January Pokemon Go Updates
A fresh year has begun, and Pokemon Go is kicking things off with a slew of events and introductions. The Dual Destiny season in the game is ongoing, with the arrival of new Pokemon such as Fidough and Mega Gallade, along with new Spotlight Hours and raid bosses.
In addition to that, the game will feature its annual Fashion Week and Lunar New Year celebrations this month, as well as two Community Days and a new event called Steeled Resolve. Below is everything you need to know about what’s happening in Pokemon Go in January 2025.
January Raid Schedule
In January, Pokemon Go is shaking up its raid rotation once again.
This month will bring back some popular legendary Pokemon, including Palkia, Attack and Defense Forme Deoxys, and Dialga. Mega Raid bosses for January will include Mega Lopunny, the newly introduced Mega Gallade, and Mega Medicham.
Furthermore, a mystery Pokemon will make an appearance in Max Battles this month, while Shadow Registeel will be featured as a special Shadow Raid boss on weekends. Check out the full raid schedule for January below:
Max Battles
January 6-13
- Machop
- Gastly
- Krabby
- Cryogonal
- Wooloo
January 13-20
- Squirtle
- Machop
- Gastly
- Krabby
- Cryogonal
January 20-27
- Charmander
- Mystery Pokemon
- Beldum
- Cryogonal
- Scorbunny
January 27-February 3
- Bulbasaur
- Mystery Pokemon
- Cryogonal
- Grookey
- Wooloo
Five-star Raids
January 4-16
- Palkia
January 16-24
- Deoxys (Attack Forme)
- Deoxys (Defense Forme)
January 24-February 6
- Dialga
Mega Raids
January 4-16
- Mega Lopunny
January 16-24
- Mega Gallade
January 24-February 6
- Mega Medicham
Shadow Raids
Weekends in January
- Shadow Registeel
January Spotlight Hours
In January, Pokemon Go’s weekly Spotlight Hour events are in full swing, featuring a range of highlighted Pokemon and bonuses.
Every Tuesday evening from 6-7 PM local time, a specific Pokemon will have increased appearances in the wild, providing an excellent opportunity to complete your Pokedex and gather candy. Additionally, you will earn extra bonuses during that hour, such as double XP or Stardust for capturing Pokemon.
Here is the schedule for January’s Spotlight Hours:
January 7
- Featured Pokemon: Voltorb and Hisuian Voltorb
- Bonus: 2x catch Stardust
January 14
- Featured Pokemon: Roselia
- Bonus: 2x catch XP
January 21
- Featured Pokemon: Paldean Wooper
- Bonus: 2x catch candy
January 28
- Featured Pokemon: Yungoos
- Bonus: 2x transfer candy
Fidough Fetch Event
Pokemon Go is starting the new year with a Fidough Fetch event running from January 3-7.
During this event, players will have better chances of encountering shiny versions of Voltorb and Electrike. Pokemon Go will also present a series of global challenges that trainers worldwide will collaborate to complete. As these challenges are met collectively, the game will unlock additional bonuses, including the first opportunity to catch the fairy Pokemon Fidough.
Moreover, a selection of puppy Pokemon will appear more frequently in the wild during the event, along with themed Field Research tasks to accomplish. Check out the list of wild Pokemon and event bonuses below:
Wild Pokemon
- Growlithe
- Voltorb
- Snubbull
- Poochyena
- Electrike
- Lillipup
Global Challenge Rewards
Level 1 Reward
- 2x XP for catching Pokemon
Level 2 Rewards
- 2x Stardust for catching Pokemon
- Additional Field Research tasks
- Fidough and Dachsbun debut
Level 3 Rewards
- 2.5x XP for catching Pokemon
- Additional Field Research tasks
- Additional wild Pokemon: Hisuian Growlithe and Greavard
Level 4 Reward
- 2.5x Stardust for catching Pokemon
Level 5 Rewards
- 3x XP for catching Pokemon
- 3x Stardust for catching Pokemon
Level 6 Rewards
- 4x XP for catching Pokemon
- 4x Stardust for catching Pokemon
Sprigatito Community Day
The first Community Day of 2025 in Pokemon Go will feature Sprigatito on January 5, one of the starter Pokemon from Scarlet and Violet.
From 2-5 PM local time, the grass cat Pokemon will be more prevalent in the wild, providing more opportunities to capture it–and more chances to find a shiny Sprigatito.
Aside from increased Sprigatito encounters, players will have access to free event-themed Field and Timed Research tasks to complete, as well as a paid Special Research quest. Several bonuses will be active during the event, including triple Stardust and double candy for catching Pokemon.
Additionally, any Floragato evolved into Meowscarada until 10 PM local time will learn the exclusive Charged Attack Frenzy Plant.
Fashion Week
Pokemon Go’s annual Fashion Week celebration will run from January 10-19. Further details will be disclosed as the event nears.
Mega Gallade Raid Day
A new Mega Pokemon, Mega Gallade, will be featured in a Raid Day event on January 11 in Pokemon Go.
From 2-5 PM local time, Mega Gallade will be a Mega Raid boss in gyms. Defeating the Pokemon will reward you with Mega Energy and increase your chances of encountering a shiny Gallade.
Furthermore, Pokemon Go will temporarily raise the limit of Remote Raid Passes to 20, and you can receive up to five additional free Raid Passes by spinning the Photo Disc at gyms during the event.
Fashion Week: Taken Over
The mischievous Team Go Rocket will be taking the spotlight and staking a claim on Fashion Week from January 15-19.
Shadow Raid Day
Fashion Week will conclude with a Shadow Raid Day on January 19.
Steeled Resolve Event
Pokemon Go will introduce a new event named Steeled Resolve running from January 21-26. The event will likely focus on steel-type Pokemon, but stay tuned for more details to be revealed later.
Community Day Classic
The second Community Day of January will take place on January 25. Additional information, such as the featured Pokemon, will be announced closer to the event.
Lunar New Year
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Pokemon Go from January 29-February 2.