Pokemon GO Reveals New Shadow Raid Day Plans

Pokemon GO has announced a new Shadow Raid Day featuring Ho-Oh for January 19. This will be the first event of its kind held by Pokemon GO in 2025 and will give trainers a new chance to capture one of the best Fire-type Pokemon available in the augmented reality game.

Shadow Raids were introduced in 2023, giving Pokemon GO players a new way to get those variants after defeating Team GO Rocket. Last year there was no shortage of events to keep the community engaged, such as the return of Shadow Moltres in January and Shadow Mewtwo in August. The Legendary Bird of Kanto was added in 2020, while Shadow Mewtwo was added at Pokemon GO Fest in the same year. This time players should mark their calendars, as another powerful critter is soon returning to the game.

Shadow Ho-Oh will be featured in Pokemon GO's upcoming Shadow Raid Day, which will take place on January 19 from 2 pm to 5 pm local time. During this period, the pocket monster will appear in five-star raids, with increased chances of a shiny Shadow Ho-Oh appearing in one of these battles. Players will get up to five free Pokemon GO Raid Passes by spinning gyms, increasing the limit to seven. They'll also be able to use a Charged TM to teach Johto's Legendary the Charged Attack Sacred Fire, an ability with 130 power in trainer battles, and 120 power in raids and gyms.

Pokemon GO Brings Ho-Oh Back for Upcoming Shadow Raid Day

• When: Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 2 pm to 5 pm local time
• Featured Pokemon: Shadow Oh-Oh
• Using Charged TM will teach it Charged Attack Sacred Fire
• A new $5 ticket and a $4.99 Ultra Ticket Box will be available

To boost players' progress during Ho-Oh's Shadow Raid Day, Niantic will make available a $5 ticket that increases the limit of Raid Passes obtained from gyms to 15. The chances of obtaining Rare Candy XL will be higher, making it a good time to farm this essential Pokemon GO item for level 40 monsters. Purchasing the ticket will also give 50% more XP and 2x more Stardust from raid battles, with all benefits available until 10 pm local time on January 19. The Pokemon GO Web Store will sell an Ultra Ticket Box for $4.99 with an event ticket and a bonus Premium Battle Pass.

The year has only begun, but the Pokemon GO calendar already has several activities to keep the community engaged. Community Day featuring Sprigatito took place on January 5, and until January 7 players can catch Fidough, one of the Pokemon GO debuts in 2025. The community is still waiting for details of other anticipated events, including the Community Day Classic (January 25) and the Lunar New Year event, which will run from January 29 to February 2.