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Pokemon Go: Content Update for March 2021

February, generally considered to be the last "true" month of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, is finally coming to a close. We now look to March for the beginning of a change of season, and in its wake we have a new update from Niantic outlining the experience that we can expect in the coming month. This marks the beginning of the Season of Legends, so let's get our first taste of what this season is set to bring.

March 2021 Research Breakthrough

Research Start Research End
March 1, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. PST April 1, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. PST

This is the first objectively "good" research breakthrough that we've had in quite some time! Garchomp, Gible's evolved forme, has long been hailed as an upper-class Pokemon with very solid utility, and it has been at least fairly rare since its release. Giving players an opportunity to catch a few of these is worth looking forward to! Don't forget to Pinap, and maybe have a Mega Charizard X or Mega Ampharos active when you do for a bit more candy!

Five Star and Mega Raid Bosses

Raids Start:  March 1, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. local time

Raids End: March 6, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. local time


Shiny Landorus - Incarnate Forme will be available

Raids Start: March 6, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. local time

Raids End: March 11, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. local time


Shiny Tornadus - Incarnate Forme will be available

Raids Start: March 11, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. local time

Raids End: March 16, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time


Shiny Thundurus - Incarnate Forme will be available

Raids Start: March 16, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time

Raids End: March 30, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time

Raids Start: March 30, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time

Raids End: TBA

Mega Raids

Raids Start: March 1, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. local time

Raids End: March 16, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Raids Start: March 16, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Raids End: TBA


This time frame will also feature one not-yet released Mega Evolution

Spotlight Hours

Spotlight Period Bonus
Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 6:00-7:00 p.m. local time 2x Transfer Candy
Spotlight Period Bonus
Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 6:00-7:00 p.m. local time 2x Evolution XP
Spotlight Period Bonus
Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 6:00-7:00 p.m. local time 2x Catch Stardust
Spotlight Period Bonus
Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 6:00-7:00 p.m. local time 2x Catch XP
Spotlight Period Bonus
Tuesday, March 30, 2021, 6:00-7:00 p.m. local time 2x Catch Candy

Bonus Hours

A new feature being tested in March is the Bonus Hour. On Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 pm, a special bonus will be active for players to enjoy:

Date Bonus
March 4 Rocket Balloons will spawn more frequently.
March 11 2x Catch Candy when a Pokemon's type matches the type of your active Mega Evolution.
March 18 Mega Raids will be more common.

March Events

While it's likely that this is not a complete list, Niantic has given us information on at least a few upcoming events:

Searching for Legends
Event Start Event End
March 9, 2021 March 14, 2021

Apparently, this is an event with a heavy emphasis on Nosepass, with its Shiny variant available.

Psychic and Steel Type Incense Day
Event Start Event End
March 14, 2021, time unknown March 14, 2021, time unknown

Another Incense day, this time flipping between Psychic and Steel Types. Beldum is the featured Pokemon for the event.

Charge Up Event
Event Start Event End
March 16, 2021 March 22, 2021

An event tied to Electric Types. Not much is known, save the fact that we'll be getting a new Electric Type Pokemon. Here are the currently unreleased Electric Type Pokemon and formes up to Generation 6, barring Thundurus Therian Forme, as it's now known when it will be released:

Weather Week
Event Start Event End
March 24, 2021 March 29, 2021

Weather-themed Pokemon will spawn in the wild more frequently.

Special Raid Weekend
Event Start Event End
March 27, 2021 March 28, 2021

The date lines up with Thundurus - Therian Forme's run, but this is unlikely. We'll have to wait and see what Pokemon will be the star of this event.

Other Updates

  • Free bundles will be available every week with the following:
    • 10 Ultra Balls, 10 Razz Berries, 1 Remote Raid pass
  • Pokemon traded will have a chance to grant XL Candy to the trader. Odds increase with trade distance
  • Pokemon walked have a chance to grant XL Candy
  • All captures of Legendary, Mythical, or Evolved Pokemon will grant XL candy
  • Raid Hours will continue like normal
    • We will have a bonus Raid Hour on March 15 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. local time. This is during Thundurus - Incarnate Forme's run, though we may get a different raid boss for the event.
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About the Author(s)

Gamepress Pokemon Go site lead with a focus on theorycrafting and gameplay optimization and a background in business management and freelance writing.  A bit of a hermit, but also an outdoors enthusiast who loves cycling and hiking. Long-time Gamepress fan who is very proud to be a part of the team.

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