Niantic teases Pokémon Go Sword and Shield starters launch, with upcoming Max Out event

The adorable yet powerful ensemble of Generation 8 will finally be coming to Pokémon Go as Niantic unveils a teaser of the upcoming Max Out event.

Sword and Shield fans will quickly notice the sightings of Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble. The creatures made their mark as starters in Pokémon SW and SH, encapsulating Grass, Fire, and Water Types. Now, they’ll seemingly return to Pokémon Go for the Max Out event from Sept. 3 to Dec. 3.

The teaser also showcases a possible Gigantamax Form toward the end, which is another Sword and Shield exclusive. This form substantially increases a Pokémon’s size, similar to Go’s XXL creatures. It also offers G-Max moves that take their normal attacks to new heights.

Although the event is still under wraps, the starters and the Gigantamax Form Pokémon will likely be obtainable during the celebration. Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble have the potential to work their way up the meta, as we’ve seen with Generation 7’s Popplio and Generation 9’s Fuecoco.

Grookey proves to be an excellent Grass Type, with its two robust evolutions, Thwackey and Rillaboom. Then, there’s the fiery Fire Type, Scorbunny, considered the best starter of Sword and Shield. But, if you’re more of a Water enthusiast, Sobble can be a beast on the battlefield, especially with its all-powerful evolution forms.

Since the Pokémon Go Max Out event is out in September, we should be getting more news on what it will entail. Many other events, including the Ponyta and Galarian Community Day, are already in the works. So, clear your calendars and get your Poké Balls ready for Generation 8’s debut on Sept. 3.