Pokémon Go Raid Schedule January 2026 — Legendary, Mega & Shadow Raids

The Pokémon Go raid schedule January 2026 is packed with exciting opportunities for Trainers looking to strengthen their teams, complete Pokédex entries, and hunt shiny Pokémon. 

January brings a rotating lineup of Legendary raids, Mega Evolutions, and Shadow raids, featuring fan favorites like Genesect, Thundurus, Tornadus, and Shadow Cresselia.

Knowing exactly which Pokémon appear and when is crucial so you don’t miss limited-time raid bosses—especially Legendary and Shadow Pokémon that may not return for months or even years. 

Below is a complete breakdown of Pokémon GO January raids, including raid tiers, dates, and tips to prepare.

What Is a Pokémon GO Raid?

A Pokémon GO Raid is a cooperative battle where Trainers team up to defeat a powerful Pokémon known as a Raid Boss at a Gym. 

Raids appear when a Raid Egg hatches or when a scheduled boss rotates in, and they are one of the primary ways to obtain Legendary, Mega, and Shadow Pokémon in the game.

Each raid has a time limit, and players must defeat the Raid Boss before the timer expires.  

After a successful battle, Trainers are rewarded with XP, Rare Candy, items, and—most importantly—a chance to catch the Raid Boss, which may also appear in its shiny form.

Read Also: Pokemon Go Promo Codes for January 2026: Latest Free Rewards

Legendary Raid Schedule (Tier 5) – January 2026

Legendary raids are the highlight of every month, and Legendary raids January 2026 offer both Mythical and Legendary Pokémon with shiny availability.

Featured Legendary Raid Bosses

• Genesect (Burn Drive & Chill Drive): January 5 – January 16
  Shiny available
  Bug / Steel-type with strong PvE utility
   
• Thundurus (Incarnate Forme): January 16 – January 25
  Shiny available
  Electric / Flying-type
   
• Tornadus (Incarnate Forme):  January 25 – February 4
  Shiny available
  Flying-type Legendary

January is an excellent time to complete the Forces of Nature trio for players still missing Thundurus or Tornadus.

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Mega Raid Schedule Pokémon GO – January 2026

Mega Raids allow Trainers to collect Mega Energy and temporarily evolve powerful Pokémon for raids, gyms, and PvE content.

January 2026 Mega Raids

• Mega Blaziken:  January 5 – January 16
  Fire / Fighting-type
   
• Mega Sceptile: January 16 – January 25
  Grass / Dragon-type
   
• Mega Ampharos January 25 – February 4
  Electric / Dragon-type

Among these, Mega Sceptile remains one of the strongest Grass-type attackers in Pokémon GO, making this rotation especially valuable.

Read Also: How To Join Shadow Raids In Pokemon Go

Shadow Raids January 2026 — Legendary & Standard

Shadow Raids continue to be some of the most challenging encounters in Pokémon GO, requiring coordination and purified gems.

Tier 5 Shadow Legendary Raid

• Shadow Cresselia
  Appears every weekend in January
  Shiny available

Shadow Legendary raids only spawn on Saturdays and Sundays, so planning is essential. Remote Raid Passes are now supported, making participation easier than before.

Other Shadow Raid Bosses

• Tier 1: Drowzee, Ralts, Bagon, Snover
• Tier 3: Scyther, Aerodactyl, Sableye

Shadow Pokémon hit harder and require smart counters, but their boosted stats make them highly desirable.

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Lower-Tier Raids (Tier 1 & Tier 3)

Lower-tier raids are perfect for solo players and newer Trainers.

Tier 1 Highlights

• Corphish
• Dwebble
• Clauncher

Tier 3 Highlights

• Dhelmise
• Dondozo

These raids are ideal for farming XP, candies, and shiny Pokémon without needing large groups.

Special Raid Events to Watch

Raid Hour

• Every Wednesday, 6 PM – 7 PM (local time)
• All gyms feature the active Legendary raid boss

Max Monday

• Every Monday, 6 PM – 7 PM
• Features Dynamax Pokémon like Caterpie, Beldum, and Roggenrola

These limited-time windows are perfect for efficient raiding.

Tips to Prepare for January 2026 Raids

• Save Remote Raid Passes for Shadow Cresselia weekends
• Coordinate Raid Hours with local communities
• Prioritize Mega Sceptile and Shadow Legendaries
• Stock up on Revives, Potions, and Golden Razz Berries

Read Also: Pokémon GO Active Codes January 2026 - Best Rewards & Event Bonuses

Conclusion

The Pokémon GO January raids lineup in 2026 offers something for every Trainer—from shiny-hunting Legendary raids to high-risk Shadow battles and powerful Mega Evolutions. 

By following the Pokémon Go raid schedule January 2026, you can plan efficiently, avoid missing limited bosses, and maximize your progress throughout the month.

Whether you’re chasing Shadow Cresselia, farming Mega Energy, or completing your Legendary collection, January is a fantastic month to raid in Pokémon GO.

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FAQ

What are the Legendary raids in January 2026 Pokémon GO?

Genesect (Burn & Chill Drive), Thundurus (Incarnate), and Tornadus (Incarnate) appear in Tier 5 raids.

Which Mega Raids are available in January 2026?

Mega Blaziken, Mega Sceptile, and Mega Ampharos rotate throughout the month.

When do Shadow raids happen in Pokémon GO?

Shadow raids appear on weekends, with Shadow Cresselia featured every weekend in January 2026.

Can Shadow raids be done remotely?

Yes, Remote Raid Passes are supported for Shadow raids, including Shadow Legendary Pokémon.

What is the best raid to focus on in January 2026?

Mega Sceptile and Shadow Cresselia are top priorities due to their strength and rarity.