Pikachu has gone to space, and now your Pokédex can follow. A brand-new costumed Pokémon, Astronaut Pikachu, makes its Pokémon GO debut today, and you only have one week to grab it.
Table of Contents
World Space Week : Overview
| Detail | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Event dates | Sunday, Oct 4, 12:00 AM to Saturday, Oct 10, 11:59 PM (local time) |
| New debut | Astronaut Pikachu (costumed) |
| Where to find it | One-star raids and free Timed Research |
| Shiny available? | Yes, but not guaranteed |
| Research claim deadline | Oct 12, 11:59 PM local time |
| Cost | Free research route (no raid pass needed) |
How to Get Astronaut Pikachu
1. One-star raids. These are the easiest raids in the game, so you can often beat them solo, and even a casual player can join in. Every win gives you a shot at the costumed Pikachu.
2. Free Timed Research. Finish the tasks to earn a guaranteed Astronaut Pikachu encounter, plus other rewards. The exact tasks weren’t revealed ahead of the event, so check your in-game Today view. If you only want one Astronaut Pikachu, this is the cheapest route.
Can Astronaut Pikachu Be Shiny?
Yes. Shiny Astronaut Pikachu is available in the debut, so one-star raids are your best bet for shiny hunting. One caveat: nothing in the event listings suggests boosted shiny odds, so it comes down to luck and how many raids you do. Plan your raiding time accordingly.
The Real-World Space Connection
This isn’t just a game event. It’s tied to a collaboration between the European Space Agency and The Pokémon Company, inspired by an Astronaut Pikachu plush that travelled to the International Space Station earlier this year. From October 4 until April 30, 2027, players visiting select museums in Europe get special raids and an exclusive Location Background. Venues include London’s Science Museum, Cité de l’espace in Toulouse and the Deutsches Museum in Nuremberg.
If you’re not in Europe, don’t worry. The in-game event and research are available worldwide. New to the game? Here’s Pokémon Go on Wikipedia for the background.
Quick Tips Before You Start
- Start the Timed Research first, since it’s free and guaranteed.
- Raid in the last two days if you’re still hunting a shiny.
- Don’t wait for Oct 12. Claim your rewards early so you don’t lose them.
Want more mobile gaming news and event guides? Browse our latest gaming updates and Pokémon GO guides at Technosports to stay ahead of every event.
FAQs
1. Can you get Shiny Astronaut Pikachu in Pokémon GO?
Yes, it can appear as a shiny in one-star raids and research encounters, but it isn’t guaranteed.
2. How long is Astronaut Pikachu available?
Until Oct 10, 11:59 PM local time. Timed Research rewards can be claimed until Oct 12.
