Pokémon GO trainers will be able to rescue a Dark Reshiram from Giovanni during the Flying Taxi: Taken Over event, which combines flying Pokémon spawns with a Team Rocket invasion.
The double event begins on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM and runs until Monday, June 29, at 8:00 PM (local time). Rocket’s takeover portion begins on Thursday, June 25th at midnight.
Squawkabilly debuts with regional forms
The highlight of the Flying Taxi part is the debut of Squawkabilly, the Parrot Pokémon, with four different plumages. Yellow and white feathered versions appear all over the world. The green-feathered one is restricted to the eastern hemisphere, while the blue one appears only in the western hemisphere — which includes a large part of Brazil.
Players also encounter Hoothoot, Rookidee, and other flyers more frequently in the wild, in addition to 1-star raids with Swablu and 3-star raids with Hisuian Braviary.
Dark Reshiram becomes a priority for Fire teams
In the takeover phase, Giovanni uses Dark Reshiram. Trainers receive a free Super Radar Rocket when they progress through GO Pass to face him at PokéStops. The Dark form should position itself among the three best Fire attackers in the game, behind only some Megas like Blaziken and Charizard Y.
Whoever gets a shiny copy will be even luckier, as shiny versions of Shadow Pokémon are rare. The bonus of removing Frustration with Charged TM makes it easier to use these Pokémon in battle right away.
New Shadows and Rocket bonuses
Team GO Rocket grunts and leaders bring updated lineups. Among the new Shadows are Seel, Hoothoot, Noibat and Rookidee. Pokémon captured in 1- and 3-star Shadows raids during the event will have a greater variation in IVs.
The free GO Pass offers encounters with Pidgeotto, Hoothoot, Vullaby, Rookidee and more, plus mysterious TMs and components. The Deluxe (paid) version gives extra radars and additional flying encounters.
What changes in practice
For casual players, the event is a chance for candy and stardust with bonus catches and wins against Rocket. For competitive players, Shadow Reshiram represents a significant upgrade in raids and gyms that require Fire attackers. As the GO Pass is the only current way to get the Super Radar, many trainers will prioritize free progression or the paid upgrade.
The event ends on the 29th, but Pass rewards can be redeemed until July 1st.