Catch Charmander with Friede's Goggles in Pokémon Go's 'Horizons' Event

Pokémon Go is launching an exciting in-game event, “Pokémon Horizons: The Series Celebration,” running from September 16 to 22, 2026. This special collaboration with the "Pokémon Horizons" anime brings a unique version of Charmander, sporting Friede's signature goggles, into the game. Players will also encounter other Pokémon prominent in the new series. The event is packed with incentives, such as more frequent appearances of Kecleon near PokéStops and daily opportunities for surprise photobomb encounters. These photobombs can lead to catching rare Pokémon like Meowscarada, Skeledirge, Quaquaval, or even a Charizard wearing Friede's goggles. Trainers are encouraged to participate to maximize their chances of securing these exclusive catches and taking advantage of the various bonuses available throughout the celebration.

The event also introduces a "Go Pass" system, allowing players to earn rewards by participating in activities like winning raids, hatching eggs, and catching Pokémon. A deluxe pass option provides additional benefits, including extra Premium Battle Passes and Rare Candy XL. Field Research tasks offer further opportunities to encounter event-exclusive Pokémon and earn valuable items. Boosted spawns for specific Pokémon will vary depending on the time of day, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for all participants. Additionally, the raid schedule will be updated to feature various Pokémon, including Charizard with Friede's goggles, giving trainers ample chances to challenge and capture powerful creatures.

How to Find Goggle-Wearing Charmander in Pokémon Go

During the "Pokémon Horizons: The Series Celebration" event, the coveted Charmander adorned with Friede's goggles can be acquired through several in-game methods. Players will find these uniquely styled Charmander appearing in the wild more frequently, making regular exploration a key strategy for discovery. Additionally, utilizing standard Lure Modules will attract these special Charmander, enhancing their spawn rates in specific locations. For those who enjoy completing challenges, the event’s Field Research tasks offer another avenue, with specific quests like "Catch 10 fire-type Pokémon" and "Make an excellent throw" rewarding encounters with this goggle-wearing variant. High-achieving trainers can also earn them as rewards by reaching ranks 9 and 30 in the event's Go Pass. This special Charmander can also evolve, allowing players to obtain a Charizard with Friede's goggles, which can also be found in three-star raids.

The goggle-wearing Charmander is a central feature of the "Pokémon Horizons: The Series Celebration," providing multiple pathways for trainers to add it to their collection. Beyond simply encountering it in the wilderness, players can leverage Lure Modules to increase their chances, making it easier to pinpoint and capture this distinctive Pokémon. The event's Field Research provides structured objectives, rewarding dedicated players with guaranteed encounters upon completing tasks such as catching a certain number of fire-type Pokémon or executing precise throws. For those engaging with the Go Pass system, reaching higher ranks offers further opportunities to obtain this special Charmander, alongside other valuable rewards. Once acquired, this Charmander can undergo its usual evolutionary stages, culminating in a Charizard that also wears Friede's goggles, which is also available as a reward from three-star raids, making it a highly desirable addition for collectors and competitive players alike.

"Pokémon Horizons" Celebration: Event Features and Rewards

The "Pokémon Horizons: The Series Celebration" in Pokémon Go is more than just about catching new Pokémon; it encompasses a comprehensive event structure designed to engage players with various activities and bonuses. The event's Go Pass serves as a progression system, allowing trainers to earn a multitude of rewards by accumulating points through winning raids, hatching eggs, and capturing Pokémon. This pass encourages active participation, with daily tasks such as "Catch 5 Charmander" and "Make 10 great throws" offering extra points to accelerate progress. Additionally, specific ranks within the Go Pass unlock temporary bonuses that enhance gameplay throughout the event, including increased catch candy and extended Lure Module durations. For those seeking even greater benefits, upgrading to the deluxe pass, available for a nominal fee, grants access to premium items like additional Premium Battle Passes and Rare Candy XL, further enriching the event experience.

Beyond the Go Pass, the event introduces unique Field Research tasks that rotate based on the time of day, providing dynamic challenges and diverse encounter opportunities. Spinning PokéStops during daylight hours (5 a.m. to 5 p.m.) might yield tasks rewarding encounters with Pokémon like Fidough or Sprigatito, alongside the goggle-wearing Charmander. During evening hours (5 p.m. to 5 a.m.), different tasks become available, offering encounters with Pokémon such as Eevee or Rhyhorn. The event also features boosted spawns for a variety of Pokémon, including the special Charmander and Pikachu (Cap's hat) available all day, with others appearing more frequently during specific times. The updated raid schedule further diversifies gameplay, with one-star raids featuring Pikachu (Cap's hat) and three-star raids offering the chance to battle and catch Charizard (Friede's goggles), Meowscarada, Skeledirge, and Quaquaval, ensuring a thrilling and rewarding experience for all trainers.