Nintendo Wire’s Guide to Mastering the Taken Over Event
Pokémon GO is set to host an exciting new event titled “Precious Pals: Taken Over.” Scheduled for January 23-25, 2026, this event will feature Team GO Rocket and introduce new Shadow Pokémon. Trainers can challenge Team GO Rocket Boss Giovanni to rescue Shadow Thundurus, a Legendary Pokémon.
Event Details
The Precious Pals: Taken Over event kicks off at 12 a.m. local time on January 23, 2026, and concludes on January 25 at 8 p.m. local time. During this period, several new Pokémon will debut, including:
- Shadow Chespin
- Shadow Fennekin
- Shadow Froakie
- Shadow Thundurus (Incarnate Forme)
New Shadow Pokémon
Trainers will have the opportunity to encounter Shadow Chespin, Shadow Fennekin, and Shadow Froakie while battling Team GO Rocket Grunts. Giovanni will possess Shadow Thundurus, high in demand for collectors.
Event Bonuses
Participants can look forward to numerous bonuses during the event:
- Increased appearances of Team GO Rocket at PokéStops and through balloon encounters.
- Using a Charged TM can help Shadow Pokémon forget the move Frustration.
- Pokémon caught in 1-Star and 3-Star Shadow Raids will have enhanced Attack, Defense, and HP variances.
Precious Pals Event Features
Additional event bonuses include:
- Extra Candy XL when walking with Buddy Pokémon.
- Enhanced chances to encounter Shiny Goldeen and hatching Shiny Fidough.
- Limited-time Evolution requirements to evolve Eevee, Pancham, and Pawmo.
Shadow Raikou Raid Day
On January 24, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Trainers can participate in the Shadow Raikou Raid Day:
- Receive up to six free Raid Passes.
- Increased chances of encountering Shiny Raikou.
- Remote Raid limits will temporarily increase to 20 for the event duration.
Max Battles and Raids
Max Battles will occur throughout the event. Trainers can engage in:
- One-Star Max Battles featuring Dynamax forms of familiar Pokémon.
- Standard and Shadow Raids with various Pokémon available.
Field Research Tasks
Event-exclusive Field Research Tasks will reward items like Mysterious Components, Fast TMs, and Charged TMs. These tasks can be obtained at PokéStops.
Special Research – Precious Pals: Taken Over
An exclusive Special Research Story will be introduced during the event. Trainers with a prior special research story may need to complete it before accessing the new tasks.
PokéStop Showcase and Collection Challenge
During the event, a PokéStop Showcase will focus on participants submitting Pokémon with a Friendship rating of Ultra Buddy or higher. Additionally, a special Collection Challenge titled “Gathering Shadows” will reward trainers for catching newly introduced Shadow Pokémon.
Trainers are encouraged to prepare for this action-packed weekend filled with challenges, new Pokémon, and valuable rewards!
