Ethan Crossfield 
Pokémon GO players have a short window to add Astronaut Pikachu to their collections. The new costumed variant will appear from October 4 through October 10, with One-Star Raids and special Timed Research providing the main ways to encounter it. Players who want the costume, or a chance at its Shiny version, should plan to take part before the event ends.
What changes in Pokémon GO on October 4?
Astronaut Pikachu becomes available at 12:00 AM on Sunday, October 4, and remains in the game until 11:59 PM on Saturday, October 10, using local time for both start and end points. The debut celebrates World Space Week and follows Pokémon GO’s recent Pokémon Horizons event.
The costumed Pikachu will be featured in One-Star Raids, giving players a direct route to an encounter through the standard raid rotation. It will also be available through special Timed Research. As with other costumed Pikachu appearances, the event includes a chance to find a Shiny Astronaut Pikachu, although the source does not specify the odds.
How should players plan their encounters?
The event’s final day overlaps with October’s Zorua Community Day, which runs on Saturday, October 10, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM local time. That overlap gives players one more reason to check for Astronaut Pikachu Raids while they are already outside looking for Zorua.
Anyone focused on completing the Timed Research should begin it during the event rather than waiting until the final hours. Raid availability can depend on when players are able to find and join a One-Star Raid, so the last day should be treated as a final opportunity instead of the only planned session. The source does not confirm whether Astronaut Pikachu will return after Space Week.
What is behind the astronaut costume?
Astronaut Pikachu is based on a plush sent to the International Space Station earlier this year. Pokémon fans will also be able to purchase their own version through the Pokémon Center website, alongside additional merchandise featuring the design.
The costume arrives during Pokémon GO’s Twilight Trails season, which continues through December 1. Scopely Explore has already introduced Mega Staraptor during the season, while Mega Chandelure is planned for a later debut. Its exact arrival date has not been announced, though the source suggests it may appear closer to Halloween.
What players should know
- Astronaut Pikachu is available from October 4 at 12:00 AM through October 10 at 11:59 PM local time.
- Look for the costumed Pokémon in One-Star Raids and through special Timed Research.
- A Shiny encounter is possible, but no Shiny rate is provided.
- October 10 is the final announced day and overlaps with Zorua Community Day from 2:00 to 5:00 PM local time.
- The costume is inspired by a plush that traveled to the International Space Station.
Expert View
Astronaut Pikachu is a focused, time-limited collection target rather than a major gameplay expansion. Its two encounter routes make the debut reasonably accessible, while the Shiny possibility gives dedicated collectors an additional incentive to participate. Players should prioritize the event before October 10, since a future return has not been confirmed.
