Ready to catch ’em all during Grookey Community Day? Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time! This grass-type starter from the Galar region makes its debut with enhanced shiny rates, exclusive moves, and exciting rewards.
Table of Contents
Pokemon Event Overview
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | January 18, 2026, 2-5 PM (local time) |
| Featured Pokémon | Grookey (Grass-type) |
| Shiny Rate | 1 in 25 (4% chance) |
| Exclusive Move | Frenzy Plant & Drum Beating for Rillaboom |
| Special Research | $1.99 (optional ticket) |
| Weather Boost | Sunny weather |
Special Research Tasks & Rewards
The paid Special Research ticket ($1.99) offers premium rewards including:
- 3 Grookey encounters with guaranteed Special Background
- Premium Battle Pass for competitive trainers
- Rare Candy XL to power up your strongest Pokémon
- Additional candy, Stardust, and evolution items
According to official Pokémon GO documentation, trainers must evolve Thwackey before 9:00 PM on event day to unlock Rillaboom with the exclusive Charged Attack Frenzy Plant.
Event Bonuses Worth Celebrating
During Event Hours (2-5 PM):
- 3× Catch Stardust (triple your earnings!)
- 2× Catch Candy
- Increased Candy XL chances
- 3-hour Incense duration
Extended Bonuses (2-9 PM):
- 50% reduced Stardust for trades
- One additional Special Trade
- Lure Modules last 1 hour
Free Field Research Tasks
Spin PokéStops during the event for free tasks:
- Catch 3 Grookey: Grookey encounter + Poké Balls
- Catch 5 Pokémon in a party: Grookey encounter with potential Special Background
- Catch 50 Pokémon: Guaranteed Grookey encounter
For more Pokémon GO tips and strategies, check out our comprehensive Pokémon GO guide section.
Pro Tips for Trainers
Maximize your Community Day experience with these insider strategies:
Before the event: Clear bag space, stock up on Poké Balls, and charge your phone. During the event: Use Star Pieces to triple your already-tripled Stardust gains. Focus on high IV Grookey for evolution. After the event: You have until 9 PM to evolve for exclusive moves—don’t rush!
Weather matters! Grookey spawns are boosted in Sunny weather, increasing your chances of encountering higher-level specimens (up to Level 35 instead of Level 30).
Want to dominate in battles? Rillaboom with Drum Beating becomes a formidable Great League contender, as noted by Pokémon GO Hub’s battle analysis.
FAQs
Can I get Frenzy Plant after Community Day ends?
No, you must evolve Thwackey by 9:00 PM on January 18, 2026, to obtain Rillaboom with Frenzy Plant.
Is the Special Research ticket worth buying?
If you’re a collector or competitive player, yes! The guaranteed Special Background Grookey and Rare Candy XL provide excellent value for $1.99.
