Learn how to complete the Pokémon GO Collection Challenge, catch all event Pokémon, and earn rewards efficiently during current Collection Challenges.
Understanding Pokémon GO Collection Challenges – Why They Matter
If you’re a Pokémon GO trainer, you might be wondering what a Collection Challenge is and why it deserves your attention. Simply put, it’s a timed, event-specific task that requires catching a set list of Pokémon. Unlike Field Research or Special Research, Collection Challenges are strictly limited by time. Fail to complete them before the deadline, and the challenge—and its rewards—will vanish.
Collection Challenges add excitement to events, offering a clear goal and encouraging exploration. Completing one not only rewards items like XP or Rocket Radar but also contributes to your Elite Collector Medal, a badge of achievement for dedicated trainers.
Think of it as a short-term scavenger hunt: catch, register, and enjoy the rewards before time runs out. Let’s dive into the current August 2025 Collection Challenge, part of the Delightful Days: Taken Over event.
Pokémon GO Current Collection Challenge: Delightful Days Taken Over Event Details
The Delightful Days: Taken Over event is live from Monday, August 11, 2025, to Sunday, August 17, 2025, ending at 11:59 pm local time. This Team Rocket–themed week brings a ton of exciting features:
- A new Special Research quest from Giovanni, leading to the Shadow Giratina encounter.
- A Collection Challenge featuring four Pokémon trainers must catch.
- Increased Team GO Rocket appearances at PokéStops and in balloons.
- Debut of Shiny Salandit in the wild and eggs.
- Shadow Kyogre appearing in five-star Shadow Raids from August 16–17.
- Event bonuses: daily free Raid Pass, Frustration removal for Shadow Pokémon with Charged TMs.
Because this challenge is time-limited, you’ll want to act fast to secure your rewards.
Collection Challenge Pokémon GO List – Who to Catch and How
For the Delightful Days: Taken Over Collection Challenge, trainers need to catch four Pokémon. Here’s a detailed breakdown with real-time advice for maximizing your chances:
| Pokémon | Where to Find | Real-Time Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Pikipek | Wild / Female Rocket Flying-type Grunt | Pikipek is appearing frequently in the wild during this event. Use Incense or spawn boosts to find them faster. Rocket encounters are reliable, but check Balloon spawns at even hours (08:00, 10:00, etc.) to locate Female Flying Grunts. |
| Fletchling | Wild / Female Rocket Flying-type Grunt | Common in wild spawns, especially near urban areas. If you’re having trouble finding Fletchling, track Balloon spawns for Rocket battles—they always carry this Pokémon type. |
| Staryu | Female Rocket Water-type Grunt / Wild near water | Staryu can spawn in wild near water biomes or from Daily Adventure Incense. Rocket encounters are less frequent, so prioritize wild catches. Turn on notifications to avoid missing rare spawns. |
| Grubbin | Male Rocket Bug-type Grunt / Rare wild spawns | The trickiest to catch. Check for Male Bug-type Grunts on Balloons every two hours. Use Incense to attract wild Grubbin, as confirmed by recent player reports. Patience is key; tracking through Today View helps ensure every catch counts. |
Key fact: Non-Shadow wild Pokémon count toward the challenge. So even regular wild Pikipek, Fletchling, or Staryu contribute to your progress.
Additional Tips for the List:
- Timing Matters: Balloons appear every two hours on the even hour. Plan your catching around these resets to maximize Rocket battles.
- Biome Awareness: Water-type Staryu spawns are more frequent near rivers, lakes, or coastlines. Pikipek and Fletchling are urban spawns, while Grubbin is rarer and might require Incense or community trading.
- Use Nearby Tracking Tools: The Today View and Nearby Pokémon tracker are extremely useful for identifying which Pokémon are close and which Rocket Grunts are available.
- Event Synergy: Check field research tasks for potential rewards that may help locate or attract the required Pokémon. Completing other tasks simultaneously saves time.
Rocket Grunt Types and Collection Challenge Pokémon
| Rocket Grunt Type | Pokémon Carried for Collection Challenge | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Female Rocket Flying-type | Pikipek, Fletchling | Check Balloon spawns every 2 hours; wild Pikipek and Fletchling also count |
| Female Rocket Water-type | Staryu | Focus on water biome areas and Daily Adventure Incense for higher spawn rates |
| Male Rocket Bug-type | Grubbin | Rare spawn; use Incense or coordinate with friends for trades if unavailable |
| General Rocket Grunts | Shadow Pokémon not required for challenge | Any Shadow Pokémon catches do not contribute unless they match the challenge list |
Tips for Using This Table Efficiently:
- Track even-hour Balloon spawns (08:00, 10:00, 12:00…) to locate the right Rocket Grunt type.
- Focus on Female Flying-type Grunts in urban zones for Pikipek/Fletchling.
- Water-type Female Grunts near water bodies are your main source for Staryu.
- Male Bug-type Grunts are your key source for Grubbin, the rarest Pokémon in this challenge.
