Pokémon Go Team Go Rocket Takeover Event January 2026 Complete Guide

Pokémon Go Team Go Rocket Takeover Event January 2026 is live now. This event appears only once every few months. Most PokéStops get taken over by Rocket Grunts. Grunts use new Shadow Pokémon teams everywhere.

This event helps players get powerful Shadow Pokémon. Players can also change Shadow Pokémon movesets. Special research, raids, and challenges are active.

Related Article: Get Gimmighoul and Unlock Coin Bag in Pokémon Go

Key Takeaways:

• Many PokéStops feature Rocket Grunts and Shadow Pokémon.
• Special Research rewards Super Rocket Radar and Shadow Thundurus.
• Shadow raids and collection challenges give strong rewards.

Pokémon Go Team Go Rocket Takeover Event Overview

This event happens every three to four months. Team Go Rocket becomes active across many locations. Most PokéStops show Rocket Grunts during event time.

Each Grunt uses updated Shadow Pokémon lineups. This makes battles more challenging and exciting. Players can remove Frustration using Charged TMs. This move change works only during event days.

Featured Shadow Pokémon attract many global trainers. Shadow Mawile appears with Leader Arlo in battles. Shadow Fennekin spawns from Rocket Grunts frequently.

The Shadow Froakie also appears in Rocket Grunts. Shadow Chespin joins the Shadow Pokémon group. These Kalos starters are popular for PvP.

Shadow Raids During Takeover Event

Shadow Raids update the current raid schedule. Both one-star and three-star raids appear. Players can battle Shadow Pokémon in gyms.

One-Star Shadow Raids Available:

• Shadow Dratini appears in one-star raids.
• Shadow Gligar is also featured here.
• Shadow Cacnea joins these raid battles.
• Shadow Joltik appears as a raid boss.

Three-Star Shadow Raids Available:

• Shadow Alolan Marowak joins three-star raids.
• Shadow Lapras appears as a stronger raid boss.
• Shadow Stantler completes a three-star raid list.

Shadow Raids may require Purified Gems. Battling with friends makes raids easier. Winning raids rewards powerful Shadow Pokémon.

Special Research Tasks And Rewards

The Special Research name is Precious Pals Taken Over. This research begins at the event’s beginning. Players can claim research until March 3, 2026. The deadline ends at 9:59 AM local.

1. Tasks and Rewards:

   • Catch 15 Pokémon for Pinap Berries.
   • Purify two Shadow Pokémon for Poké Balls.
   • Defeat three Rocket Grunts for components. Rewards include XP, Stardust, Nidoran Female encounter.

2. Tasks and Rewards:

   • Catch 20 Pokémon for Pinap Berries.
   • Purify five Shadow Pokémon for Great Balls.
   • Defeat six Rocket Grunts for components. Rewards include XP, Stardust, Nidoran Male encounter.

3. Tasks and Rewards:

   • Defeat Leader Arlo for XP reward.
   • Defeat Leader Cliff for XP reward.
   • Defeat Leader Sierra for XP reward. Rewards include Stardust and Super Rocket Radar.

4. Tasks and Rewards:

   • Find the Team Go Rocket Boss.
   • Battle and defeat Giovanni successfully. Rewards include XP, Stardust, Vulpix encounter. After winning, players catch Shadow Thundurus.

5. Tasks and Rewards:

   • Claim Stardust rewards three times. Final rewards include XP, Stardust, and Charged TMs.

Field Research And Collection Challenge

Field Research tasks appear from spinning PokéStops. These tasks are simple and battle-focused.

Field Research Tasks:

• Defeat Rocket Grunt for Mysterious Component.
• Purify three Shadow Pokémon for Fast TM.
• Purify three Shadow Pokémon for Charged TM.

A Collection Challenge runs alongside the event. Players must catch three Shadow Pokémon. These include Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. Completion rewards XP, Stardust, and Rocket Radar.

Event Summary

The End Note

Pokémon Go Team Go Rocket Takeover Event January 2026 offers huge value. This event is perfect for Shadow Pokémon collectors. Players earn strong rewards through raids and research. Special Research gives access to Giovanni battles.

Shadow Thundurus is a rare legendary reward. Collection challenges add bonus Stardust and XP. This event helps both new and experienced players. Do not miss this limited-time takeover event.

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