To mark the transition from 2025 to 2026, Pokémon GO is hosting a limited-time New Year’s event. The event began on December 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and will run until January 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time. During this period, various in-game adjustments, bonuses, and special Pokémon will be available.
Limited-time New Year’s content
During the event, festive fireworks will be displayed in the game. At the same time, several Pokémon will appear in New Year’s outfits.
These include Bulbasaur with a party hat, Pikachu with a party top hat, Jigglypuff with a bow, and Hoothoot in a special New Year’s outfit. These variants are only available during the event period.
Adjustments to Pokémon trading
With the start of the event, the maximum number of Lucky Pokémon that Trainers can receive through trades will be increased.
The limit will increase from 35 to 45. In addition, a guarantee will apply during the event: if a Pokémon that has been in the Pokémon storage since 2020 is traded, it will automatically become a Lucky Pokémon until the new limit is reached.
Event bonuses for battles
Several limited-time bonuses are active as part of the New Year’s event. Raid battles will yield double the amount of experience points.
In addition, twice the amount of Stardust will be awarded from Raid Battles. There will also be an increased chance of encountering Pikachu wearing a party hat as a Shiny variant. This increased probability applies both in the wild and in Raids.
Special Raid Bosses
Special raid battles will be available during the event. Pikachu wearing party hats and Wurmple wearing party hats will appear in one-star raids.
Three-star raids will feature Raticate, Nidorino, Gengar, and Wobbuffet, each wearing party hats. These raid combinations are also limited to the event period.
Field Research and Limited-Time Research
In addition to raids, special field research tasks will be available. These are themed around the New Year event and will reward Trainers with Stardust. Limited-time research will also be available for purchase.
The price is $1.99 or the equivalent amount in the respective local currency. The tasks in this limited-time research must be completed and the rewards collected by January 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time. Rewards include two Premium Battle Passes, 3,000 Stardust, and encounters with Pikachu in a party hat.
FAQ
The event started on December 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and ends on January 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Bulbasaur, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, and Hoothoot will be available in special costumes.
The maximum limit will increase from 35 to 45.
Yes, Pokémon from the 2020 inventory are guaranteed to become Lucky Pokémon when traded until the limit is reached.
Raid Battles yield double XP and double Stardust.
The chance of encountering Shiny Pikachu wearing a party hat is increased.
There are special one-star and three-star raids featuring costumed Pokémon.
It offers premium battle passes, Stardust, and encounters with Pikachu in a party hat.
