Attention all Pokémon GO trainers! The week of January 19 to January 25, 2026, is packed with exciting events and challenges that you won’t want to miss! As we dive deeper into the Season of Precious Paths, there’s something for every type of player—whether you’re hunting for shinies, battling Team GO Rocket, or grinding for powerful raid bosses. But here’s where it gets controversial: Are these events becoming too overwhelming, or are they the perfect mix of variety and challenge? Let’s break it all down and you decide.
Weekly Pokémon GO Schedule
This week’s lineup is jam-packed with activities that cater to both casual and hardcore players. From shiny hunts to raid battles, here’s what’s in store:
- Raid Boss Change (January 25): Incarnate Tornadus and Mega Ampharos make their return to the raid pool. Will these bosses shake up the meta, or are they just old favorites making a comeback?
- Max Monday (January 19): Dynamax Beldum takes center stage in Max Battles from 6 PM to 7 PM. A great chance to power up this rare Pokémon!
- Spotlight Hour (January 20): Hatenna shines during this hour, offering 2x candy for transferring Pokémon. Perfect for stocking up on resources.
- Raid Hour (January 21): Incarnate Thundurus appears in Five-Star Raids from 6 PM to 7 PM. A must-do for those looking to add this powerful Pokémon to their team.
Events in Pokémon GO This Week
Precious Pals (January 20-25): This event is all about bonding with your Buddy Pokémon! The debut of Shiny Fidough steals the show, with boosted shiny odds for both Fidough and Goldeen. But here’s the kicker: Is the shiny rate boost enough to justify the grind, or is it just another way to keep players hooked?
Precious Pals: Taken Over (January 23-25): Team GO Rocket crashes the party with their latest takeover! Face off against grunts and leaders wielding new Shadow Pokémon, including the debut of Shadow Incarnate Forme Thundurus. And this is the part most people miss: You can remove Frustration from Shadow Pokémon during this event—a rare opportunity you won’t want to skip!
Shadow Raikou Raid Day (January 24): Shadow Raikou takes the spotlight in Shadow Raids, with boosted shiny odds and up to five additional free raid passes. But here’s the question: With so many raid days, are they losing their special appeal, or are they still a highlight for trainers?
Raids, GO Pass, and More
Raids this week feature Incarnate Thundurus and Mega Sceptile until January 25, followed by Incarnate Tornadus and Mega Ampharos from January 25 to February 4. Shadow Raids continue to offer daily challenges, with Shadow Cresselia appearing in five-star raids. And yes, there’s a chance for a Shiny Shadow Cresselia—if luck is on your side!
The GO Pass and GO Pass Deluxe for January 2026 include exclusive rewards like an encounter with Dialga, XP and Stardust bonuses, and the return of the Lucky Trinket. But here’s the debate: Are these passes worth the investment, or are they just another way to monetize the game?
GO Battle League Season 25
The Season of Precious Paths continues in the GO Battle League, with Ultra League, Sunshine Cup, Master Premier, and Retro Cup rotating throughout the week. Stardust win rewards are quadrupled during specific weeks, but the real question is: Are these leagues still engaging, or do they need a refresh to keep players interested?
Season of Precious Paths Highlights
Running from December 2, 2025, to March 3, 2026, this season is all about exploration and discovery. Highlights include the Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos, the return of Master Ball Special Research, and new costume Pokémon. Season-long bonuses like extra Special Trades, increased Stardust, and boosted friendship damage in raids add extra value. But here’s the twist: With so many bonuses, are players feeling overwhelmed, or are they embracing the abundance of rewards?
Egg Hatches and Research Breakthrough
This season’s Egg hatches feature a variety of Pokémon, from 2km to 10km Eggs, with Adventure Sync Rewards offering even more opportunities. Research Breakthrough encounters include a chance to meet Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia. But the real question is: Are these rewards still exciting, or do they need to be refreshed to keep players motivated?
Final Thoughts
This week in Pokémon GO is packed with opportunities to grow your team, collect shinies, and battle powerful foes. But as we navigate these events, it’s worth asking: Are we losing the simplicity that made Pokémon GO so beloved, or are these additions enhancing the experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this week’s lineup and the direction of the game!
