Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto - Red or Green version differences explained

Red and Green version differences for Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto explained

Inspired by the original Japanese versions of the first instalments in the Pokémon series, Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto has two different versions - Red and Green.

Just like with the mainline Pokémon games, a number of Pokémon are exclusive to each version of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto event. These Pokémon will all be attracted to Incense throughout the event and catching them will help you complete the Incense Collection Challenge for your specific version.

The version you pick will also decide which shiny Pokémon will have a higher chance of spawning throughout the event. While there are a small number of Pokémon whose shiny rate have been increased in both versions, the majority of the list, like the Pokémon attracted to Incense, are exclusive to either Green or Red.

No matter which version you choose, you'll always have a higher chance of encountering the shiny form of the following Pokémon:

• Bulbasaur
• Charmander
• Squirtle
• Pidgey
• Pikachu
• Eevee
• Dratini

Take both the exclusive Pokémon and differences in the shiny rates into the consideration before choosing which version you wish to play, because you can't change it after you've made your decision.

It's a good idea to coordinate your version choice with any friends who play Pokémon Go, as you'll have to trade the exclusive Pokémon to complete the Trade Collection Challenge for your specific version. Thankfully the trade range has been increased to 40km, making this task easier.

It should be noted that the version differences only apply to players who purchase a ticket for the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto event, if you're a free player, you'll only be able to experience a smaller portion of what's available.

Red version exclusives for Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto explained

The Red version of Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto has a list of exclusive Pokémon and increased shiny rates for certain Pokémon which differ from the Green version of the event.

Take sure you take before of these lists into account before selecting which version you wish to play and, if you have any friends who play Pokémon Go, consider coordinating your choices, so that you can complete all the Collection Challenges.

Here are Pokémon which are exclusively attracted to Incense in the Red version of Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto:

• Ekans
• Oddish
• Mankey
• Growlithe
• Scyther
• Electabuzz

Below you can find the Pokémon which will have a higher shiny rate in the Red version of the event:

• Ekans
• Nidoran - Female
• Oddish
• Diglett
• Mankey
• Growlithe
• Ponyta
• Shellder
• Drowzee
• Krabby
• Hitmonlee
• Lickitung
• Scyther
• Electabuzz
• Kabuto

It's important to remember you can't change which version of Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto after your playing and that these version rules only apply to players who pay for a ticket - free-to-play trainers will only experience a small portion of the event instead.

Green version exclusives for Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto explained

The Green version of Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto, like the Red, has a number of Pokémon exclusively attracted to Incense and increased shiny rates for specific Pokémon.

Since you won't be able to complete all the Collection Challenges without knowing a player whose chosen the Red version of the event, it's a good idea to coordinate your choice before making your final decision.

Below you can find the Pokémon exclusively attracted to Incense in the Green version of Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto:

• Sandshrew
• Vulpix
• Meowth
• Bellsprout
• Magmar
• Pinsir

Here are the Pokémon with higher shiny rates exclusive to the Green version of Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto:

• Sandshrew
• Nidoran - Male
• Vulpix
• Meowth
• Psyduck
• Bellsprout
• Geodude
• Exeggcute
• Hitmonchan
• Koffing
• Tangela
• Horsea
• Magmar
• Pinsir
• Omanyte

Remember - you can't change your version decision after you've made it and, if you're purchasing a Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto ticket, you'll only be able to play a smaller version of the event, which doesn't take the version differences into account.

The Wild Area 2024: Global event is this weekend! Throughout it you can catch Pokémon during the habitat hours, use Safari Balls, catch Mighty Pokémon, battle Gigantamax Toxtricity, obtain both Toxtricity Forms and catch a Studded Jacket Snorlax. If you've purchased an event ticket, you can also complete the An Accomplished Trainer quest. You can now catch Dynamax Pokémon through Max Battles. First, however, you need to visit Power Spots to collect Max Particles and complete the To the Max! quest. Don't forget to try out Routes, Gift Exchange and Party Play while you're hunting down rare Pokémon, fighting in the Go Battle League or competing in PokéStop Showcases.

