Pokemon GO reveals Shadow Raid daily plans for January 2026

Niantic reveals all upcoming details for Pokémon GOs Shadow Raid Day event for January 2026, confirming bonuses, rewards and the legendary Pokemon that can be caught. The popular mobile title continues to keep its player base busy with new content and events to participate in. In addition to the battle pass to work through, Pokémon GO typically features new limited-time events and activities on a weekly basis, and later this month, Team GO Rocket 2026 will make its debut.

Even though it's a new year, January 2026 has been no exception to what Niantic has done in the past. After a special New Year's event, which saw many costumed Pokemon caught, the mobile title has continued to roll out new activities for players. Recently, players were able to catch newly added creatures like Shiny Fidough during the Precious Pals event, while Pinch Perfect saw the Gen 9 Ambush Pokémon known as Klawf make its debut. Later this month, Team GO Rocket will return, bringing with it a powerful legendary for players to potentially capture.

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Pokemon GO Shadow Raid Event Start Time

January 24, 2026, at 14:00–17:00 local time

Starting on Saturday, January 24 at 14:00-17:00 local trainer time, Team GO Rocket returns with a new Shadow Raid Day event. The biggest part of this limited time event is Shadow Raikou, one of the strongest pure electric Pokemon available in the game. While many will try to purge the Pokemon upon capture, Shadow Raikou is absolutely viable in Pokémon GO with a recommended moveset of Thunder Shock and Wild Charge to maximize its damage.

However, Shadow Raikou barged in Pokémon GO is easier said than done, as players must work together to take down Shadow Raikou at designated Raid locations. Originally introduced back in 2023, Pokémon GO Shadow Raids usually feature a tough legendary shadow pocket monster, requiring a solid group of players to help take it down.

Thankfully, the event will have a number of bonuses that players can take advantage of, including an additional 5 Raid Passes (for a total of 6) just by spinning Gym Photo Disks. While players have an increased chance of finding a Shiny Raikou, the ranged attack limit is raised to 20 for a limited time to help those who may not be near a gym to participate. The Pokémon GO The Remote Raid Pass bonus will be active from January 23rd at 16.00 until Saturday 24 January at 7:00 PM PST.

For those who want a bit more of the event, Niantic is also offering a Premium Event Ticket for $4.99 which raises the Raid Pass limit even more, allowing for an additional 8 to be collected from spinning Gym Disks for a total of 14. There is also an increased chance for Rare Candy XL to be rewarded from Raid-Battles, while 50% of Trainers also receive 50% Star bodust. Keep in mind that these bonuses are only active during the Shadow Raid event and will expire when it ends.

While it is unknown if this will be the final event in January 2026, new leaks have seemingly teased some upcoming events that have yet to be officially announced by Niantic. In February 2026, it appears that Vulpix and its Alolan variant will be the Community Day Pokémon. Unfortunately, the leak didn't include a start date or time, but given how far in advance Niantic likes to share new events, fans likely won't be waiting too much longer.