Ekans Leads Pokemon's Snake Year Celebration

Pokémon is celebrating the Year of the Snake with a delightful animated short featuring the snake Pokémon Ekans and Arbok. Dive in to discover more about this heartwarming video and how The Pokémon Company is commemorating the Lunar New Year of 2025.

Pokemon Celebrates the Year of the Snake

Releases an Animated Short, Featuring a Shiny Ekans and Arbok

On January 29, 2025, Pokémon's official YouTube channel released a charming animated short to celebrate the Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake.

This short animation showcases a playful exchange between two Ekans perched in a tree, one of which is a dazzling Shiny variant. The Shiny Ekans, captivated by its surroundings, accidentally falls onto a passing Arbok, leading to an unexpected evolution. Once evolved, the golden Shiny Arbok is recognized by its peers, who then follow it as it ventures out of the forest.

Though brief, the video struck an emotional chord with many viewers. One fan remarked, "Even though we were able to meet, it’s sad to say goodbye," reflecting on the fleeting interaction between the two Ekans. Another fan likened their bond to that of children, emphasizing that despite their different appearances, the two Ekans quickly connected in a friendly way.

Beyond the animated short, The Pokémon Company has planned various events and merchandise to enhance the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Pokemon GO’s Lunar New Year Event

On January 9, 2025, Pokémon GO announced its Lunar New Year event, boosting the encounter and Shiny rates for snake-like Pokémon. This event is part of the Dual Destiny season, running from December 3, 2024, to March 4, 2025.

Pokémon with increased encounter rates include Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka. Although Darumaka appears more humanoid, it draws inspiration from the Daruma doll, symbolizing good luck and perseverance.

The event also features themed Field Research tasks and special 2 km Eggs, containing Pokémon like Makuhita, Nosepass, Meditite, Duskull, and Skorupi. Additionally, a themed Timed Research offers players the chance to earn rare Zygarde Cells, essential for altering Zygarde’s forms.