- Combine wild spawns and Balloon battles to maximize efficiency.
How to Complete Pokémon GO Collection Challenges Efficiently
Even with only four Pokémon to catch, proper strategy ensures you finish quickly without frustration. Here’s a step-by-step, real-time guide for the current event:
1. Prioritize Rocket Balloon Tracking
- Balloons spawn every two hours on even hours (08:00, 10:00, 12:00, etc.).
- Focus on Female Rocket Flying-type Grunts for Pikipek/Fletchling, Male Bug-type Grunts for Grubbin, and Female Water-type Grunts for Staryu.
2. Maximize Wild Spawn Opportunities
- Urban areas have higher chances for Pikipek and Fletchling.
- Water biomes or Incense boosts increase Staryu spawn rates.
- Rare wild Grubbin may require visiting different neighborhoods or using Incense consistently.
3. Use Daily Adventure Incense
- Effective for attracting Grubbin and Staryu.
- Combine with walking and Balloon tracking for maximum efficiency.
4. Plan Field Research Integration
- Check PokéStops for Delightful Days Taken Over research tasks.
- Defeating Grunts and purifying Shadow Pokémon can indirectly support your Collection Challenge.
5. Consider Trading Carefully
- Traded Pokémon may count, but caught Pokémon are more reliable.
- Use trading only when wild encounters are not working, especially for Grubbin.
6. Track Progress in Today View
- Ensure Pokémon are counting toward the Collection Challenge.
- Regularly refresh the tab after catching to confirm.
7. Focus on Efficiency with Route Planning
- Combine wild spawns, Balloon checks, and PokéStop visits in a single route.
- Prioritize areas where multiple Pokémon spawn types overlap, like parks near water or urban centers.
8. Use Teamwork When Possible
- Coordinate with friends for trades or raid support.
- Group efforts can help locate elusive Pokémon like Grubbin more quickly.
9. Don’t Forget Time Management
- The challenge ends August 17, 2025, at 11:59 pm.
- Shadow Giratina Special Research must be claimed before September 2, 2025.
10. Combine With Raid Opportunities
- Shadow Kyogre appears in five-star Shadow Raids on August 16–17.
- If you’re completing multiple event goals, plan raids during Collection Challenge runs for maximum benefit.
Following this strategy ensures you efficiently complete the Delightful Days: Taken Over Collection Challenge without missing any Pokémon or rewards.
Complete Pokémon GO Collection Challenge Catch Guide
| Pokémon | Rocket Grunt Type | Wild Spawns | Recommended Items / Incense | Real-Time Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pikipek | Female Rocket Flying-type | Urban areas / parks | Incense to boost spawns | Wild Pikipek counts toward challenge. Track Balloon spawns every 2 hours to find Female Flying Grunts. |
| Fletchling | Female Rocket Flying-type | Urban areas / parks | Incense | Common in wild spawns. Rocket encounters are also reliable. Combine wild catches with Grunt battles for efficiency. |
| Staryu | Female Rocket Water-type | Near rivers, lakes, coastlines | Daily Adventure Incense | Less frequent in wild. Use Incense and check water biomes. Female Water Grunts on Balloons are key. |
| Grubbin | Male Rocket Bug-type | Rare wild spawns | Incense | Hardest to find. Focus on Male Bug Grunts on Balloons every 2 hours. Coordinate with friends for trades if needed. |
Additional Real-Time Strategy Tips:
- Balloon Timing: Always check Balloons on even hours (08:00, 10:00, 12:00, etc.) for Rocket Grunts.
- Route Planning: Combine urban areas, water biomes, and known Grunt spawn points to hit multiple Pokémon in one outing.
- Item Use: Incense is highly recommended for elusive Pokémon like Grubbin and Staryu.
- Check Today View: Confirm Pokémon are counting toward the Collection Challenge after each catch.
- Event Synergy: Use field research tasks and raids simultaneously to maximize event rewards while completing the challenge.
Pokémon GO Collection Challenge Rewards – What You Get
Completing the Delightful Days: Taken Over Collection Challenge is not just about catching Pokémon—it’s about maximizing rewards and making every minute of the event count. Here’s a detailed look at what trainers earn:
| Reward | Details | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|
| XP | 5,000 XP | Great for leveling up quickly during the event. Combine with Lucky Eggs to double your XP gains. |
| Rocket Radar | Locate and battle Giovanni | Essential for completing the Special Research “Save Shadow Giratina”. Plan your battles during the event for maximum efficiency. |
| Elite Collector Medal Progress | Contributes toward long-term achievement | Completing multiple Collection Challenges increases your medal tier. Aim for consistency across events. |
| Stardust | Typically awarded alongside XP | Use Stardust for powering up newly caught or purified Pokémon. Event catches often yield bonus Stardust. |
| Rare Candies | Sometimes awarded during event tasks | Helpful for evolving or powering up rare Pokémon like Grubbin. |
| Field Research Items | Potions, Berries, Poké Balls | Supports completing other tasks in parallel, like raids or timed research. |
Pro Tip: Completing all Pokémon in a Collection Challenge in one session can unlock maximum XP and reward efficiency. Pair catches with daily Incense or Lucky Eggs for optimal gains.