How to choose your version of Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto

You can pick which version of Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto - Red or Green - after you've bought a ticket for the event. Before you do, however, it's important to consider your decision carefully, because you can't change it.

We recommend going over the differences listed above and pick whichever list of exclusive and higher shiny rate Pokémon you like best, because these are the only real differences between the Red and Green versions.

When you're ready to select which version you wish to play, and after you've bought your ticket, you'll want to open your Item Bag from the Pokémon Go main menu. From here, scroll down until you find the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto ticket and select it.

You'll now be able to select the options 'Choose Red' or 'Choose Green.'

Pick your confirmed version and then press 'Yes' to confirm.

Now you're all ready to enjoy Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto! To learn more of what's to come, read our explainer of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto event times.

List of Pokémon for the Red version of the Incense Collection Challenge in Pokémon Go

The Red Incense Collection Challenge is specific to that version of Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto. If you chose to play the Green version of the event, then you'll have to catch a different list of Pokémon outlined in the section below.

Both versions of this Collection Challenge are only available to players who purchased a ticket for the event and it must be completed by Sunday, 28th February at 7:59pm (local time).

Unlike other Collection Challenges, such as Pallet Town, this one is focused around catching the Pokémon which are exclusively attracted to Incense in the Red version of the event. This means that you must use an Incense to find and catch the Pokémon if you wish to add the Collection Challenge to your Elite Collector medal.

Here are the six Pokémon needed for the Red version of the Incense Collection Challenge:

• Ekans (available from Kanto Celebration special research)
• Oddish
• Mankey
• Growlithe
• Scyther
• Electabuzz

Remember - you must find these Pokémon via Incense to have their capture counts towards this challenge and both Shadow Pokémon and ones hatched from eggs are exempt too.

For completing the Red version of the Incense Collection Challenge, you'll receive 151 Stardust, 20 Ultra Balls and 1 Incense.

List of Pokémon for the Green version of the Incense Collection Challenge in Pokémon Go

The Green Incense Collection Challenge is specific to that version of Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto. If you chose to play the Red version of the event, then you'll have to catch a different list of Pokémon outlined in the section above.

Both versions of this Collection Challenge are only available to players who purchased a ticket for the event and it must be completed by Sunday, 28th February at 7:59pm (local time).

Unlike other Collection Challenges, such as Pewter City, this one is focused around catching the Pokémon which are exclusively attracted to Incense in the Green version of the event. This means that you must use an Incense to find and catch the Pokémon if you wish to add the Collection Challenge to your Elite Collector medal.

Here are the six Pokémon need for the Green version of the Incense Collection Challenge:

• Sandshrew
• Vulpix
• Meowth
• Bellsprout
• Magmar
• Pinsir

Remember - you must find these Pokémon via Incense to have their capture counts towards this challenge and both Shadow Pokémon and ones hatched from eggs are exempt too.

For completing the Green version of the Incense Collection Challenge, you'll receive 151 Stardust, 20 Ultra Balls and 1 Incense.

List of Pokémon for the Red version of the Trade Collection Challenge in Pokémon Go

While the Red Trade Collection Challenge is specific to that version of Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto, it can't be completed without the assistance of someone playing the Green edition of the event. This is because, if you wish to complete the Collection Challenge, you'll need the Green player to trade you the Pokémon on the list.

The easiest way to complete this challenge is to finish the Red Incense Collection Challenge first and then trade these Pokémon with the ones you need from the Green player, as this will help them complete their version of the Trade Collection Challenge too.

Since the trade range has been increased to 40km during Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto, you should hopefully be able to complete this challenge quickly.

Both versions of the Trade Collection Challenge are only available to players who purchased a ticket for the event and it must be completed by Sunday, 28th February at 7:59pm (local time).

Here are the six Pokémon you need to receive via trades to complete the Red Trade Collection Challenge:

• Sandshrew
• Vulpix
• Meowth
• Bellsprout
• Magmar
• Pinsir

Remember - you must earn these Pokémon by trading with a Green version player or else they won't count towards the Collection Challenge. This includes Shadow Pokémon and ones hatched from eggs.

