Get ready, Pokémon GO trainers, because the week of January 19 to January 25, 2026, is packed with events that will test your skills, reward your dedication, and maybe even spark some controversy! But here’s where it gets exciting: Shiny Fidough makes its debut, Shadow Raikou returns with boosted shiny odds, and Team GO Rocket takes over with new Shadow Pokémon. Are these events a treasure trove for collectors, or just another grind? Let’s dive in and find out!
Weekly Pokémon GO Schedule
This week, the Season of Precious Paths continues, offering trainers a mix of challenges and rewards. Whether you’re hunting for shinies, battling in raids, or grinding for resources, there’s something for everyone. And this is the part most people miss: the subtle balance between casual play and hardcore grinding that Niantic has mastered—or has it?
Events in Pokémon GO This Week
- Max Monday (January 19, 6 PM - 7 PM): Dynamax Beldum takes center stage in Max Battles. But is Dynamaxing still relevant, or just a relic of past seasons? Let us know in the comments!
- Spotlight Hour (January 20, 6 PM - 7 PM): Hatenna shines with 2x candy for transferring Pokémon. A great time to stock up on candy, but is transferring your hard-caught Pokémon worth it?
- Raid Hour (January 21, 6 PM - 7 PM): Incarnate Thundurus appears in Five-Star Raids. A powerful addition to any team, but are raid hours becoming too repetitive?
- Precious Pals (January 20-25): Shiny Fidough debuts with boosted shiny odds for Fidough and Goldeen. A collector’s dream, but are shiny odds still too low to justify the effort?
- Precious Pals: Taken Over (January 23-25): Team GO Rocket takes over with Shadow Incarnate Forme Thundurus and new Shadow Pokémon. A fresh challenge, but is the grind for Shadow Pokémon worth the rewards?
- Shadow Raikou Raid Day (January 24): Shadow Raikou returns with boosted shiny odds and up to five free raid passes. A must for shiny hunters, but are Shadow Raids becoming too frequent?
Raids
Five-Star Raids feature Incarnate Thundurus (January 16-25) and Incarnate Tornadus (January 25-February 4). Mega Raids include Mega Sceptile (January 16-25) and Mega Ampharos (January 25-February 4). Shadow Raids offer daily one-star and three-star battles, with five-star Shadow Raids on weekends. But here’s the controversial part: Shadow Cresselia returns, but is the shiny version too rare to justify the effort?
GO Pass and GO Pass Deluxe
The January 2026 GO Pass and GO Pass Deluxe offer exclusive rewards, including an encounter with Dialga, XP and Stardust bonuses, and the return of the Lucky Trinket. A great deal for dedicated players, but are these passes becoming a pay-to-win necessity?
GO Battle League Season 25
Season 25 kicks off with end-of-season rewards, rank resets, and unchanged rank-up requirements. Active Cups include Ultra League, Sunshine Cup, Master Premier, and Retro Cup. But here’s the question: Are these leagues still balanced, or do certain Pokémon dominate too much?
Season of Precious Paths
Running from December 2, 2025, to March 3, 2026, this season highlights the Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos, Master Ball Special Research, and new costume Pokémon. Season-long bonuses include extra Special Trades, increased Stardust, and boosted friendship damage in raids. But is this season too focused on events, leaving casual players behind?
Precious Paths Egg Hatches
Eggs this season hatch a variety of Pokémon, with highlights including 2km, 5km, 10km, and 7km eggs. Adventure Sync Rewards and Route Rewards offer additional hatching opportunities. But are egg hatches still a rewarding mechanic, or just a time sink?
Research Breakthrough
Complete Field Research to encounter Pokémon like Galarian Zigzagoon, Stunky, and more. A steady way to earn rewards, but are Research Breakthroughs becoming too predictable?
What do you think? Are these events a step in the right direction, or is Pokémon GO losing its charm? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s spark a discussion!
