Pokémon GO players around the world are gearing up for an exciting Shadow Raid Day event in Pokémon GO, featuring the powerful Shadow Raikou. This event is scheduled for this Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, this limited-time event gives players a special opportunity to battle and catch Shadow Raikou in Raid Battles.
According to Niantic on the Pokémon GO Website during the Shadow Raid Day, gyms will be taken over by Shadow Raikou in five-star Shadow Raids, and players will benefit from several bonuses to make the most of the three-hour window. One of the key perks is up to five additional free Raid Passes obtained by spinning Gym Photo Discs, giving trainers more chances to jump into raids without spending PokéCoins. There’s also an increased chance to encounter a Shiny Shadow Raikou, making this event especially attractive for collectors and competitive players alike.
However, taking down the Shadow Raikou won’t be easy. Players will need to work together to take it down at the specific Raid locations. Shadow Raids were introduced back in 2023 and on average showcase a tough legendary or mythical Pokémon.
In addition to the free bonuses, Pokémon GO is offering an event ticket for US$4.99 (or the equivalent in local currency) that unlocks even more rewards during the event. Ticket holders will receive eight additional Raid Passes from gyms (for a total of 14), a boosted chance to earn Rare Candy XL from Raid Battles, 50% more XP, and 2× Stardust from raid encounters. These enhanced rewards are active only during the event time, encouraging players to maximize their raids while the bonuses are live. Trainers can also gift tickets to Great Friends or higher, though all purchases are non-refundable and can’t be bought with PokéCoins. Another quality-of-life change tied to Shadow Raid Day is an increase in the remote raid limit to 20, beginning Friday, January 23 at 4:00 p.m. and extending until Saturday at 7:00 p.m. (PST). This temporary boost helps players join more remote raids, making it easier to participate in battles even if they’re not near a gym.
Overall, the Raikou Shadow Raid Day promises a fun, bonus-packed experience for Pokémon GO players looking to strengthen their teams, complete their collections, or score rarer rewards. Whether you’re chasing a Shiny Shadow Raikou or stacking up Stardust and Rare Candy XL, this three-hour spotlight event is shaping up to be a highlight of January’s GO calendar.