In January 2025, Pokémon GO will roll out new raid bosses, featuring tough challenges in 5-Star Raids. This month is perfect for trainers looking to capture rare shiny Pokémon as the raids promise to be more demanding than usual.
Aside from the formidable 5-Star raids, a selection of Mega raid bosses will also be available. Players can battle classic Kanto Pokémon such as Machop, Gastly, Krabby, and Squirtle in Max raids. Given this exciting lineup, it’s wise to plan in advance regarding which Pokémon you’d like to catch. Following a satisfying December Raid schedule, January looks promising as well.
All 5-Star Raid Bosses in January 2025
Who to Battle in Five-Star Raids
January brings a diverse array of tough opponents in 5-Star Raids within Pokémon GO. Trainers can face exciting Pokémon like Palkia, both forms of Deoxys (Attack and Defense), and Dialga. Moreover, trainers will have the chance to confront Shadow Registeel during weekend raid events throughout the month. Make sure you’re prepared to take on these challenges.
The following table outlines the dates, Pokémon, and their weaknesses. Note that the raid for Giratina (Altered) from December will continue until January 4, 2025.
| Dates | Pokémon | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| January 4 to January 16 | Palkia (can be Shiny) | Dragon, Fairy |
| January 16 to January 24 | Attack Forme Deoxys (can be Shiny) | Bug, Dark, Ghost |
| January 16 to January 24 | Defense Forme Deoxys (can be Shiny) | Bug, Dark, Ghost |
These raids will kick off on January 4, 2025, and are set to last into February, ensuring there’s plenty of action in the game. And remember, all Pokémon in these raids have a chance of being shiny, which is a fantastic opportunity for trainers.
Mega Raid Bosses in January 2025
Who to Face in Mega Raids
Throughout January 2025, three Mega Raid Bosses will be available in Pokémon GO. These include Mega Lopunny, Mega Gallade, and Mega Medicham. While some months have more bosses to face, having fewer Pokémon gives players more opportunities to battle them. Each of these bosses may also be shiny, offering additional excitement.
The following table lists the Pokémon, their raid dates, and weaknesses. Keep in mind that Mega Abomasnow will remain in raids until January 4, 2025.
| Dates | Pokémon | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| January 4 to 16 | Mega Lopunny (can be shiny) | Fighting |
| January 16 to 24 | Mega Gallade (can be shiny) | Flying, Ghost, Fairy |
| January 24 to February 6 | Mega Medicham (can be shiny) | Flying, Ghost, Fairy |
While Mega Lopunny isn’t weak to many types, it does have a vulnerability to Fighting, which is common in Pokémon GO. The other two Mega bosses primarily share a weakness to Flying, making it easier to assemble an effective team for the raids.
Although Mega Raid bosses may seem easy to take on, they are among the toughest challenges in Pokémon GO. It’s often better to team up with other players, as battling alone can be quite difficult. I still remember my first mega raid where I battled with a group of 20 players, and I was the weakest! However, a squad of six or more is usually sufficient for success.
Max Raid Bosses in January 2025
The Bosses Players Will Face in Max Raids
This month, it appears Pokémon GO is focusing on Kanto and Galar region Pokémon, and trainers can expect to see a significant number of Kanto creatures in the raids.
| Dates | Pokémon | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| January 6 to January 13 | Machop, Gastly, Krabby, Wooloo, Cryogonal | Machop: Psychic, Flying, Fairy Gastly: Ghost, Dark, Psychic, Ground Krabby: Electric, Grass Wooloo: Fighting Cryogonal: Fire, Rock, Steel, Fighting |
| January 13 to January 20 | Machop, Gastly, Krabby, Squirtle, Cryogonal | Same as above |
| January 20 to January 27 | Charmander, Beldum, Cryogonal, Scorbunny | Charmander: Water, Ground, Rock Beldum: Fire, Ground, Fighting, Dark, Ghost Cryogonal: Fire, Rock, Steel, Fighting Scorbunny: Water, Ground, Rock, Psychic |
| January 27 to February 3 | Bulbasaur, Wooloo, Cryogonal, Grookey | Bulbasaur: Fire, Flying, Psychic, Ice Wooloo: Fighting Cryogonal: Fire, Rock, Steel, Fighting Grookey: Fire, Flying, Poison, Bug, Ice |
These raids will start on January 3, 2025, and run until February. With a healthy lineup of battles ahead, trainers should focus on Pokémon weaknesses to adapt their teams effectively.
Shadow Raid Bosses in January 2025
A Rarely Seen Shadow Boss
In January, trainers can challenge Shadow Registeel during special weekend raids. This unique Shadow Pokémon will only be accessible during these events, so prepare if you want a chance to catch it. Note that Remote Raid Passes cannot be used for Shadow Raids, adding an extra layer of challenge.
Make sure to stock up on Purified Gems, which are essential for calming the angry Shadow Pokémon you’ll encounter. You can create these gems by combining four Shadow Shards, which drop from Team GO Rocket grunts and Shadow Raid Bosses.
Shadow Registeel is a powerful Steel-type Pokémon with specific vulnerabilities. It is particularly susceptible to Fire, Fighting, and Ground-type attacks. As raids often require strategies, building your team around these weaknesses will help you chip away at its health efficiently. Despite having high defense, exploiting these weaknesses is crucial since Shadow Pokémon have reduced defense but increased offense.
Stay updated, as Niantic may introduce new Pokémon throughout the month, creating opportunities for trainers to capture unique critters that haven’t yet been announced.
Source: Niantic
