The Penguin Pokémon is proudly waddling into the spotlight for Pokémon GO’s January 2026 Community Day Classic taking place January 4, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. local time. During this event, Piplup will appear more frequently in the wild and lucky Trainers might even encounter a Shiny Piplup or Piplup with a Special Background.
Through January 4, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. local time, Trainers can evolve Prinplup (Piplup’s Evolution) into an Empoleon that knows the Charged Attack Hydro Cannon. This is incredibly useful for the GO Battle League—an Empoleon with Hydro Cannon is a solid choice for the Great League and a top-tier one for the Ultra League. With its strong defensive dual typing and broad move set, Empoleon more than earns the title of Emperor Pokémon.
Start your new year off right with these Pokémon GO January 2026 Community Day Classic event bonuses.
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1/4 Hatch Distance for Eggs placed in Incubators during the event
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Incense (excluding Daily Adventure Incense) activated during the event will last for three hours
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Take snapshots during Community Day for a surprise
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Piplup will have a very high chance of appearing at PokéStops with active Lure Modules and Lure Modules will last for one hour (from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. local time)
Make the most of January Community Day Classic–themed Field Research by catching as many Piplup as possible to earn rewards including Stardust, Great Balls, additional encounters with Piplup, and more. Trainers can take part in Community Day Special Research for US $1.99 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency). Those who complete this research will earn rewards including three encounters with Piplup with a Special Background, one Premium Battle Pass, one Rare Candy XL, and more.
Water you waiting for, Trainers?
