Pokémon GO is preparing for another major October event with Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek, running from October 13 at 10:00 a.m. until October 19, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time. The event introduces Bramblin to Pokémon GO while also expanding Mega Manectric progression with the debut of its Super Max Level.

For Trainers, this is more than a standard collection event. Buddy Trek combines new Pokémon encounters, Incense bonuses, Mega Energy progression and a dedicated GO Pass, making resource planning particularly important throughout the week.

Bramblin Makes Its Pokémon GO Debut
The biggest addition is Bramblin, which will become available in Pokémon GO for the first time.

Trainers can encounter Bramblin by completing certain GO Pass tasks or using Incense. Its Incense availability lasts throughout the event, although the surrounding encounter pool changes midway through.

From October 13 to October 16, Incense can attract Pokémon including Galarian Ponyta, Hoppip, Electrike, Dwebble and Bramblin. From October 16 onward, the pool shifts to Hisuian Growlithe, Nincada, Electrike, Helioptile and Bramblin.

That makes Incense especially valuable for Trainers whose main objective is adding Bramblin to their Pokédex.

Mega Manectric Reaches Super Max Level
Buddy Trek also introduces another significant progression update: Mega Manectric can reach Super Max Level for the first time.

Before reaching Super Max, Trainers must first raise Mega Manectric to the existing Max Level. Progressing further then requires Mega Energy, so players interested in maximizing Manectric should use the event to build their reserves.

There is an additional incentive. Mega Manectric gains access to Discharge+ while Mega Evolved, with the attack becoming stronger as its Mega Level increases.

Players who reach Rank 20 on the event GO Pass can also unlock a useful bonus: 5× Mega Energy from exploring with Electrike or Manectric as their buddy, provided they have Mega Evolved Manectric at least once.

Make the Most of the Event Bonuses
A few priorities can make Buddy Trek much more efficient:

• Use Incense regularly if Bramblin is your primary target.
• Complete GO Pass tasks early to unlock longer Incense duration and the Mega Energy bonus.
• Keep Electrike or Manectric ready as your buddy if you plan to pursue Super Max Mega Manectric.
• Complete Field Research for additional Bramblin encounters, Manectric Mega Energy and Rare Candy.

The event also increases the chance of encountering Shiny Electrike, while Shiny Hisuian Growlithe will have an increased Incense encounter chance during the second half of the event.

Prepare Your Resources Before Buddy Trek
Events built around Incense, research and repeated progression can quickly consume resources. Trainers planning a particularly active week may want to check their storage, Incense and other useful items before October 13.

PokéCoins can also be useful when additional storage or shop items are needed during busy event periods. Players comparing different options may come across rvgm.com, which offers Cheap Pokemon Go Coins. As always, players considering third-party services should check the game's current rules and understand any potential account risks beforehand.

GO Pass Adds Another Progression Track
Every Trainer will automatically receive the free GO Pass: Fall Marathon, allowing them to collect GO Points and unlock rewards throughout the event.

Rewards include event Pokémon encounters, Incense, Rare Candy and Ultra Balls. A paid GO Pass Deluxe will also be available with additional rewards such as Manectric Mega Energy and Rare Candy XL.

There is also free Timed Research offering 16,800 XP and an encounter with Pikachu wearing a marathon visor. Because the research expires at 8:00 p.m. local time on October 19, Trainers should avoid leaving the final tasks until after the event ends.

Why Buddy Trek Is Worth Planning For
Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek stands out because several progression systems overlap during the same week. Bramblin gives collectors a new Pokédex target, while Super Max Mega Manectric gives experienced players a longer-term upgrade objective.

The most efficient strategy is therefore to combine activities rather than approach each bonus separately. Using Incense while progressing through GO Pass tasks and walking with the right buddy can advance several objectives simultaneously.

For Trainers interested in Bramblin or building the strongest possible Mega Manectric, October 13–19 should be a week worth preparing for.