Surprise, Pokémon Go players, Niantic has announced the Gen 3 update. Not only will new Pokémon from the Hoenn region appear in the popular mobile game, but a whole new mechanic based on the weather will be implemented.
The Gen 3 update adds more than 50 new Pokémon from the Hoenn Region to Pokémon Go, including the three starters, Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip. It also adds some of the most popular Pokémon from the Ruby and Sapphire games.
Check out the new Pokémon Go trailer with the Gen 3 update below.
The exact number hasn’t been locked down yet, but the official press release mentions the aforementioned starter Pokémon, Swablu, Snorunt, Salamence, Feebas, Wailord and Cacnea.
We spoke to some of the heads of Niantic, and they revealed most of the Pokémon added to Pokémon Go for Gen 3 were those found on fields. So trainers should expect Poochyena, Zigzagoon and more.
Gen 3 also brings a new weather mechanic to Pokémon Go. The Hoenn Region had a lot to do with the weather and now trainers can find stronger Pokémon in particular weather conditions. Niantic told Player.One there will be about seven different stages of weather in Pokémon Go, including conditions like Sun, Hail and Rain.
Certain Pokémon will appear during these different weather patterns, with attacks boosted depending on the conditions outside. Water-type attacks will get a boost in the rain, while Fire types will see their power weakened. Capturing Pokémon in favorable weather conditions will also yield more stardust. The new mechanic should open up all kinds of possibilites for Pokémon Go trainers.
The Pokémon Go Gen 3 update will release on Friday, Dec. 8.
Are you excited for the new weather feature in Pokémon Go? What Pokémon do you want to catch first? Let us know in the comments section below.
