Summary
- Pokemon GO players have discovered a glitch where recently caught Pokemon have fully red "demon eyes" instead of their normal whites.
- This glitch is not an intended feature of the game, but rather a quirky bug that fans have noticed.
- Pokemon GO has a history of glitches and unintended effects, but also regularly features unique Pokemon variants through events and promotions.
Pokemon GO players are discovering an unusual quirk with some recently caught Pokemon, featuring fully red "demon eyes" instead of their normal whites. Niantic's mobile version of the massively popular monster-catching franchise has seen a variety of unique Pokemon variants added to the game throughout its run. Among the most well-known variants are Shadow Pokemon, acquired by defeating Team GO Rocket members and able to be purified for bonuses to a Pokemon's Combat Power and leveling. Now, fans are discovering another new variant that may not be intended.
For a game as globally popular as Pokemon GO, fans of the mobile game have discovered plenty of glitches and unintended effects over the years. Quirks with the game have seen everything from unexpected Pokemon like Reshiram hatching from eggs to bugs with the textures and models for Pokemon. Other glitches have even seen the game's release cycle affected, with the first addition of Zorua to the game being wrought with unexpected side effects. Now, fans are noticing a quirk affecting the eye color of some Pokemon being caught in the mobile game.
Reddit user war_isight shared their unusually bugged Pokemon to the Pokemon GO sub-reddit. The post shows off a Drilbur caught via an in-game incense with its normally large white eyes now glowing a demonic red, both when encountered and after being captured. The comments would see many other fans relating similar experiences with their recently caught creatures boasting similar red eyes. Some fans have suggested the effect may be due to a glitch with Pokemon GO's shadows, with one fan suggesting their previously caught Drilburs also now share the red eyes.
While the red-eyed Drilbur is more likely the result of a glitch, Pokemon GO has featured plenty of events with unique Pokemon throughout the game's lifespan. A recent collaborative event for the upcoming launch of Detective Pikachu Returns would feature multiple exclusive variants, including Pikachu wearing a detective hat and Slowpoke similarly donning a hat. The game has also regularly added new Shiny variants of Pokemon through its frequent Community Day events, offering exclusive moves for players who evolve the spotlight Pokemon.
Recent Pokemon GO events have featured a plethora of new Pokemon added to the game for the first time as well. Pokemon GO's 2023 Halloween event would add two new Pokemon from the Paldea region in Greavard and Houndstone alongside the introduction of Phantump's Shiny form. The Festival of Lights event in November will also introduce Levincia Gym Leader Iono's signature Pokemon Bellibolt and its pre-evolved form in Tadbulb. The recent red-eyed Drilbur glitch marks another unusually unique Pokemon for fans of the massive mobile game.
Pokemon GO is available now for mobile devices.