The nasty Team GO Rocket returns to Pokémon GO. And they not only have some new crypto monsters, but also a strong returnee.
What kind of event is this? On Friday, January 23, 2026, at 12:00 AM, the “Precious Pals: Taken Over” event starts in Pokémon GO. It runs until Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Additionally, there will be a raid day during the Rocket event on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
In addition to 2 strong legendary crypto monsters, one of which is making its debut and the other returning with an increased shiny chance during the raid day, there are also 3 more monsters debuting as crypto in the event.
A nasty team, 2 strong legendary monsters
Which legendary monsters are involved? In the event, you can obtain shadow Incarnate Forme Thundurus for the first time in its Incarnate form. To do so, you must successfully complete the special research that starts during the event, face Giovanni, and defeat him.
Since the regular version of Thundurus (Incarnate form) is already a strong Electric-type attacker, the crypto variant will be even stronger.
During the raid day, you can also challenge and obtain shadow Raikou. This monster is not only one of the best attackers in Pokémon GO, but also the strongest Electric-type monster that you can currently use as an attacker.
The chance to snag a shiny version is also increased.
Which other crypto monsters are making their debut? In addition to Thundurus, there are 3 more monsters available for the first time in their shadow forms during the event. These include Chespin, Fennekin and Froakie, the 3 starter monsters from Pokémon X and Y. You can find them with the grunts from Team GO Rocket.
What bonuses are available in the event? The following bonuses are active within the Rocket takeover:
- more frequent appearances of Team GO Rocket in balloons and at PokéStops
- Monsters can forget the move Frustration using a charged TM
- 1- and 3-star crypto raids bring monsters with varying IV values
- Special research where you receive a Super Rocket Radar
- Field research with fast and charged TMs as well as mysterious components as rewards
- Collector challenge where you can earn experience points, stardust, and a rocket radar
Which crypto monsters are available in 1- and 3-star crypto raids during the event is still unknown.
Additionally, the following bonuses are active during the 3 hours of the raid day:
- up to 5 additional free raid passes from gyms
- increased chance for shiny crypto-Raikou
- remote raid limit increased to 20 (from Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 AM to Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 4:00 AM)
- Event ticket for $4.99 (about 5 €) with up to 8 additional raid passes at gyms, increased chance for special candy XL in raid battles, 50% more XP from raids, and double the amount of stardust for raids
Not only the Rocket event is taking place this month in Pokémon GO. Many other events, raids, and spotlight hours are waiting for you. When you can find which content in the game and what awaits you there, you can find out in our list of all events in January 2026 in Pokémon GO.
