Pokémon GO is starting the year with its first Shadow Raid Day of 2025, featuring the Legendary Fire/Flying Pokémon, Shadow Ho-Oh. The event is set for Sunday, January 19, from 2 PM to 5 PM local time, giving trainers a chance to catch this powerful Pokémon and even its shiny variant. However, a steep $5 ticket price for event bonuses has sparked criticism among players.
Shadow Raids and Shadow Ho-Oh
Shadow Raids, introduced in 2023, have become a staple in Pokémon GO, offering trainers opportunities to battle Team GO Rocket and capture Shadow Pokémon. Shadow Ho-Oh will headline this year’s first event, appearing in five-star raids during the limited time frame. Trainers can:
- Use a Charged TM to teach Shadow Ho-Oh the exclusive move Sacred Fire (130 power in Trainer Battles, 120 power in Gyms/Raids).
- Spin gyms for up to five free Raid Passes during the event (limit raised to seven).
Event Bonuses and Community Backlash
A $5 event ticket has been introduced, offering perks such as:
- Increased gym Raid Pass limit (up to 15 passes).
- Higher drop rates for Rare Candy XL.
- 50% more XP and 2x Stardust from raid battles (bonuses active until 10 PM local time).
The Pokémon GO Web Store will also sell a $4.99 Ultra Ticket Box, bundling the event ticket with a Premium Battle Pass.
However, many players feel the $5 price tag is excessive, especially since these bonuses are time-limited and primarily benefit those who participate heavily in raids. Complaints have surfaced on social media and community forums, with players calling for Niantic to reconsider the pricing to make the event more accessible. Critics argue that casual and free-to-play players are being left out, diminishing the spirit of community engagement.
Other Pokémon GO January Highlights
Despite the ticket controversy, the Pokémon GO January calendar offers exciting events:
- Community Day on January 5 featured Sprigatito.
- From January 5–7, players can encounter Fidough, one of the first Pokémon debuts of 2025.
- Upcoming events include the Community Day Classic on January 25 and the Lunar New Year event from January 29 to February 2.
While Shadow Ho-Oh’s return has generated excitement, the backlash over the event ticket’s price underscores ongoing tension between Niantic and its player base regarding monetization. Whether this criticism prompts changes remains to be seen, but trainers are hopeful for more inclusive options in future events.
