Pokemon Go Reveals Pinch Perfect Event for January 2026

Pokemon Go revealed that Klawf is coming to the game as part of January's Pinch Perfect event. This will be one of the first Pokemon Go events of 2026 and will also feature a shiny Dhelmise that players can try out and catch if they're lucky.

2025 has been a busy year for augmented reality mobile gaming. Among the biggest changes over the last 12 months was the trainer cap increase in October, which moved the cap level Pokemon Go from 50 to 80. Additionally, there were many events that introduced more creatures to collect and featured bonuses for players to gain more XP. While 2025 isn't over yet, Scopely has already been teasing fans about what to expect in early 2026.

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Pinch Perfect Event Adds Klawf and Shiny Dhelmis to Pokemon GO

To start the new year, Pokemon Go will host Pinch Perfect. This new event runs from Tuesday, January 6th at 10:00AM until Sunday, January 11th, 2026 at 8:00PM local time and will add Klawf to the roster. Known as Ambush Pokemon, it will be the latest pocket monster from Scarlet and Violet's region of Paldea to come Pokemon Go. It's not the only new debut in Pinch Perfect though, as players will have the chance to encounter the shiny Dhelmis for the first time in the mobile game. It's worth noting that wild encounters with other event-themed Pokemon will be possible, including Corphish, Dwebble, Clauncher, Tirtouga, and Archen. Some of them can even be shiny.

Pokemon Go also revealed the Pokemon that will appear in Raids during Pinch Perfect. Specifically, One-Star Raids will feature Corphish, Dwebble, and Clauncher. Meanwhile, Three-Star Raids will feature Dhelmis and Dondoz. All of these Pokemon have a chance to be shiny in raids. In addition, players can enjoy event bonuses within Pinch Perfect. During the event, 2x XP will be awarded for catching Pokémon, which will help players level up in the game. Additionally, you'll be more likely to encounter shiny Corphish, shiny Dwebbles, and shiny Claunchers, potentially giving shiny hunters another reason to sign up.

Pokemon appearing in raids

One star raids

corfian*

dwebble*

Clauncher*

Three star raids

Dhelmise*

donzo*

*shining chance

For players who want to collect Klawf, Pokemon Go will feature Field Research and Timed Research quests that will offer a chance to potentially encounter a Gen 9 creature. As for Time Research, there will be three of them at different times during the Pinch Perfect event. Either way, players have a chance to get an encounter with Klawf. Additionally, there is a $1.99 paid timed research that includes encounters with Corphish, Dwebble, Clauncher, Dhelmise, and Klawf, along with two premium battle passes and more.

Research Timeline

Tuesday 6 January 10:00 AM to Thursday 8 January 2026 10:00 AM local time

Complete the research quests to get an encounter with the following event-themed Pokémon.

Thursday 8 January 10:00 AM to Saturday 10 January 2026 10:00 AM local time

Complete the research quests to get an encounter with the following event-themed Pokémon.

Saturday 10 January 10:00 AM to Sunday 11 January 2026 8:00 PM local time

Complete the research quests to get an encounter with the following event-themed Pokémon.

*shining chance

While it's nice to see the developer continuing to add new creatures to the mobile game, it does point to a potential problem that's becoming increasingly apparent. As 2025 draws to a close, Pokemon Go Pokemon are running out to be added. While the reserve is not critically low, the number of unreleased main series Pokemon for this game has dropped below 100. However, Gen 10 is expected later in 2026, so with the release of these future games, the number of available Pokemon will increase.

Fortunately, the Pinch Perfect event suggests that Scopely intends to continue releasing new Pokemon Pokemon Go somewhat regularly. The game also debuted several new Pokémon in the final months of 2025. Time will tell what future events will look like and what type of bonuses players can look forward to.