Top 5 costumed Pokemon that might never return to Pokemon GO

Costumed variants in Pokemon GO add a unique charm to the game, often appearing only for a limited time tied to special events. These exclusive versions are popular among collectors for their rarity and the flair they add to any team. However, some of these Pokemon seem less likely to return due to expired partnerships or unique, one-time events.

On that note, we list five of the rarest costumed Pokemon that trainers might never see in the wild again.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

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Five costume variants that Pokemon GO players might not see again

1) Fragment Hat Pikachu/Raichu

Fragment Hat Pikachu, as seen in the game (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Released as part of a special partnership event, Fragment Hat Pikachu (and by evolution, Fragment Hat Raichu) became an instant collectible. While their sleek design has appealed to many trainers, there’s a catch – this partnership has long expired, and these unique Pikachu and Raichu haven’t been seen since.

Unless this partnership with Fragment Design is renewed, these fashion-forward Pokemon will likely remain inaccessible without trading. For trainers who have caught one, they are an excellent way to turn heads and inspire a little envy in raids and battles.

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2) Detective Pikachu

Detective Pikachu, as seen in the game (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Detective Pikachu made a rare appearance back in 2019 to promote the Detective Pikachu film. This detective-themed Pikachu came complete with a cute detective hat and unique animations. While another similar film could potentially bring this costumed Pokemon back, it’s far from guaranteed.

If a sequel ever arrives, Niantic may opt to release a slightly different version, as they did with other movie tie-ins. For now, Detective Pikachu remains a coveted catch for trainers lucky enough to have experienced the original event.

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3) New Year Slowpoke/Slowbro/Slowking

New Year Slowpoke and Slowbro from various years (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Celebrating New Year’s with Slowpoke and its evolutions was a fun and lighthearted way to ring in the new year. Each variant sported party hats and humorously embodied the “slow” nature of the evolution line. But the main highlight of these variants is that they wear costumes specific to that new year.

The concept proved popular, and while it’s possible that Niantic could revisit it for future New Year’s events, these Slowpoke themes from the past may never return again.

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4) Clone Pokemon

Clone Pokemon, as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Clone Pokemon were briefly available during the 2020 Pokemon Day event, appearing in four-star raids. These unique clones included fan favorites like Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur, each with slight aesthetic changes reminiscent of their appearance in Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution.

Unlike most event Pokemon, these clones do not show up in the Event Pokedex, making them particularly valuable as mementos from a specific event. So far, these Pokemon have never made a comeback, and it’s unlikely we’ll see them again without a similar movie tie-in.

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5) Armored Mewtwo

Armored Mewtwo, as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Armored Mewtwo was one of the most memorable event Pokemon in Pokemon GO, debuting in 2019 to celebrate the release of Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution. Unlike standard Mewtwo, this version sported a distinctive armored look, adding a powerful aura to the already formidable Pokemon.

While Armored Mewtwo returned briefly in 2020, it hasn’t appeared since. And without another film tie-in, the chances of it returning seem slim. Trainers who were around for the event hold onto one of the rarest versions of Mewtwo in the game’s history.

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Each of these costumed Pokemon brings a little Pokemon GO history with them – from promotional partnerships to themed events. While Niantic has surprised players before by bringing back limited Pokemon, these five seem less likely to return, making them highly sought after by collectors.

If you are one of the lucky few to have any of these costumed Pokemon, consider yourself part of an exclusive club. For others, there is always the chance to encounter them in trades – if you find a trainer willing to part with one, that is.

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Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in the game
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters
• Team GO Rocket Grunts