Pokémon is ringing in the Lunar New Year of 2025 with a special celebration focused on the Year of the Snake. This festive occasion includes the release of an animated short featuring the beloved snake Pokémon Ekans and Arbok. Dive into the details of this heartwarming video and discover how The Pokémon Company is making the Lunar New Year extra special.

Pokémon Celebrates the Year of the Snake

Releases an Animated Short, Featuring a Shiny Ekans and Arbok

On January 29, 2025, Pokémon's YouTube channel delighted fans with an animated short that celebrates the Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake. The video showcases a playful and heartwarming scene between two Ekans dangling from a tree, with one being a Shiny variant. The Shiny Ekans, captivated by its surroundings, accidentally falls onto a passing Arbok and evolves amidst the playful threats from its companions. As the newly evolved Shiny golden Arbok leads the way out of the forest, it's followed by the other Arboks, creating a touching moment of unity.

This brief yet impactful video tugged at the heartstrings of many viewers. One fan remarked, "Even though we were able to meet, it’s sad to say goodbye," capturing the bittersweet essence of the Ekans' fleeting interaction. Another fan likened the interaction to that of children, emphasizing that differences in appearance don't hinder friendship, as the two Ekans immediately connected despite one being a Shiny variant.

The animated short also evoked nostalgia among fans, with one recalling their first encounter with a Shiny Ekans in Pokémon Gold and Silver. They shared, "When I was playing Gold and Silver, the first Pokémon of a different color I encountered was Arbo. For some reason, it ran away from me at the time, and I was unable to catch it, something I still regret. However, I am very happy that we were able to meet again like this!"

Beyond the animated short, The Pokémon Company has planned a variety of events and merchandise for fans to enjoy during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Pokémon GO’s Lunar New Year Event

Pokémon GO kicked off its Lunar New Year event on January 9, 2025, aligning with the Dual Destiny season that runs from December 3, 2024, to March 4, 2025. This event boosts the encounter and Shiny rates for snake-like Pokémon, including Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka. While Darumaka may appear more humanoid, it's inspired by the Daruma doll, symbolizing good luck and perseverance.

The event also introduces themed Field Research tasks and special 2 km Eggs containing Pokémon such as Makuhita, Nosepass, Meditite, Duskull, and Skorupi. Additionally, a themed Timed Research offers players the chance to earn rare Zygarde Cells, essential for changing Zygarde's forms.

Join the celebration and experience the joy of the Year of the Snake with Pokémon!