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April Fools' Day 2026 sees the surprise release of Mimikyu in Pokémon Go

Disguise rhymes with surprise, right?

Mimikyu in Pokémon Go with a CP of 1017.
Credit: ContributionTough432 on reddit (via Niantic / The Pokémon Company)
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Mimikyu, the Gen 7 Pokémon which hides itself under a Pikachu outfit, has made a surprise debut in Pokémon Go as part of the game's 2026 April Fools' Day celebrations.

As of midnight local time on 1st April, Mimikyu will spawn in the wild as an uncommon encounter. It'll also join Pikachu in the day's Spotlight Hour between 6pm and 7pm.

Mimikyu is also likely the mystery final encounter in the 'A Shockingly Good Time' Go Pass, which won't be reached by players until later in the week.

In battle, Mimikyu features a 'Busted Form', which sees it protected from one Charged Attack, but at the cost of lower defence for the rest of the fight.

Mimikyu has been a long time coming. The Ghost / Fairy-type Pokémon first appeared in Pokémon Go's 7th Anniversary art back in 2023, and was technically visible in-game as part of February's 'What's Your Favourite?' feature.

Mimikyu is one of many previously unreleased Pokémon in Pokémon Go, bringing the total down to 81.

If you want more April Fools' Day opportunities from the world of Pokémon, know there's a special quiz in Pokémon Pokopia today.

Update (1st April): Removed embeds and replaced with a One More Catch video, and details of Mimikyu featuring in the day's Spotlight Hour.

Matthew Reynolds

Matthew Reynolds

Matthew Reynolds is founder and editor of One More Catch, and has covered Pokémon Go since day one. An award-winning games journalist based in the UK, he has written for Polygon, Eurogamer, Digital Spy, The Guardian, and Retro Gamer magazine.

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