Fans were expecting a traditional Pokemon Go event to start around Thanksgiving 2017 but got something else instead.
Last year, Niantic launched a “Celebration to Say Thank You” for fans on the week of the US holiday, providing one of the first events of its kind to the game.
However, this year the development team have been more ambitious and are trying out a new Pokemon Go Global celebration that could lead to some big rewards.
The Global Catch Challenge is currently ongoing and tasks players to catch as many Pocket Monsters as possible.
There are three milestones, providing Bronze, Silver and Gold bonuses.
500 millions catches unlocks Bronze rewards, which include double XP, six-hour lure modules and more Pokemon popping up.
1.5 Billion catches unlocks Silver rewards, which includes all of the above and x2 Stardust.
3 Billion Pocket Monster catches unlocks Gold rewards, which include all of the above, as well as FarFetch’d being released worldwide for 48 hours, alongside Kangaskhan becoming available in East Asia for 48 hours.
Trainers have until November 26 to catch all the required Pokemon and collect the full rewards on offer.
But something that Niantic have just announced is very important, as it confirms the timing of these rewards.
It has now been revealed that these new bonuses will unlock as soon as players reach the stated goals, meaning fans will have to keep checking the official Pokemon social feeds for updates.
Niantic have also confirmed that a lot of these bonuses will remain active until December 1, providing a massive boost for Trainers globally.
This will not include the two Pokemon that will be activated when the goals are reached, they have a set 48-hour release window.
And Niantic have also confirmed that these Pocket Monsters will be unlocked as soon as those catching numbers have been earned.
“Trainers, the Global Catch Challenge starts now!” a message from Niantic explains.
“Rewards are unlocked shortly after each milestone is reached.
“After catching 3 billion Pokemon, FarFetch’d will start to appear globally while Kangaskhan will appear in East Asia for 48 hours.
“Other rewards will last until 12/1 at 1.00pm. PST. Good luck on your Pokemon Go Travel adventures.”
Niantic have also teased that they are still set to reveal new features for the game, however, it appears that the original announcement was delayed.
The development are now saying that a new announcement will be made in the coming days, although no set date has been confirmed for it.
There are also hopes that the end of the Pokemon Go Travel event will include a the launch of a fresh Legendary Pokemon.
It should be noted that this appears to be speculation as this time, with no official word on what, if anything, will be happening on November 26.