For completing the Red version of the Trade Collection Challenge, you'll receive 1510 Stardust, 1 Lucky Egg and 1 Silver Pinap Berry.

List of Pokémon for the Green version of the Trade Collection Challenge in Pokémon Go

To complete the Green version of the Trade Collection Challenge for Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto, you'll need a friend who's playing the Red edition of the event. This player will then be able to trade you the Pokémon you need to complete this challenge from their version of the event.

The best way to complete this challenge is to capture all the Pokémon from the Green Incense Collection Challenge first. You can then easily trade these Pokémon with the Red player, helping them complete their Trade Collection Challenge in return for completing yours. It must also be completed by Sunday, 28th February at 7:59pm (local time).

Remember - the trade range has been increased to 40km throughout this event, so you don't need to be close to your friend.

Here are the six Pokémon you'll need to complete the Green version of the Trade Collection Challenge:

• Ekans (available from Kanto Celebration special research)
• Oddish
• Mankey
• Growlithe
• Scyther
• Electabuzz

Remember - you must earn these Pokémon by trading with a Red version player or else they won't count towards the Collection Challenge. This includes Shadow Pokémon and ones hatched from eggs.

For completing the Green version of the Trade Collection Challenge, you'll receive 1510 Stardust, 1 Lucky Egg and 1 Silver Pinap Berry.

Tips for completing the Incense and Trade Collection Challenges in Pokémon Go

Here are some tips which will help you complete the Incense and Trade Collection Challenge no matter which version of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto you're playing:

• Unlike a number of other Collection Challenges, the Incense and Trade Collection Challenges must be completed during the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto event on Saturday, 20th February.
• We recommend completing your version of the Incense Challenge first, because it will supply you with the Pokémon the person you're trading with will need for their own Trade Collection Challenge.
• Don't forget that the trade range has been increased to 40km for the event, so completing the Trade Collection Challenge may be easier than you think.
• Remember - you need to use an Incense to complete this challenge and the Pokémon assigned to you will differ depending on which version of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto you're playing.

• Pokémon attracted by Incense will be surrounded by a purple mist, so keep an eye out for these creatures while working on this challenge.
• Since Incense lasts an hour, this Collection Challenge can be easily completed alongside the other Collection Challenges, such as Pallet Town or Pewter City.
• If you're having trouble catching a Pokémon, try using a Razz or Nanab berry.
• To save PokéBalls, try targeting Pokémon with low CP levels as they will be easier to catch.

How the Incense and Trade Collection Challenges work in Pokémon Go

Collection Challenges in Pokémon Go were released in January 2021 and run alongside certain in-game events. Each Collection Challenge will see you catching a number of Pokémon that, thanks to the event, are either appearing more frequently in the wild or are obtained by completing a certain feature of the game.

Once you've completed the Collection Challenge by catching or obtaining each Pokémon, you'll be rewarded with a number of items and progress for your Elite Collector medal.

Both versions of the Incense and Trade Collection Challenges are part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto event and are available until Sunday, 28th February at 7:59pm (local time).

Collection Challenges can be found on the 'Today View,' which is accessed by pressing the field research button (the little binoculars) in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. Depending on whether you've been looking at your current field or special research tasks, you may have to scroll to your left.

After accessing 'Today View,' you'll find a list of the Pokémon you need to catch to complete the Collection Challenge. Catching a Pokémon in the Collection Challenge rooster will tick it off the list to help you keep track of which Pokémon you still need to catch.

It's important to note that Shadow Pokémon and ones you've hatched from eggs won't count towards either of these Collection Challenges. You also only have to complete the challenges assigned to your specific version of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto event - Red or Green.

Remember - all of these Collection Challenges must be completed before 9pm (local time) on Saturday, 20th February or else you'll never be able to add it to your Elite Collector medal.

Good luck completing your Incense Collection Challenge!