will make its first appearance in Pokémon GO during this event. To add Kingambit to your team, you must evolve Bisharp, but with a unique twist: Bisharp must be your buddy, and you need to defeat 15 Dark- or Steel-type Pokémon in Raid Battles. Importantly, Bisharp does not have to participate in the battles; simply having it as your buddy while you win these raids counts toward the requirement. This evolution challenge adds a fresh strategic layer to the game and encourages active raid participation.
Royal Costumed Pokémon and Shiny Variants Featured in Pokémon GO
The Crown Clash event brings a majestic touch to Pokémon GO with the debut of crown-wearing Nidoqueen and Nidoking, appearing as formidable three-star raid bosses. These regal variants not only stand out with their royal headpieces but also offer Trainers a thrilling battle challenge.
Adding to the excitement, the event significantly boosts the odds of encountering shiny variants of these crowned Pokémon, as well as other sought-after species in the wild:
- Shiny Slowpoke – The dopey yet beloved Psychic-type appears with its golden hue, making it a rare prize for collectors.
- Shiny Combee – Female Combee (which evolves into Vespiquen) sparkles in a striking golden-and-black palette, while males remain shiny-locked.
- Shiny Litleo – Both male and female variants of this fiery lion cub appear with alternate color schemes, adding diversity to shiny hunters’ rosters.
For Trainers hunting these dazzling variants, the event provides an excellent opportunity to expand their collections with these visually striking and rare Pokémon. Whether battling in raids for crowned Nidoqueen and Nidoking or scouting the wild for golden shinies, the Crown Clash event ensures a royally rewarding experience.
Wild Encounters and Raid Lineup Highlights in Pokémon GO
During the Crown Clash event, several Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild, including Slowpoke (which may drop a King’s Rock), Slakoth, Piplup, Combee, Snivy, and Litleo. Pawniard, Kingambit's pre-evolution, will also have increased spawns and appear in one-star raids, with a chance to encounter its shiny form. The raid lineup features:
- One-Star Raids: Sneasel, Klink, Pawniard
- Three-Star Raids: Crowned Nidoqueen and Nidoking
This lineup offers ample opportunities for Trainers to gather candies and prepare for Kingambit's evolution.
Exciting Event Bonuses and Challenges in Pokémon GO
The event offers double XP for evolving Pokémon, making it an excellent time to clear your evolution backlog. Additionally, event-themed Field Research tasks and a catch-and-evolve Collection Challenge will reward players with extra XP, Stardust, and encounters with Pawniard. Trainers at Level 31 and above will receive guaranteed Candy XL for evolutions after completing the Collection Challenge, providing a valuable boost for powering up Pokémon.
PokéStop Showcases and Web Store Deals to Boost Your Pokémon GO Experience
PokéStops will feature event-themed Showcases where Trainers can display their crown-worthy Pokémon. Meanwhile, the Pokémon GO Web Store will offer special deals to help players prepare for the event, including a 15% discount on the first purchase of items priced $9.99 or more. These extras enhance the overall event experience and provide incentives for Trainers to engage fully with the Crown Clash festivities.
The Crown Clash event in Pokémon GO is shaping up to be a royal affair filled with exciting new content. With Kingambit's debut, regal costumed Pokémon, increased shiny encounters, rewarding challenges, and generous bonuses, Trainers have every reason to participate. Mark your calendars for May 10th to 18th and prepare to battle, evolve, and celebrate in style.
This event not only enriches the Pokémon GO experience with fresh gameplay elements but also continues to expand the Paldean Pokémon roster, keeping the game dynamic and engaging for all Trainers.