'Pokémon GO' DLC news: Halloween event happening until Nov. 1

A screenshot from the "Pokémon GO" Halloween event trailer YouTube/Pokémon GO

Niantic Labs has rolled out the first-ever major event expansion for its popular game, "Pokémon GO." The Halloween event is now live, and it is expected to last until today.

During the event, certain gameplay features were improved. According to Eurogamer, noted changes in the game include increased candy drop rates for players. This makes it possible for players to get as much XP as they want for their choice Pokémon before the event ends. Aside from Candy, there are also improved rates for Egg hatchings.

The Halloween event also changed exploration gameplay mechanics for "Pokémon GO." As a themed event, the update made dark-type Pokémon easier to encounter and catch. This is an advantage to players who prioritize the type, since, aside from catching Ghost, Poison, and Psychic-type Pokémon, the easier encounters also build medal collections and catch bonuses, a new part of the game from another recent update.

Niantic Labs has not laid out a specific time on when the event ends, although it may be a staggered 11:59 PM schedule for different "Pokémon GO" time zones.

Meanwhile, with the rollout of the first major event in the game, it is expected that Niantic Labs will continue to build on this feature and introduce seasonal events for "Pokémon GO." Next on the list, if this continues, will be a winter-themed update. Industry followers believe that this will happen and have already laid out wish lists for the supposed upcoming event.

Although the developer has yet to confirm another major event for "Pokémon GO," it is already expected, as the Halloween event is a key gameplay change that helped the game jump back to the number 1 top-grossing spot this past week. According to VentureBeat, although the game has had strong showing since its release, it was relegated to a number of different spots in the top 10 recently, after enjoying the previous weeks in the top spot.

News
More people are going to church than before the pandemic
More people are going to church than before the pandemic

Evangelical churches up and down the country are reporting an increase in the number of people exploring faith and finding Jesus.

Dean of Coventry travels to Berlin for joint VE Day commemoration
Dean of Coventry travels to Berlin for joint VE Day commemoration

The Dean of Coventry, the Very Rev John Witcombe, journeyed to Berlin this week to take part in a national service of remembrance for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. 

Churches unite in celebration of VE Day 80th Anniversary
Churches unite in celebration of VE Day 80th Anniversary

Churches throughout England are marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with nationwide commemorative events on Thursday.

Black smoke ends first day of papal conclave
Black smoke ends first day of papal conclave

A ballot has been held on the first day of the papal conclave but not yielded a new pope.