Complete guide to Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto Red vs. Green

In celebration of Pokemon’s 25th anniversary, Pokemon GO is introducing a special event with multiple options for trainers to consider. 

Pokemon GO Tour: Kanto is coming on February 20, meaning there is still time for players to consider whether they will choose the Red Version or Green Version of the event. The promotional event will conjure up a lot of nostalgia for players as it harkens back to the original Pokemon Gameboy games, Red and Green.

To participate, trainers have to purchase a ticket before the event begins. The tickets are $11.99. 

“Celebrate Pokémon’s anniversary, and relive the games that introduced a global phenomenon. No matter where you are in the world, take a trip back to the region where it all started: Kanto,” Pokemon GO’s press release reads. 

Within the Kanto event, trainers will see the original 150 Pokemon appearing in the wild, in raids, and as encounters after research. All of them will also be available as Shiny Pokemon, making this a great opportunity to bolster shiny collections. Articuno, Moltres, Mewtwo, and Zapdos will be returning to raids with some exclusive attacks. The tour is a “great chance to fill in some gaps in your Pokedex,” noted Pokemon GO. 

Trainers participating in the Pokemon GO Tour: Kanto event will be able to complete event-exclusive research for rewards, which includes discovering a Shiny Mew. They will also be able to battle in-game trainer characters while exploring and complete timed research to earn additional rewards. 

But the biggest question trainers have right now is whether to choose Red or Green? 

Here are the Pokemon GO Tour: Kanto Red vs. Green differences

When selecting Red versus Green, there are two main things to keep in mind. Both versions have their own exclusive Pokemon and also an increased chance of encountering certain Shiny Pokemon. 

As with the original games, Red Version’s exclusive Pokemon are Ekans, Oddish, Mankey, Growlithe, Scyther, and Electabuzz. This electric group of original Pokemon will be attracted to Incense. The Green Version’s exclusive Pokemon are Sandshrew, Vulpix, Meowth, Bellsprout, Magmar, and Pinsir. 

When it comes to Shiny Pokemon, Red Version trainers will have an increased chance of encountering shiny Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pidgey, Ekans, Pikachu, Nidoran♀, Oddish, Diglett, Mankey, Growlithe, Ponyta, Shellder, Drowzee, Krabby, Hitmonlee, Lickitung, Scyther, Electabuzz, Eevee, Kabuto, and Dratini. Trainers who select the Green Version will have an increased chance of encountering shiny Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pidgey, Pikachu, Sandshrew, Nidoran♂, Vulpix, Meowth, Psyduck, Bellsprout, Geodude, Exeggcute, Hitmonchan, Koffing, Tangela, Horsea, Magmar, Pinsir, Eevee, Omanyte, and Dratini.

Either way, trainers are tasked with catching all 150 before the end of the event. It can be difficult to choose which version is better. For most trainers, it’s based on their own preferences and what Pokemon are already in their collection. It may come down to which Pokemon trainers like best. For example, Vulpix fans should choose the Green Version to get a Shiny Vulpix easier. 

Shiny Pokemon collectors should browse through their collection to see which Shiny Pokemon are missing. Then they can choose the version with the most Shiny Pokemon missing from their list.

Those looking for strong Pokemon to help with raids and gyms can find value on both sides of the Pokemon GO Tour: Kanto but should probably favor Red. There are many more strong options on the Red side between Arcanine, Bellossom, and Scizor. 

How to select Pokemon Red vs. Green in Pokemon GO Tour: Kanto event 

Trainers cannot change their event version once it’s selected so pick carefully. But once players know if they prefer Red Version or Green Version, they can make the selection official before the event begins. 

First, open the Item Bag. Trainers who purchased a Pokemon GO Tour: Kanto ticket will see it in the selection pop-up. The pop-up will ask trainers to choose Red or Green. Select the preferred version and then click “yes.” This will lock it in officially.