Pokémon GO Unveils Final Strike Event: Urshifu Takes Center Stage

Get ready, Trainers! Pokémon GO has just revealed the Final Strike: GO Battle Week event, and it’s packed with excitement. Running from May 21 to May 27, 2025, this event brings the debut of Urshifu, epic battles, and tons of rewards. Whether you’re chasing new Pokémon or powering up your team, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive into the details!

Event Dates and Times

The Final Strike: GO Battle Week kicks off on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and wraps up on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time. It’s a worldwide event, so just fire up Pokémon GO wherever you are to join in.

Urshifu’s Big Debut

The highlight of the event is Urshifu, the Wushu Pokémon, arriving in Pokémon GO for the first time. You can evolve Kubfu into either Single Strike Style or Rapid Strike Style. Here’s how, according to Serebii:

• Single Strike Style: Gather 200 Kubfu Candy and defeat 30 Dark-type Pokémon in raids or Max Battles with Kubfu as your buddy.
• Rapid Strike Style: Collect 200 Kubfu Candy and take down 30 Water-type Pokémon in raids or Max Battles with Kubfu as your buddy.

No need to battle with Kubfu—just keep it by your side as your buddy. This makes Urshifu a top pick for any Trainer’s collection.

Event Bonuses

This event comes with some great bonuses to boost your gameplay, as outlined by Pokémon GO Hub:

• Double XP for Raid Wins: Winning raids earns you twice the experience points.
• Shiny Boost: Increased odds of finding Shiny Meditite, Stunky, and Mareanie.
• Extra Raid Pass: Complete the free Timed Research for an additional daily Raid Pass.

These perks make it a perfect time to get out and play.

Wild Encounters and Raids

You’ll spot more of these Pokémon in the wild: Mankey, Seel, Galarian Zigzagoon, Meditite, and Froakie, with rare appearances by Deino and Nickit. Many can be Shiny, so stock up on Poké Balls! GameRant notes this ties into the Might and Mastery season’s focus on keeping players hooked.

Raids are also getting a boost:

• One-Star Raids: Carvanha, Stunky, Mareanie
• Three-Star Raids: Lapras, Hisuian Samurott, Bombirdier

All raid bosses have a chance to be Shiny, so rally your friends and take them on.

Exclusive Moves

Evolving specific Pokémon during the event unlocks powerful moves:

• Primeape: Evolve Mankey for Rage Fist (Charged Attack)
• Dewgong: Evolve Seel for Ice Shard (Fast Attack)
• Hydreigon: Evolve Zweilous for Brutal Swing (Charged Attack)
• Greninja: Evolve Frogadier for Hydro Cannon (Charged Attack)
• Lapras: Caught in raids or Field Research, it knows Ice Beam (Charged Attack)

These moves can really strengthen your battle lineup.

Research Tasks and Rewards

There’s a bunch of research to tackle, detailed on the Pokémon GO Wiki:

• Free Timed Research: Rewards include Rare Candy, Kubfu Candy, and encounters with Meditite, Stunky, or Mareanie.
• Paid Timed Research ($1.99): Offers two Premium Battle Passes, four Lucky Eggs, and more encounters.
• Fuzzy Fighter Special Research ($7.99): Features Dynamax Kubfu, plus Incense and a Star Piece. Available from May 19 to May 27, 2025.

Complete these by May 27, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time to claim everything.

PokéStop Showcases

During the event, PokéStop Showcases let you display your best event-themed Pokémon. Enter to win extra rewards and show off your skills.

Final Thoughts

The Final Strike: GO Battle Week is a huge deal for Pokémon GO fans. With Urshifu’s arrival, Shiny hunting, and plenty of research, there’s something for everyone. Stay updated with more gaming news at Total Apex Gaming or browse their news section. Grab your phone and get battling!