Pokémon GO Along the Routes event details, featuring a new NPC named Mateo and debut of Shiny Hisuian Sneasel

Finally, a new face joining Pokémon GO. Sadly, we can’t play with him.

Starting December 4, 2023, Trainers will have the opportunity to see Mateo at the end of Routes and participate in his Gift Exchange with other Trainers. There will also be a new event celebrating the Routes feature, and that event is called Along the Routes.

Beginning December 5, 2023, and ending December 8, 2023, Mateo will be greeting more at the end of a Route, and Trainers will see more of him and find out his story. Mateo is an NPC who loves collecting and exchanging Postcards and Gifts from all around the world.

Whenever you are close to an endpoint of a Route, Mateo, the new NPC, may (emphasis on may) be waiting for you with Gifts. If you want to collect those gifts, you have to talk to Mateo in order for the process to begin. Then you should choose which Gift you want to exchange and add a sticker if you want to add more beauty to it. Keep in mind that you can participate in a Gift Exchange with Mateo once per day.

Something new that Trainers will also see is the ability to be in a party, and complete Routes together. Wow, finally something that should’ve been there from the start.

Trainers will also get a new Special Research story focused on Mateo and the power of exchanging Gifts. There will also be wild encounters during the whole Along the Routes event.

Along the Routes event wild encounters

• Slugma
• Hitmontop
• Spoink
• Feebas
• Lillipup
• Woobat
• Emolga
• Wooloo
• Pawmi

Along the Routes event Pokémon hatching from 7km Eggs

• Hisuian Growlithe
• Togepi
• Sneasel
• Hisuian Sneasel (Shiny Hisuian Sneasel debut!!!)
• Bonsly
• Espurr

Event-themed Field Research tasks will be available, as well as Timed Research focused on exploring the area where Trainers are based.

Along the Routes Field Research task encounters

• Eevee
• Hisuian Sneasel (Shiny Hisuian Sneasel debut)
• Wooloo

Along the Routes Timed Research encounters

• Hisuian Sneasel (Shiny Hisuian Sneasel debut)
• Feebas
• Wooloo
• Pawmi

That is it, folks.

Just kidding, why would you think that we would be left without any active bonuses?

Along the Routes event bonuses

• 1/2 Egg Hatch Distance when Eggs are placed in an Incubator during the event period
• 3x XP for spinning PokéStops
• 5x XP for spinning a PokéStop for the first time
• 2x Stardust from opening Gifts

Last but not least, there will be Showcases at select PokéStops where Trainers can enter their Sneasel and Hisuian Sneasel. Fun, right?

What do you guys think about this? Tell us in the comments below.