Pokémon GO has announced the next Community Day Classic featuring Squirtle the Tiny Turtle Pokémon. This event takes place on July 9th between 2 and 5 pm local time. Squirtle has been a featured Pokémon in Pokémon GO for many events in the past and like all classic Community Day Pokémon, its shiny has already been released. Still, Squirtle is one of the original starters from Generation 1, and its community day move is considered one of the best attacks in the entire game.
For those unfamiliar with community days and how they work, the featured Pokémon, in this case, Squirtle will spawn almost exclusively. Its chances of being shiny will be drastically increased during this time period as well. Equally important, as with all community day events, fully evolving Squirtle to its final stage Blastoise rewards trainers with an exclusive move. In this case the Charge Move Hydro Cannon.
Hydro Cannon is a water type 2 bar charged move with 80 Base power in PVP and 90 in PVE. Like Blast Burn and Frenzy Plant, it is one of the best moves in the game. Only starter Pokémon can obtain this move and only during the community day. If you like Blastoise, and especially lack one with Hydro Cannon, this Community Day Classic is a must.
Your chance to build your own Squirtle Squad is back—Squirtle is returning for #PokemonGOCommunityDay Classic!
Join your community on July 9 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time: https://t.co/ZN902aQbbX pic.twitter.com/Pbmz9NpHTq
— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) June 12, 2023
Paid Research Ticket
Like may other events, there is an additional ticket that Trainers can purchase before the event for additional bonuses. The ticket costs US $1.00 or an equivalent pricing amount in other countries. Remember that to unlock this paid research, trainers must play during the event.
As with most other paid tickets, Trainers can also gift one to friends. You must be Great Friends in game or higher to gift a ticket.
How to Get the Most Out of the Community Day Classic
Playing Pokémon GO during the event is an important first step in getting the most out of Squirtle Community Day, but there is much more you can do to optimize the day in your favor.
During the event you can look forward to the following bonuses.
- 1/4 Hatch Distance for all eggs placed in an Incubator during the event. This is a massive distance decrease. Trainers should stock up on Incubators if possible to maximize this bonus.
- Lure Modules last 3 Hours. For those intending to stay near one spot, make sure to use a Lure Module to increase chances of Squirtle Encounters for yourself and other passing trainers.
- Incense lasts 3 Hours. The event is that same amount of time which saves resources.
- Squirtle will photobomb pictures you take during the event. This will cause an additional Squirtle to spawn per photobomb.
- Squirtle Field Research will be available during the Community Day Classic. Trainers can earn Squirtle wearing sunglasses. These Sunglass Squirtle might even be shiny for lucky Trainers.
I got my shiny sunglasses Blastoise some years ago. It’s gonna be back for this event.
Make sure to use the ordinary incense rather than one of the type specific ones. You wouldn’t want other Pokémon to spawn by accident now would you?
For extra candy per catch, try Mega Evolving a Water Type Pokémon such Blastoise itself or Swampert. Considering how many Squirtle will be spawning, the extra candy will add up fast.
Evolving Squirtle
Evolving Squirtle to Wartortle costs 25 Squirtle Candy. During the Community Day you should have no problem getting this amount, especially if you have a Mega Evolution boost. Meanwhile evolving Wartortle to Blastoise costs an additional 100 Squirtle Candy. While this might seem like a much higher cost, so long as you play during the event, these candy requirements should be easy to meet.
Simultaneous Events
The Season of Hidden Gems continues during this Community Day Classic. Trainers will be happy to hear that the 4 Special Trade Bonus will be active during the event unless Niantic announces otherwise.
Be sure to check out some of our other Pokémon GO Guides. Enjoy the Community Day to its fullest and get a shiny Blastoise while you are at it. With more Community Days on the horizon, it’s only a matter of time till we prepare for the next one.
