A new event in Pokémon GO focuses on buddy monsters. In addition, you can catch a new Shiny.
What kind of event is this? On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM, the “Precious Pals” event in Pokémon GO will start. It will run until Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 8:00 PM.
As the name suggests, buddy Pokémon are the focus. Additionally, there is an increased shiny chance for one monster, as well as a Pokémon making its shiny debut.
What to expect in “Precious Pals”
Which shiny monsters are available? In the event, you can obtain Fidough as shiny for the first time. The fairy monster comes from Generation 9 and can evolve into Dachsbun. You can find Fidough in the wild and in 2 km eggs during the event. The shiny chance for the monster is also increased in eggs.
Furthermore, there is an increased shiny chance for Goldeen. You can also encounter this monster both in the wild and in 2 km eggs.
Which monsters can be evolved more easily? During the event, there will be a reduced development requirement for three monsters.
- Eevee can be evolved into Sylveon after earning 20 hearts with Eevee as a buddy.
- Pancham can be evolved into Pangoro after catching 10 dark monsters with Pancham as a buddy.
- Pawmo can be evolved into Pawmot after walking 5 km with Pawmo as a buddy.
What buddy bonuses are available? You can also earn more hearts with your buddy Pokémon during the event. The specifics of this bonus are not yet known. Additionally, you will receive more XL candies when exploring with your buddy Pokémon.
What monsters are available? During the event, there are other monsters you can encounter in the wild as well as in 2 km eggs.
In the wild:
- Goldeen*
- Zorua*
- Wimpod*
- Fidough*
- Espurr* (rare)
In 2 km eggs:
- Goldeen*
- Togepi*
- Happiny*
- Riolu*
- Fidough*
Additional Content: Event field research and collector challenges are also part of “Precious Pals.”
For $4.99 (about €5), you can also purchase a limited research that includes a Poffin, an event avatar pose, as well as encounters with monsters from the event. If you buy the ticket for the limited research in the Pokémon GO web store, you will also receive a premium battle pass.
January is once again packed with various events, spotlight hours, and more content. If you want an overview of when which content awaits you in the game, feel free to check our overview with all events in January 2026 in Pokémon GO.