Event Features Beyond the Collection Challenge
The Delightful Days: Taken Over event is packed with features that enhance gameplay, giving trainers multiple ways to enjoy Pokémon GO beyond the main Collection Challenge:
| Feature | Details | Tips / Real-Time Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Special Research – Save Shadow Giratina | Five-step questline; available until September 2, 2025, 9:59 am | Complete tasks like defeating Grunts, Leaders, and Giovanni for Shadow Giratina. Make sure to claim before the deadline to avoid missing this rare Pokémon. |
| Shadow Kyogre Raid Debut | Appears in five-star Shadow Raids from August 16, 6 am – August 17, 10 pm | First opportunity to catch shiny form. Coordinate remote raids with friends to increase success chance. |
| Shiny Salandit Release | Available for the first time in the wild | Lucky trainers can finally hatch or catch Shiny Salandit—use Incense near parks and water to boost spawns. |
| New Shadow Pokémon | Shadow Pikipek, Grubbin, Staryu, Fletchling, and Shadow Giratina | Shadow Pokémon are stronger, giving trainers rare Candy and XP when purified. Perfect for completing Shadow Raid tasks in Special Research. |
| Event Bonuses | Increased Team GO Rocket appearances, one free daily Raid Pass, Charged TM to remove Frustration | Take advantage of Rocket-heavy areas to catch multiple Pokémon efficiently. Daily free Raid Pass ensures you can participate in Shadow Kyogre raids even if you missed spinning gyms. |
| Collection Challenge Timed Research Synergy | Combine wild spawns, Rocket battles, and research tasks | Completing multiple objectives at once saves time and maximizes event rewards. |
Pro Tip: Track the Today View tab to monitor progress, spawn locations, and task completion. Align your Pokémon catching with daily bonuses to get the most out of the event.
FAQs About Pokémon GO Collection Challenges
Q1: How do you complete a Collection Challenge?
A: Complete a Collection Challenge by catching all the listed Pokémon before the event ends. For the Delightful Days: Taken Over challenge, this means catching Pikipek, Fletchling, Staryu, and Grubbin via wild spawns or Rocket encounters.
Q2: Where do I find Collection Challenges in Pokémon GO?
A: Collection Challenges appear in the Today View tab. You can track progress, see which Pokémon you need, and claim rewards directly from there.
Q3: Do I have to catch the Pokémon for the Collection Challenge?
A: Yes. Only caught Pokémon count toward the challenge. Non-Shadow wild spawns also count, so even regular Pikipek, Fletchling, or Staryu contribute to completion.
Q4: What is the best way to get all Pokémon for a Collection Challenge?
A: Combine wild spawns, Rocket Grunt battles, Balloon checks every two hours, Daily Adventure Incense, and field research tasks. Coordinate with friends for trading rare Pokémon like Grubbin if needed.
Q5: Are Collection Challenges free?
A: Yes, they are part of the event and do not require any payment. Rewards come automatically after completing all required Pokémon.
Q6: Do Collection Challenges expire?
A: Yes, the Delightful Days: Taken Over Collection Challenge ends on August 17, 2025, at 11:59 pm local time. Any uncompleted challenges disappear after this time.
Q7: Why did my Pokémon not count for the Collection Challenge?
A: Pokémon may not count if they weren’t caught directly (e.g., hatched, evolved, or improperly traded). Always check the Today View to confirm your progress.
Q8: What are the rewards for completing a Collection Challenge?
A: Rewards include 5,000 XP, Rocket Radar, Elite Collector Medal progress, Stardust, Rare Candies, and field research items. Completing multiple challenges during events maximizes these bonuses.
Conclusion – Master the Delightful Days Taken Over Collection Challenge
The Delightful Days: Taken Over Collection Challenge is a fun, time-limited event that gives trainers a focused goal while offering rich rewards. Only four Pokémon—Pikipek, Fletchling, Staryu, and Grubbin—are required, but completing it unlocks 5,000 XP, Rocket Radar, and progress toward your Elite Collector Medal.
Combine wild spawns, Rocket Grunt battles, field research tasks, and Incense to maximize efficiency. Track progress through the Today View, plan Balloon encounters around the two-hour spawn resets, and coordinate with friends for trades if needed.
Don’t forget other exciting event features: Shadow Kyogre raids, Shiny Salandit release, new Shadow Pokémon, and the Special Research quest to save Shadow Giratina.
By following the strategies and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll complete the Collection Challenge efficiently while enjoying all event bonuses. Whether you’re a beginner or an Elite Collector, this challenge is an opportunity to catch rare Pokémon, gain valuable rewards, and progress toward your ultimate collection goals.
For official Pokémon GO updates, visit the Pokémon GO official site or Niantic Help Center.
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