Pokémon GO New Year’s 2026 Event
The New Year’s 2026 Pokémon GO event brings the new year in with fireworks and style! Enjoy boosted Shiny odds for Party Top Hat Pikachu, Costume Pokémon in the wild, 2× XP and Stardust from raids, in-game fireworks, and increased guaranteed Lucky Pokémon cap!
Here’s everything you need to know about spawns, bonuses, research, raids and shiny Pokémon during the New Year 2026 event.
Event Bonuses
The following bonuses are active during the Pokémon GO New Year 2026 event:
-
Increased chance to encounter Shiny Party Top Hat Pikachu -
2×XP for completing raids -
2×Stardust for completing raids -
During this event, festive fireworks will light up the skies. Enjoy the colorful decor in-game!
Wild Encounters
The following Pokémon are appearing more frequently in the wild:
You might even encounter these Pokémon if you are lucky!
Boosted Shiny Pokémon 
Increased chance to encounter Shiny Party Top Hat Pikachu:
Raids
5-Star Raids
Related Raid Guides: Blacephalon Raid Guide (Ultra Beast)
Get Blacephalon with Mind Blown 
Blacephalon encountered after five-star raids during the event will know the Charged Attack Mind Blown!
- Trainer Battles: 90 power and guaranteed chance to decrease the user’s defense.
- Gyms and raids: 130 power
3-Star Raids
Related Raid Guides: Raticate, Nidorino, Wobbuffet, Gengar
1-Star Raids
Collection Challenge
Catch the following Pokémon to complete the New Year’s 2026 Collection Challenge:
Rewards 
2026×
XP
2026×
Stardust
26×
Ultra Ball
Field Research
Event-themed Field Research tasks will be available. Complete Field Research tasks to earn Stardust.
| Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 26 Pokémon | 2026× Stardust |
| Win a raid | 2026× Stardust |
Bonus Daily Field Research
- During the event, Trainers will receive one bonus daily Field Research task each day they log in that awards either one Lucky Egg or one Incense.
- To obtain bonus Field Research tasks, you must have three or fewer active Field Research tasks when you log in for the first time each day.
- Bonus research is automatically claimed when you log in
A Lucky Exchange
The number of guaranteed Lucky Pokémon a Trainer can receive in a trade has been increased from 35 to 45. Beginning with this event, if you trade a Pokémon that has been in a Trainer’s Pokémon storage since 2020, it is guaranteed to become a Lucky Pokémon until the limit is reached! This change is permanent.
Paid Timed Research
For US$1.99 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency), you’ll be able to access event-exclusive Timed Research. Purchasing this ticket will also grant the following bonus during the New Year’s 2026 event, and reward the following.
- One additional Raid Pass per day from spinning Photo Discs at Gyms (for a daily total of two), Two Premium Battle Passes, 3,000 Stardust and Encounters with Pikachu wearing a party top hat
- Note: Shiny rate for Party Top Hat Pikachu in this research has been set to 1/64 (Probability: 0.015625)
| Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Pokémon |  Pikachu |
| Catch 15 Pokémon | Pikachu |
| Catch 20 Pokémon | Pikachu |
| Catch 25 Pokémon | Pikachu |
| Make 5 Nice Throws | Pikachu |
| Make 10 Nice Throws | Pikachu |
| Make 15 Nice Throws | Pikachu |
| Make 5 Great Throws | Pikachu |
| Make 10 Great Throws | Pikachu |
Rewards
20×
Premium Battle Pass
3000×
Stardust
Pikachu
Note on Timed Research
Please note that Timed Research expires. The tasks associated with this Timed Research must be completed and their rewards must be claimed before January 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Shop
New Year’s 2026 Ultra Ticket Box
The New Year’s 2026 Ultra Ticket Box will be available for US$1.99 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency) and includes an event ticket and one Lucky Egg.
Avatar Items
The following avatar item will be available to purchase in the in-game shop during this event and will continue to be available after the event ends:
- Blacephalon Boots
Infographic
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