Pokémon Go: Here's What's Coming In January

The new year has just started and for Pokémon Go, there's a lot happening this January. There's going to be a whopping five events and features, and today we look at what each one has to offer.

Special Research

The fight against Team GO Rocket continues this January. For this month, Trainers can help Professor Willow and the team leaders by activating the new Special Research and hopefully take down the group. This is not only a chance to fight Giovanni, but also to save the Legendary Pokémon Shadow Moltres.

There are also new Team Go Rocket Special Research tasks each month, so always be on the lookout. You can learn more about this Special Research here.

Research Breakthrough Encounters

Beginning January 1 at 4:00 p.m. EST until February 1 at 4:00 p.m. EST, Lapras is going to be available as a Research Breakthrough encounter. What makes this one rather different is that this Lapras knows Ice Shard and Ice Beam. It won't be the first time a Lapras with this moveset has been available, as those who have been playing long enough should remember them back in 2018.

Adventure Sync Hatchathon

Making a comeback this month is the Adventure Sync Hatchathon, so you better ready those Incubators. During this event, Trainers get rewarded with extra Stardust, Rare Candies, and even a Unova Stone if they walk a certain distance. They'll also be able to find Pokémon wearing party hats by hatching Eggs as well as encountering Pokémon in the wild. The Hatchathon starts on January 2 at 4:00 p.m. EST and ends on January 16 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Heatran Is Back

Heatran is going to be in five-star raids. That's right, and for Trainers lucky enough, they may even encounter a Shiny Heatran. With a body made of rugged steel and blood that boils like magma, Trainers may find a niche for this Lava Dome Pokémon in their battle party as a bulky Fire- and Steel-type attacker. Expect to encounter Heatran starting on January 7 at 4:00 p.m. EST until February 4 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Unova Nouveau

Remember the time when Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region arrived to the game? It looks like some more may be coming soon. Trainers should keep their eyes peeled and stay tuned for more updates on this.