Team Rocket returns to Pokémon GO. This can only be good for you! Because the villains have interesting bonuses in store.
When does the event start? The takeover by Team GO Rocket as part of the Buddy Event starts on January 23 at 00:00. It ends on Sunday, January 25 at 20:00. So, you basically have nearly an entire weekend to take down the Rockets.
And it’s worth it, because the Pokémon thieves bring exciting Pokémon with them and have interesting bonuses to offer. We summarize the most important points for you here.
How does a Rocket takeover generally work? Rocket takeovers are characterized by the increased presence of the goons at PokéStops and in balloons. Additionally, there are changes in the teams of the Rocket leaders and with the Crypto Legendaries. This is also the case this time.
We summarize which bonuses you should take advantage of here.
Catch Crypto-Voltolos
Crypto-Voltolos appears for the first time in its Incarnation form. You can get it by defeating the Boss of Team GO Rocket: Giovanni.
However, to do so, you need a Super Rocket Radar. You will receive it from the new Rocket Special Research that will start with the event. Keep in mind that you will first need to defeat the Rocket leaders Cliff, Sierra, and Arlo. After that, it’s Giovanni’s turn.
The battle will be worth it, as currently, Crypto-Voltolos is set to be the best Electric attacker in Pokémon GO.
Catch Crypto-Raikou (with luck as Shiny)
Crypto-Raikou is currently the strongest Electric attacker, which will only be surpassed by Crypto-Voltolos at the event start, but it is a fantastic catch. The monster will have its own Crypto-Raid day on Saturday, where you can challenge Crypto-Raikou in raids.
The best part: It has an increased Shiny chance when you challenge and catch it in the Crypto Raids. So this is your opportunity to secure a shining specimen. During the event, you can receive up to five free Raid Passes by spinning Gyms.
Collect more Crypto Pokémon
Not only Giovanni, but also his henchmen will receive new Pokémon. Currently, it is said that Igamaro, Fynx, and Froxy will be available as Cryptos among the goons. The new line-ups of Arlo, Sierra, and Cliff are also being discussed in the Pokémon GO subreddit. Although they are not confirmed yet, a post on Reddit claims that Flunkifer, Hoppspross, and Karpador are the new Pokémon of the bosses. We will keep you updated on this!
Unlearn Frustration
Crypto Pokémon know the useless move Frustration, which normally cannot be replaced – except during certain events. This current takeover is one of those events. So pick your Cryptos and use Charged TMs to get rid of the move. You can find a list of the best candidates to unlearn Frustration here.
With the Rocket event, the first month of the year is slowly coming to an end. But there are still dates you should keep in mind. Among other things, you can look forward to the Dive-in-the-Depths event and a Dynamax weekend. You don’t need to note the dates down; we’ve already done that for you: Here you can find all events in January 2026 in Pokémon GO.
