A new Max Raid event is underway right now in Pokemon Sword and Shield. This time, tentacled Pokemon are appearing more frequently in Max Raid dens in both games, including Shiny Grapploct. You'll need to act quickly if you want to catch one, however, as the event only runs until June 27.

　　Throughout the event, you'll be more likely to encounter Grapploct, Malamar, Octillery, and their pre-evolved forms in Max Raid dens across the Wild Area, Isle of Armor, and Crown Tundra. As previously mentioned, you'll also have a chance to find Shiny Grapploct in five-star Max Raids. This variant will be much rarer, however, so you'll need to be persistent and check Raids often if you're hoping to catch one.

　　Some of the featured Pokemon in Sword and Shield's newest eventThe new Max Raid event runs until 4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET / 11:59 PM UTC on Sunday, June 27, giving you only a few days to participate. Before the featured Pokemon can begin appearing in your game, you'll first need to refresh your Max Raid dens. You can do so either by connecting the game online or by selecting Get the Wild Area News from the Mystery Gift menu.

　　In other Pokemon news, The Pokemon Company is distributing two more free Pokemon until June 30. In celebration of Pokemon Home's latest update, users can claim a free Bulbasaur and Squirtle through the mobile app. These Pokemon both have the Gigantamax factor, meaning they'll be able to Gigantamax after they've evolved into Venusaur and Blastoise. If you don't have a Pokemon Home account, you can also claim the free Pokemon in Sword and Shield via Mystery Gift.

　　There are a few more Pokemon games on the horizon for Switch. Next month, the Pokemon MOBA spin-off Pokemon Unite launches on the console (with the mobile version following in September). After that, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl will arrive on Switch on November 19, while Pokemon Legends: Arceus launches early next year on January 28.