The new year is starting with massive energy for Pokémon Go trainers around the globe. Niantic officially unveiled the roadmap for January 2026 and it looks like the developers are not holding back on high-tier content. The ongoing Precious Paths season is heating up with the long-awaited debut of Kyurem Fusion mechanics and a packed schedule of legendary battles.
This update is huge for both collectors and competitive players. We are finally seeing the arrival of Black Kyurem and White Kyurem alongside the return of powerful Shadow Pokémon. If you want to maximize your rewards this month, you need to know exactly which events deserve your raid passes and stardust.
A Historic Debut For Kyurem Fusions
The biggest headline for January 2026 is undoubtedly the introduction of Kyurem Fusion Day. Players have speculated about this mechanic for years and it is finally happening. This event focuses on the legendary Dragon and Ice-type Pokémon from the Unova region.
During this special event, trainers can fuse Kyurem with either Reshiram or Zekrom. This process creates White Kyurem or Black Kyurem respectively. These forms are significantly stronger than their base versions. They possess staggering attack stats that will reshape the master league meta and top-tier raid attacker lists.
You will likely need specific fusion energy or a specialized item similar to the Necrozma fusion mechanic.
Make sure you have a good stash of Kyurem candy and high-IV versions of Reshiram and Zekrom ready. This event is not just a dex filler. These fused forms are absolute powerhouses. They will serve as some of the best Dragon-type attackers in the entire game for years to come.
Legendary And Mega Raid Boss Rotation
The raid rotation for January is packed with heavy hitters. Niantic is bringing back several fan favorites from the Unova region to five-star raids. You can expect to see the Forces of Nature make their presence known.
Genesect is returning to raids with a specialized Drive. This Bug and Steel-type Mythical Pokémon is a solid attacker and a great collection piece if you are hunting for the shiny. Joining Genesect are Thundurus and Tornadus. While their Incarnate forms are decent, veteran players will be hoping to see their Therian forms for better raid utility.
Mega Raids are also getting a massive boost with the return of the Hoenn starters.
Mega Blaziken and Mega Sceptile will be taking over Mega Raids. Mega Blaziken is arguably the best Fighting-type attacker in the game and a top-tier Fire attacker. Mega Sceptile reigns supreme as a Grass-type damage dealer. Mega Ampharos is also joining the lineup. It provides excellent coverage as an Electric and Dragon-type.
Here is a quick look at the weaknesses for these bosses so you can prepare your teams:
- Genesect: Double weak to Fire.
- Thundurus: Weak to Ice and Rock.
- Tornadus: Weak to Electric, Ice, and Rock.
- Mega Sceptile: Double weak to Ice.
- Mega Blaziken: Weak to Flying, Ground, Water, and Psychic.
Shadow Raids And Wild Spawns
The Precious Paths season continues to deliver content for Team Go Rocket enthusiasts. January brings a very special guest to Shadow Raids. Shadow Cresselia will appear in five-star Shadow Raids during weekends.
Shadow Cresselia is a monster in the Great League and Ultra League. The shadow bonus lowers its defense slightly but the increased attack power makes its Psycho Cut and Moonblast combination even more threatening. You will need Purified Gems to subdue it when it becomes enraged. Building a team of strong Ghost and Dark-type attackers like Tyranitar and Chandelure is highly recommended.
The wild spawns are also getting a refresh. The update confirms that Shiny Fidough will be available. This Fairy-type dog Pokémon is a fan favorite from the Paldea region.
Trainers should also keep an eye out for Shadow starters.
Team Go Rocket grunts will be deploying Shadow Chespin, Shadow Fennekin, and Shadow Froakie. The shadow versions of the Kalos starters have high damage potential. Shadow Greninja specifically is a glass cannon that can tear through raids with Hydro Cannon if you remove Frustration during a takeover event.
Spotlight Hour Schedule And Strategy
The Tuesday Spotlight Hour tradition continues every week from 6 PM to 7 PM local time. These sixty-minute windows are the best way to grind specific resources. You get massive spawn rates of a specific Pokémon and a special global bonus.
January 2026 features a fresh batch of Pokémon for these hours. While the specific list changes often, the strategy remains the same. You should focus on the bonuses rather than just the Pokémon.
If the bonus is 2x Evolution XP, save your cheap evolutions like Pidgey or Wurmple for that hour.
If the bonus is 2x Catch Stardust, you should pop a Star Piece and catch everything in sight. This is the fastest way to accumulate the dust needed to power up your new Kyurem or Shadow Cresselia.
Here is a quick checklist to maximize your Spotlight Hour gains:
- Clear your Pokémon storage space before the event starts.
- Tag Pokémon for transfer or evolution in advance.
- Prepare your Mega Evolved Pokémon. Having a Mega active that shares a type with the Spotlight Pokémon awards you extra candy for every catch.
The Precious Paths season is shaping up to be one of the most content-rich periods we have seen in a long time. From the raw power of Fusion Kyurem to the PVP dominance of Shadow Cresselia, there is something for everyone this January. Make sure your item bag is stocked with raid passes and berries. You are going to need them.
