At the time of writing, it is May which means we have just strolled out of the first third of 2024 and into the second – what a great time to review the Pokémon Debuts so far this year. The headline news is that 4 months into 2024, we have had 1 new Pokémon released in the wild.
Let's take a closer look at the Pokémon Debuts in 2024:
1. **Drampa**
– **Debut Event:** [Lunar New Year 2024](https://pokemongohub.net/post/event/pokemon-go-lunar-new-year-event-2024/)
– **Encounter Method:** Raids
2. **Enamorus**
– **Debut Event:** [Valentines Day 2024](https://pokemongohub.net/post/event/enamorus-debuts-in-elite-raids-on-valentines-day-2024/)
– **Encounter Method:** Elite Raids
3. **Poipole**
– **Debut Event:** [World of Wonders](https://pokemongohub.net/post/guide/world-of-wonders-special-research/)
– **Encounter Method:** Special Research
4. **Charcadet**
– **Debut Event:** [Pokémon Horizons: The Series](https://pokemongohub.net/post/article/celebrate-the-release-of-pokemon-horizons-the-series-with-a-new-event/)
– **Encounter Method:** Eggs
5. **Varoom**
– **Debut Event:** [Taken Treasures](https://pokemongohub.net/post/event/taken-treasures-event-shadow-kyogre-ho-oh-varoom-and-more/)
– **Encounter Method:** Eggs
6. **Annihilape**
– **Debut Event:** [Raging Battles: GO Battle Week](https://pokemongohub.net/post/event/raging-battles-go-battle-week-annihilape/)
– **Encounter Method:** Evolve Primeape
7. **Lycanroc (Dusk)**
– **Debut Event:** [Lustrous Odyssey](https://pokemongohub.net/post/event/the-lustrous-odyssey-event/)
– **Encounter Method:** Raids, Eggs & Field Research
8. **Palkia (Origin)**
– **Debut Event:** [GO Tour 2024](https://pokemongohub.net/post/event/origin-form-dialga-and-palkia-arrive-in-pokemon-go-with-new-adventure-effects-feature/)
– **Encounter Method:** Raids
9. **Dialga (Origin)**
– **Debut Event:** [GO Tour 2024](https://pokemongohub.net/post/event/origin-form-dialga-and-palkia-arrive-in-pokemon-go-with-new-adventure-effects-feature/)
– **Encounter Method:** Raids
10. **Heracross (Mega)**
– **Debut Event:** [Mega Heracross Raid Day / Bug Out](https://pokemongohub.net/post/event/mega-heracross-raid-day/)
– **Encounter Method:** Raids
11. **Wiglett**
– **Debut Event:** [Rediscover Your World](https://pokemongohub.net/post/news/rediscover-pokemon-go-new-visuals-new-ar-new-graphics-and-more/)
– **Encounter Method:** Wild Spawn (beach biome)
It is noted that 10 new Pokémon debuted in 2024 (including Charcadet and Wiglett's evolutions), along with 3 new forms and 1 mega evolution. However, the release methods, especially through raids, eggs, and research, have sparked discussion among players.
The shift towards releasing new Pokémon through raids, eggs, and special research has sparked concerns among the player base. While these methods offer accessibility, they also require a significant investment of time and resources. This has led to a decrease in the sense of exploration and excitement that characterized earlier Pokémon GO releases.
The impact of these release methods on the player base is significant, with many feeling left out of the hype and community engagement surrounding new Pokémon debuts. The rarity of Pokémon in eggs has also been a point of contention, with some players finding it challenging to hatch new Pokémon.
While there are logical reasons for certain Pokémon being locked behind specific encounter methods, such as legendary Pokémon being raid-exclusive, the overall shift towards monetized release methods has raised concerns about inclusivity and engagement within the game.
In conclusion, the Pokémon debuts in 2024 have showcased a mix of new species, forms, and evolutions. However, the reliance on raids, eggs, and research as primary encounter methods has raised questions about accessibility and player engagement. As the game continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Niantic addresses these concerns and adjusts the release methods to better cater to the player base.
