Ethan Crossfield 
Pokémon GO is starting its Halloween buildup with the Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek, an October event that introduces Bramblin and gives players new reasons to complete GO Pass and research tasks. The Grass/Ghost-type Pokémon will be available from October 13 through October 19, while additional bonuses and Mega Evolution updates broaden the event beyond a single debut.
What happened in Pokémon GO
Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek begins Tuesday, October 13, at 10 AM and ends Monday, October 19, at 8 PM local time. Bramblin will make its Pokémon GO debut during the event, but players should not expect to find it in ordinary wild encounters. The new Pokémon can instead be obtained by completing GO Pass tasks or through Incense encounters.
The event does not yet confirm how Bramblin will evolve into Brambleghast in Pokémon GO. That is notable because Bramblin has a specific evolution requirement in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, leaving players without a clear answer about whether the mobile game will use a similar approach.
Why the event matters
The Bramblin debut fits Pokémon GO’s long-running October strategy of highlighting Ghost-type Pokémon ahead of Halloween. The current Twilight Trails season continues until December 1, and Mega Chandelure is also scheduled to arrive before the season ends. Because Mega Chandelure is a Ghost-type Pokémon, an October Raid Day remains a possibility, although no such event has been confirmed in the available announcement.
The Fall Marathon also gives Mega Evolution-focused players a new progression target. Mega Manectric will be able to reach Super Max Level during the event, unlocking Discharge+. That attack has a power of 50 in Trainer Battles and 150 in Raid Battles, making the upgrade considerably more relevant for raid teams than for competitive battles. Electrike will appear in the wild, with an increased chance of finding its Shiny form, while GO Pass Deluxe includes Manectric Mega Energy for players who still need it.
What to watch next
Timed Research will be available only during the event and must be completed by October 19. Its rewards include 16,800 XP and an encounter with a costumed Pikachu wearing a marathon visor. This will be at least the second costumed Pikachu opportunity in October, following Astronaut Pikachu’s scheduled addition on October 4.
More Ghost- and Dark-type content is likely as Halloween approaches, based on Pokémon GO’s established seasonal pattern. Previous Halloween events have used costumes to refresh familiar Pokémon, including witch-hat Teddiursa and its evolutions, as well as Noibat and Noivern wearing headbands. Whether this year brings similar variants remains unconfirmed, but Bramblin and the upcoming Mega Chandelure already give the season a clear Ghost-type focus.
Key takeaways for players
- Save Incense and plan GO Pass progress if Bramblin is a priority.
- Complete the event’s Timed Research before October 19 at 8 PM local time.
- Look for wild Electrike and pursue its increased Shiny encounter chance.
- Consider GO Pass Deluxe if Manectric Mega Energy is still missing.
- Watch for further Halloween announcements involving Ghost- and Dark-type Pokémon.
Expert View
Bramblin is a sensible seasonal addition because it gives Pokémon GO a new Ghost-type chase without relying entirely on raids. However, restricting the debut to GO Pass tasks and Incense may make the event feel less accessible than a conventional wild release. The stronger long-term draw is likely Super Max Manectric, particularly for raid players, while the costumed Pikachu rewards provide a collection-focused reason to finish the event’s research.
