Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/29/2025

There's a perfect opportunity to make my monthly rollup of events in Pokémon Go today, so I'm taking advantage of it to do just that; the reason why it is as such is because it pertains to one of the events that is included in this rollup. It's also the first one of the year, so it might also perfectly satisfy the fact that a lot of things often happen at the beginning of the year, whether or not they are personal. Regardless, it's also those things that are realized as events in Pokémon Go, and the rollup is to collect them all, here in a monthly manner.

First up, there was the New Year's event as has been the norm for several years now. It actually started on December 30 but I still consider it a January event due to the way that it goes across time, and in fact, this edition ended on the evening of January 1. Anyway, for this edition, a few selected Pokémon with outfits or headwear returned in the wild and raids, potentially having the chance to be Shiny as well. To encourage their search and capture, there were Field Research and two sets of Timed Research (one free and one paid with extra rewards) tasks, and Excellent throws gave out 2025 XP. Showcases, a web store bundle, and fireworks on the overworld made things lively, not to mention the usual celebration for turning the year over.

Leading up the year, the first real event was something called "Fidough Fetch", taking place from January 3 to 7. The core part of this event involved everyone completing a series of throwing-based Global Challenges that become more demanding (six in all) but also more rewarding, with the main reward being the debut of the namesake species family of the event. Naturally, to complement the debuting species family, other featured wild Pokémon were dogs or dog-like plus Voltorb, which also had a greater Shiny chance along with Electrike. To keep things entertained, Field Research had tasks suited to the demands and showcases provided a useful entertaining diversion, at least to keep things from going to the dogs.

Keeping things further lively was Fashion Week from January 10 to 19. Costumed or stylish Pokémon from the past returned in the wild and raids, and they're joined by the newcomer of a costumed Minccino family, also possibly Shiny. To keep things entertained, there were also Field Research tasks, new things for Trainers to wear, a Collection Challenge, and showcases, plus a paid Timed Research set for those who are willing. Bonuses of double Stardust, Candy XL chance, and Shiny chance for certain Pokémon complemented the festivities... as did Team Go Rocket, who made their own festivities in the Taken Over part from January 15 onwards. Their festivities added the Shroodle species family to 12 km Eggs, photo bombs with Croagunk, more costumed Pokémon and a Collection Challenge to go with them, and a Special Research set to lead up to battle Giovanni for Shadow Palkia. Then there were the usual features of more frequent Grunt appearances, using a Charged TM to forget Frustration, changes to Shadow Pokémon lineups in battles and raids, characteristic Field Research tasks and a special item bundle. In essence, there were two festivities of light and darkness in one sitting over the several days of the event.

Having dealt with the takeover, Trainers then focused on themselves with the Steeled Resolve event from January 21 to 26. It featured the debut of the Rookidee species family through 2 km Eggs, Magnetic Lure Modules, and Go Battle League encounter rewards, with the former two having some different Pokémon as well - not to mention an assortment of power-packed Pokémon in the wild and raids. The seasonal Special Research is continued, and some evolved Pokémon also learned certain moves; the use of a Charged TM to forget Frustration was also continued for this event. Field Research tasks, a paid Timed Research set, and showcases also further packed power for those who need more of that. This event also served as the Go Battle Week for this season, with all the usual features: more Stardust from battle victories, more battle sets and battles each day, a Timed Research set, and more diverse IVs for encounter rewards. The power was definitely there for Trainers to use.

Now, the reason that the perfect opportunity is today is because today (January 29) is exactly the date of the Lunar New Year, and the usual Pokémon Go event also begins on the same day, which will last until February 2. To honor the Year of the Snake, a few slithery Pokémon (like Ekans) in the wild and dense Pokémon (like Nosepass) in 2 km Eggs become the main attraction, both of these with increased Shiny chance. For Research, Field tasks reward Stardust and encounters, free Timed tasks reward Zygarde Cells, and paid Timed tasks reward useful items and feature encounters. Luck is present in increased chances for Lucky Pokémon and Lucky Friends as well as daily Field Research tasks that reward coins. A Collection Challenge and usual showcases keep the celebration going until its end in a few days, marking another festive yearly transition for the month.

With January being what it is, it would be no surprise if it is packed with events, and this month in Pokémon Go has proven just that. Turnovers of the year, battles, and power were or are present all throughout the month, and some of those are perfect opportunities as well for Trainers, especially for this event rollup to be made on this day. Though perfection may not come often, if the opportunity demands it to come, then it should - and so there are the events in Pokémon Go this month.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 26

Two years ago: Cosplay: Utsuru 7.5

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/29/2022

Four years ago: Road to 25th Anniversary: One More Month

Five years ago: Expecting the Contrary

Six years ago: Color Me (Shiny) Groudon

Seven years ago: More Pokémon Hanging Things

Eight years ago: Fire Power!