Pokemon Go adds Mimikyu as April Fool's Day surprise: How to get it and more

Pokémon Go has introduced Mimikyu as part of its April Fool’s Day 2026 event. With this update, the Japanese gaming company has brought the Ghost- and Fairy-type Pokémon into the game after years of anticipation among players. The character, known for disguising itself as Pikachu, is now available through multiple in-game methods for a limited time. The addition comes after years of player requests, with Mimikyu's repeated absence from Halloween events becoming something of a running joke within the community.



According to a Eurogamer report, Mimikyu appears in the wild throughout the day, from 12am to 11:59pm local time, allowing players to encounter and catch it during regular gameplay. The appearance of its silhouette on the in-game radar led some players to initially assume it was part of an April Fool’s prank, but the release has been confirmed as a genuine addition.



How to get Mimikyu in Pokémon Go


Players have several ways to obtain Mimikyu during the event. The most direct method is through wild spawns, which are active across the day. Spawn rates are expected to increase between 6pm and 7pm local time, when Mimikyu appears alongside Pikachu during the Spotlight Hour, offering a higher chance of encounters within a limited window.



Mimikyu can also be obtained through event-related research tasks and rewards tied to the ongoing event. Another route is through the “A Shockingly Good Time” Go Pass, where reaching Rank 30 unlocks a guaranteed encounter with the Pokémon. To qualify, players need to reach the required rank by April 6 at 8pm local time.



To help players progress, the game is temporarily removing the daily Go Point cap between April 4 and April 6, allowing users to collect points more quickly and reach Rank 30 within the timeframe if needed.



The release of Mimikyu is consistent with its lore, as this Pokémon is known for hiding its true form beneath a cloth resembling Pikachu, which is described as unsettling. The release on April Fool's Day is consistent with its nature, adding a theme to the event.



The release of Mimikyu also follows community speculation that this Pokémon would be available during a Halloween event, though the timing differs from previous beliefs. While this Pokémon is available through event methods, its availability after the event is unknown.



The addition continues the steady expansion of Pokémon Go’s roster, offering players new characters to collect while tying releases to seasonal or themed in-game events.