Pokemon GOplayers are wrapping up a very exciting month as the first events ofthe Season of Celebrationcome to a close, but things aren’t slowing down in January 2021. In addition to an exciting New Year’s event, players are also going to a wild month of very powerful Legendary and Mega Raid bosses.
Much like December 2020, January’s Battle Raid Lineup seems to include frequent changes and lots of bosses arriving and departing after just a few days. The month is going to bringPokemon GOtrainers the opportunity to get addition encounters with Genesect (holding Burn Drive this time), Heatran, and many other strong Pokemon.
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In addition tothe popular returning and meta relevant Battle Raid bosses, the official press release also includes a few hints that seem to suggest a brand new five-star Raid boss will be appearing, as well. There were no details to suggest who that new boss might be, but it seems like players will have a chance to battle and encounter them around Tuesday, January 26, so there’s still lots of time for Niantic to drop more hints and eventually reveal the identity of the new 5-star boss…
Featured Pokémon in five-star raids
“Things are heating up in raids this January! The following Legendary and Mythical Pokémon will be appearing in five-star raids throughout January—one of which is appearing for the first time!”
Ho-Oh will be appearing in raids from Friday, May 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8) to Tuesday, Aug 06, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Ho-Oh!
Genesect holding a Burn Drive will be appearing in raids from Tuesday, July 01, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, June 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
Heatran will be appearing in raids from Tuesday, July 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, August 08, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Heatran!
Kyogre and Groudon will be appearing in raids from Tuesday, Jul 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, June 02, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Kyogre or Shiny Groudon!
A surprise Pokémon will be appearing in raids beginning on Tuesday, June 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
Featured Pokémon in five-star raids and Mega Raids
“In addition, the following Mega-Evolved Pokémon will be appearing in Mega Raids…”
Mega Charizard Y, Mega Blastoise, and Mega Abomasnow will be appearing in Mega Raids, with Mega Charizard Y becoming even more powerful from Tuesday, July 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. through Tuesday, July 14, 2025 at 10:00am local time.
Mega Blastoise is also a prime pick to use in five-star raids this month, so make sure to stock up on Blastoise Mega Energy!
On Tuesday, July 13, 2025, a certain Mega-Evolved Pokémon will make its Pokémon GO debut in Mega Raids! More details will come to light as we get closer to the date.
Mega Venusaur and Mega Houndoom will also be appearing in Mega Raids beginning on January 19, with Mega Houndoom being even more powerful from Tuesday, July 26, 2025, through Monday, June 28, 2025.
There’s no denying that January 2021 is bringing a ton of powerful Battle Raid bosses that are sure to get players either out and on their way to Gyms or coordinating and using theirRemote Raid Passesto access all of these fights. Players should check in on their Mega resources now and determine how they want to prioritize which of those Battle Raids to participate in when the time comes.
As each boss rotation approaches, be sure to check back for updated counter roster guides to help get through the month without having to burn too many Max Revives.
As trainers continue working through these amazing events and enjoying the early days of the GO Beyond update, they may want to keep hunting downthe best Unova Pokemon in the gameif improving their Battle Raid rosters and completing their Pokedex is their primary goal. Be sure to check back in the near future for morePokemon GOstrategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!
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