The new year is here, and Pokémon GO trainers have every reason to get excited! January 2026 promises an action-packed raid schedule, featuring Legendary Pokémon, Mythical encounters, Mega Raids, and special event challenges.
Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore trainer, understanding the raid lineup and planning ahead is key to making the most of the month. Here’s a complete guide to help you maximize your raid success in January 2026.
Understanding Raid Tiers in Pokémon GO
Before diving into the schedule, it’s important to know how raids are structured:
- Tier 1 (Easy Raids): Usually low-CP Pokémon. Perfect for beginners or solo players. Rewards include XP, rare candies, and a chance to catch Pokémon.
- Tier 3 (Challenging Raids): Mid-level Pokémon requiring at least 2–3 players. Often feature rare Pokémon and shiny chances.
- Tier 5 (Legendary Raids): High-level raids featuring Legendary Pokémon. Coordination with multiple players is essential.
- Mega Raids: Special raids featuring Mega-Evolved Pokémon. These require strong counters but give Mega Energy for powering up your Pokémon.
- EX or Special Raids: Invite-only or event-exclusive raids. Often the only way to catch certain Mythical Pokémon.
Understanding the tiers helps you prepare your team, raid passes, and strategies ahead of time.
Legendary Raids in January 2026
Legendary Pokémon are always the main highlight of any raid schedule. January 2026 is no exception. Here’s what trainers can expect:
Legendary raid rotations change at 10:00 AM local time on the dates listed below:
| Dates | Pokémon | Shiny Possible? |
| Jan 1 – Jan 5 | Blacephalon | Yes ✨ |
| Jan 5 – Jan 16 | Genesect (Burn & Chill Drive) | Yes ✨ |
| Jan 16 – Jan 25 | Incarnate Forme Thundurus | Yes ✨ |
| Jan 25 – Feb 4 | Incarnate Forme Tornadus | Yes ✨ |
Pro Tips for Legendary Raids:
- Bring Pokémon strong against the Legendary’s type (e.g., Zapdos is Electric/Flying – Rock and Ice Pokémon work well).
- Use weather bonuses for more serious damage and catch chances.
- Coordinate with friends for maximum raid efficiency—especially for Tier 5 raids.
Also Read: Is Blacephalon a Good Pokémon in Pokémon GO? Complete Guide
Mythical Pokémon Raids
Mythical Pokémon are rare and usually appear during special events. January 2026 may feature limited-time raids for Mythical Pokémon such as:
- Mew: Occasionally appears in special raids or events.
- Celebi: Likely during event-based raids in mid-to-late January.
Tips for Mythical Raids:
- Check event announcements in the Pokémon GO app to ensure you don’t miss exclusive appearances.
- Use Golden Razz Berries for higher catch rates.
- Remote Raid Passes can help you participate even if the event is far away.
Mega Raids in January 2026
Mega Raids also rotate at 10:00 AM local time on their respective dates:
- Jan 1 – Jan 5: Mega Swampert
- Jan 5 – Jan 16: Mega Blaziken
- Jan 16 – Jan 25: Mega Sceptile
- Jan 25 – Feb 4: Mega Ampharos
Strategies for Mega Raids:
- Focus on using strong counters of the Mega Pokémon’s type.
- Take advantage of double XP events to level up faster while raiding.
- Coordinate with local or online raid groups to ensure you can defeat the Mega Pokémon efficiently.
Regional and Special Event Raids
Certain Pokémon are region-specific or appear only during events. In January 2026:
- Regional Pokémon: Kangaskhan (Australia), Mr. Mime (Europe), and Tauros (North America) may appear in special raids.
- Event Raids: Niantic may introduce themed events like “New Year Celebration Raids” featuring unique Pokémon.
Tips for Regional Raids:
- Use Remote Raid Passes to participate in raids outside your region.
- Team up with friends in other regions if possible.
- Monitor Pokémon GO social media and community channels for last-minute updates.
Special Raid Events
There are two major dedicated raid days this month. Both feature increased shiny odds and up to 5 additional free Raid Passes from spinning Gyms:
- Kyurem Fusion Raid Day (Jan 10, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM):
- Featured: Reshiram, Zekrom, Black Kyurem, and White Kyurem.
- Note: You can earn Fusion Energy by defeating the Black and White forms.
- Shadow Raikou Raid Day (Jan 24, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM):
- Featured: Shadow Raikou will appear more frequently in Shadow Raids.
Shadow Raids & Max Battles
- Shadow Raids: Shadow Cresselia is the featured weekend boss from January 2 through February 1.
- Max Mondays (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM):
- Jan 19: Dynamax Beldum
- Jan 26: Dynamax Roggenrola
- Raid Hours (Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM):
- Jan 21: Incarnate Forme Thundurus
- Jan 28: Incarnate Forme Tornadus
Also Read: How to Reset Pokémon Scarlet (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)
Weekly Raid Events
January 2026 also brings recurring weekly raid events:
- Legendary Raid Rotation: Each week features a different Legendary Pokémon to keep gameplay fresh.
- Raid Hour: Usually scheduled once a week, offering double XP or Stardust for raids.
Tips for Weekly Raids:
- Stock up on raid passes in advance.
- Coordinate with local groups to ensure you can take down higher-tier raids.
- Pay attention to weather boosts and community day bonuses for extra rewards.
Tips for Maximizing Raids in January 2026
- Plan Ahead: Check the official Pokémon GO app or websites for the latest schedule.
- Use Raid Passes Wisely: Don’t waste premium passes on low-tier raids unless completing specific goals.
- Coordinate Teams: Strong Pokémon, type advantages, and teamwork are crucial for high-tier raids.
- Leverage Weather: Weather-boosted raids increase damage and catch chances.
- Track Shiny Pokémon: Some raids in January have increased shiny chances—don’t miss out!
Conclusion
January 2026 is set to be a thrilling month for Pokémon GO trainers. From Legendary encounters like Mewtwo and Lugia to Mythical and Mega Raids, there’s plenty to keep trainers engaged.
By understanding the raid tiers, planning ahead, and coordinating with your team, you can maximize rewards, catch rare Pokémon, and level up your gameplay.
Get ready to start the new year strong—mark your calendars, stock up your raid passes, and prepare your best Pokémon for an epic January of raiding!
Pingback: How To Unlock A Max Move In Pokémon GO (Complete Guide For Trainers) - Indian Scope