Pokémon fans have waited an eternity for one of the series’ most elusive Legendaries to finally appear. And, after nearly a decade of anticipation, Pokémon GO finally introduced Volcanion to the game in the form of a special research task. Why did they wait so long, and why does this legend stand the test of time in such a crowded genre?
The chronology: How Volcanion’s Pokémon GO arrival is a milestone after almost a decade of waiting
Volcanion, that Water- and Fire-type Pokémon with its singular backstory and typing, entered the world officially on December 14, 2015. It was nowhere to be discovered in the parent series and never attainable through normal gameplay in Pokémon GO—until now. “Hidden since 2015” in the name is in itself a statement about how long it took Volcanion to evolve from its initial reveal to its highly anticipated release in Niantic’s mobile phenomenon.
For so long, the community had no idea when and how Volcanion was ever going to appear. Its disappearance was a mystery to the player base at all times, with speculations of special events or research tasks that would deploy it later. Well, the wait is over, and the hype is real.
This is how the special research event finally deployed Volcanion in Pokémon GO
Through Polygon, the “Full Steam Ahead” special research quest is the way to encountering Volcanion. The player has numerous tasks to complete, for example, catching specific Pokémon, raiding, and traveling around the world. The quest is challenging but rewarding and culminates with the player encountering the elusive Legendary.
The special investigation: How to unlock Volcanion and what makes it special
The one-piece challenge is not just about discovering Volcanion by itself—it’s a celebration of the individuality of the Pokémon in the franchise. Pokémon GO Hub quotes that the challenge has been broken into some steps, each with respective goals and rewards. Trainers are invited to venture out and explore, battle, and trade, which calls to mind the adventurous nature that has been the hallmark of Pokémon GO.
The Water- and Fire-type of Volcanion is what makes it stand out from the rest of the Legendaries. The history involves the Kalos region where it was first found, and the ability to generate steam from heating water inside it is what makes it a strong opponent. The special research event does make use of these facts, with quests and dialogue being additions to Volcanion’s quirks.
The Volcanion release sent shockwaves and nostalgia among experienced players. Most remembered the original 2015 reveal and the subsequent speculative years. With the special research event now live, trainers from all over the globe are releasing their experiences, advice, and feedback on social media. Discovery and sharing of community is the strongest aspect of Pokémon GO at its core.
The future of Volcanion: How this Legendary’s arrival changes everything
Volcanion’s addition to Pokémon GO is not merely the addition of a new Pokédex entry—it’s a moment that brings the past and present of Pokémon GO together. The virtually decade-long wait has made this event an actual celebration, rewarding patiently waited trainers with a Legendary once hidden.
As reported by Polygon, “Volcanion is now live in Pokémon GO, and the special research task is a great nod to its uniqueness.”
The event also offers a model of how other not-yet-launched or difficult-to-obtain Pokémon could be made available in the game going forward, keeping the game new and engaging for many years to come. With a special research event that challenges and repays players, this Legend’s return is one of the most beloved experiences in the game.
