With 2020 on its way out, Pokemon GO is gearing up to ring in the new year in style as well as keep the party going with a bunch of events that will take place through January 2021.
Pokemon GO's December events are coming to a close soon, so it's time to focus on what the game has in store for us in 2021. Here's your rundown of Pokemon GO’s January events
January Research Breakthrough encounter
From Friday, January 1, 2021, at 9:00 p.m. to Monday, February 1, 2021, at 9:00 p.m. GMT, you’ll encounter Chansey in Research Breakthroughs.
Featured Pokemon in five-star raids and Mega Raids
The following Legendary and Mythical Pokemon will be appearing in five-star raids throughout January. One of the Pokemon will be making its first appearance in the game!
- Ho-Oh will be appearing in raids from Friday, January 1, 2021, at 9:00 p.m. GMT to Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Ho-Oh.
- Genesect holding a Burn Drive will be appearing in raids from Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
- Heatran will be appearing in raids from Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time. A Shiny Heatran could also be hiding nearby.
- Kyogre and Groudon will be appearing in raids from Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time. A Shiny Kyogre or Shiny Groudon might also be somewhere out there.
- A surprise Pokemon will be appearing in raids beginning on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
Niantic
The following Mega-Evolved Pokemon will be appearing in Mega Raids:
- Mega Charizard Y, Mega Blastoise, and Mega Abomasnow will be appearing in Mega Raids, with Mega Charizard Y becoming even more powerful from Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. through Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at 10:00 am local time. Mega Blastoise is also a prime pick to use in five-star raids this month.
- On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, a certain Mega-Evolved Pokemon will make its Pokemon GO debut in Mega Raids. More details will come to light as we get closer to the date. Mega Venusaur and Mega Houndoom will also be appearing in Mega Raids beginning on January 19, with Mega Houndoom being even more powerful from Tuesday, January 26, 2021, through Monday, February 8, 2021.
Pokemon Spotlight Hours
In January, a Pokemon Spotlight Hour will take place every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. local time, and each hour will spotlight a different Pokemon as well as a special bonus!
- Tuesday, January 5, 2021: Lillipup will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the Stardust for catching Pokémon.
- Tuesday, January 12, 2021: Drifloon will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the XP for catching Pokémon.
- Tuesday, January 19, 2021: Shroomish will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the Candy for catching Pokémon.
- Tuesday, January 26, 2021: Phanpy will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the Candy for transferring Pokémon.
New Year’s–themed event
This New Year's event will bring about new costumed Pokemon and new avatar items, as well as the return of some familiar Pokemon wearing party hats. This event will run from Thursday, December 31, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. to Monday, January 4, 2021, at 10:00 p.m. local time.
