The new year is here, and Pokémon GO is kicking things off with a packed schedule of exciting events, raids, Spotlight Hours, Community Days, and much more. Whether you're looking to catch rare Pokémon, participate in thrilling raids, or simply enjoy the game with friends, January has something for everyone. Let’s break down the month’s highlights so you can make the most of it.
Legendary and Mega Raids
January brings an incredible lineup of Legendary and Mega Raids, giving Trainers the chance to battle and catch powerful Pokémon. Here are the key dates to remember:
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January 1–7: Kyurem returns with a chance to encounter its Shiny form. Learn more about Kyurem here.
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January 8–14: Reshiram steps into the spotlight, featuring the exclusive move Fusion Flare. More about Reshiram's exclusive move.
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January 15–21: Zekrom, also with its exclusive move Fusion Bolt, joins the raid rotation. Get tips for Zekrom Raids.
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January 22–31: A surprise Legendary Pokémon will make its debut—stay tuned for more details!
Mega Raids will also rotate weekly, so keep your Mega Energy reserves ready to power up your teams.
Spotlight Hours
Spotlight Hours offer a great opportunity to catch specific Pokémon and earn bonuses. Each Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time, a new Pokémon will be featured:
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January 7: Pikachu with double XP for catching Pokémon.
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January 14: Bidoof with double Candy for transferring Pokémon.
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January 21: Minccino with double XP for evolving Pokémon.
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January 28: Piplup with double Stardust for catching Pokémon.
Make sure to stock up on Poké Balls and Berries before each event to maximize your catches. Spotlight Hour tips and tricks.
January Community Day
Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 21, as this month’s Community Day features Tepig! This Fire-type Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild, and evolving it during the event will get you an Emboar that knows the exclusive move Blast Burn.
Community Day bonuses include:
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3× Stardust for catching Pokémon.
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Incense and Lure Modules lasting three hours.
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A special Community Day ticketed research story for additional rewards. Details on Community Day bonuses.
Additional Events
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New Year’s Celebration (January 1–4): Ring in the new year with festive Pokémon wearing party hats and themed Field Research tasks. Find out more here.
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Twinkling Stars Event (January 15–20): Discover cosmic-themed Pokémon and enjoy boosted spawns of Fairy- and Psychic-types. Event details here.
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Lunar New Year Event (January 25–31): Celebrate with Fire- and Dragon-type Pokémon, along with increased Lucky Trades and special bonuses. Lunar New Year guide.
Weekly Challenges and Rewards
Every Monday in January, a free bundle containing Remote Raid Passes and other helpful items will be available in the in-game shop. Don’t forget to complete your weekly challenges to unlock additional rewards and encounters.
Tips to Maximize Your January
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Plan Ahead: Use this guide to prioritize the events and bonuses that matter most to you.
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Stock Up: Make sure you have enough Poké Balls, Incense, and Raid Passes to take full advantage of the month’s events.
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Team Up: Raid with friends or join local groups to increase your chances of catching Legendary Pokémon.
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Stay Informed: Keep an eye on announcements for surprise debuts or unannounced bonuses. Follow the latest news.
With so much happening, January 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable month in Pokémon GO. Which events are you most excited for? Share your thoughts and experiences with us at Collector’s Edge!
