Pokémon GO is celebrating its fourth birthday and has launched the first of three events marking the build to GO Fest 2020, making this a very busy week for trainers.

Pandemic or not, Niantic has made sure to keep Pokémon GO players busy these past few months. Not only does that look set to continue, but July 2020 might be the busiest month in Pokémon GO’s history. GO Fest 2020 takes place at the end of the month, there will be three timed research-centric events building up to it, and the game will celebrate its fourth birthday.

In fact celebrations for that last one, along with the first of the three timed research events, have already begun. Trainers have until 10 pm on Wednesday, July 8 to complete the first set of timed research, which is all based around skill. As for the birthday celebrations, Niantic kept info on that under its hat, until now, as the celebrations have begun.

In typical Pokémon GO fashion, a few firm favorites have dusted off their party hats and are spawning more frequently in the world. Those favorites are the Kanto starters Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Not only that, but lucky trainers might happen upon shiny variants of the party hat-wearing original trio during the celebrations.

Those aren’t the only shiny Pokémon trainers should be on the lookout for this weekend. According to SlashGear, shiny versions of Pidove, Petilil, Bellsprout, Ducklett, and Party Balloon Pikachu will also be available. Speaking of those last two, they should be Pokémon trainers are scrambling for this weekend as they are rarely seen in the game. In fact, Ducklett’s appearance is its first-ever in Pokémon GO.

Fear not anyone who doesn’t find a Ducklett in the wild, or is struggling to do so. It is also a reward for completing one of the tasks in the timed research, so providing all the tasks are completed in time, trainers will be guaranteed to have at least one Ducklett by this time next week. Speaking of which, by that point, the next set of timed research will have begun. We did warn you that July is a packed month for Pokémon GO.

Source: SlashGear