Pokémon GO is kicking off 2026 with the Pinch Perfect event, bringing a brand-new Pokémon debut and a long-awaited shiny release. The event runs from January 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. local time until January 11, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time, offering increased XP, boosted shiny rates, new raid targets, and multiple research opportunities.
The headline additions are Klawf, the Ambush Pokémon from the Paldea region, and the first-ever appearance of shiny Dhelmise in Pokémon GO.
New Pokémon and Shiny Debuts
Klawf Arrives from Paldea
Klawf makes its Pokémon GO debut during Pinch Perfect. Trainers can encounter it primarily through Timed Research, with multiple chances spread across the event.
Shiny Dhelmise Released
Shiny Dhelmise becomes available for the first time, appearing in Three-Star Raids. This marks a notable addition for shiny collectors, especially given Dhelmise’s limited availability compared to standard wild spawns.
Wild Spawns and Raid Lineups
Wild Encounters
During the event, the following Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild:
- Corphish
- Dwebble
- Clauncher
- Tirtouga
- Archen
Some of these Pokémon may appear as shiny encounters.
Raid Battles
One-Star Raids
- Corphish*
- Dwebble*
- Clauncher*
Three-Star Raids
- Dhelmise
- Dondozo
* Pokémon marked with an asterisk have a chance to appear shiny when encountered through raids.
Event Bonuses and Shiny Boosts
Pinch Perfect includes several incentives for active play:
- 2× XP for catching Pokémon throughout the event
- Increased shiny rates for Corphish, Dwebble, and Clauncher
- Shiny Dhelmise available for the first time
These bonuses make the event particularly appealing for both XP grinding and shiny hunting.
Timed Research and Paid Research Options
Free Timed Research
The event features three rotating Timed Research windows, each with a chance to encounter Klawf:
- Jan 6, 10:00 → Jan 8, 10:00
Encounters: Dwebble, Klawf - Jan 8, 10:00 → Jan 10, 10:00
Encounters: Corphish, Klawf - Jan 10, 10:00 → Jan 11, 8:00 p.m.
Encounters: Clauncher, Klawf
Paid Timed Research
A $1.99 Paid Timed Research option is also available, offering:
- Two Premium Battle Passes
- Guaranteed encounters with Corphish, Dwebble, Clauncher, Dhelmise, and Klawf
- Additional rewards tied to event-themed tasks
Strategic Context: What Pinch Perfect Signals for 2026
Following a major year of changes in 2025—including the Trainer Level cap increase from 50 to 80 and an aggressive event schedule—the pool of unreleased main-series Pokémon in Pokémon GO has dropped to under 100 remaining species.
This has raised questions about whether Pokémon debuts might slow down in the near future. However, Pinch Perfect suggests that regular Pokémon introductions and event-driven bonuses will continue into 2026, even as the game approaches the limits of its current main-series roster.
With Generation 10 expected later in 2026, Pokémon GO may soon receive a fresh wave of new species, helping maintain its current pace of content updates and live events.
