Ekans Leads Pokemon's Year of the Snake Celebration

Pokémon is marking the Lunar New Year of 2025 with a delightful animated short featuring the snake Pokémon, Ekans and Arbok. Dive into the details of this charming video and discover how The Pokémon Company is celebrating the Year of the Snake.

Pokémon Celebrates the Year of the Snake

Releases an Animated Short, Featuring a Shiny Ekans and Arbok

On January 29, 2025, Pokémon's YouTube channel unveiled a heartwarming animated short in honor of the Lunar New Year, celebrating the Year of the Snake. The video showcases a playful exchange between two Ekans, one of which is a dazzling Shiny variant. As the Shiny Ekans, mesmerized by its surroundings, falls onto a passing Arbok, it evolves amidst the threat of its companions. Embraced as one of their own, the Shiny golden Arbok leads the others out of the forest.

Despite its brevity, the short tugged at the heartstrings of many viewers. A fan commented, "Even though we were able to meet, it’s sad to say goodbye," reflecting on the fleeting yet touching interaction between the two Ekans. Another viewer drew parallels to childhood friendships, highlighting how the two Ekans, despite their differing appearances, connected effortlessly.

In addition to the animated short, The Pokémon Company has rolled out a series of events and merchandise for fans to enjoy during the Lunar New Year.

Pokémon GO’s Lunar New Year Event

On January 9, 2025, Pokémon GO announced a special 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. Despite its more humanoid appearance, Darumaka is inspired by the Daruma doll, symbolizing good luck and perseverance.

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