Every month, Niantic spotlights a Pokémon (or multiple Pokémon) for Pokémon GO’s Research Breakthrough encounter. This feature was added to the game in April 2018 as part of the Field Research system. Essentially a quest system, Trainers can acquire Field Research tasks by logging in daily and/or spinning PokéStops (one task per PokéStop per day). When a task is completed and a reward is claimed, the Trainer will earn a stamp (only one stamp can be earned each day). After seven stamps are collected, Trainers will activate a Research Breakthrough. This bonus will let Trainers encounter a specific Pokémon to catch and will have a rating of 2- or 3-stars (or even “4-stars” if you’re lucky). As well as earn items, including XP and Stardust.
Research Breakthrough encounters can vary from month to month. In the past, a single month would feature only one Pokémon, but, currently, up to six Pokémon are featured as possible Research Breakthrough encounters for the month. Plus, sometimes these reward pools are carried over multiple months.
What’s January 2026’s Research Breakthrough encounter?
January 2026’s Research Breakthrough encounter include the following Pokémon: Galarian Mr. Mime, Lapras, Snorlax, Honedge, Sinistea, or Dreepy.
Can January 2026’s Research Breakthrough encounter be shiny?
Yes and no. Only some Pokémon from these reward pools will be shiny.
The following Pokémon may be shiny during these Research Breakthrough encounters: Galarian Mr. Mime, Lapras, Snorlax, and Sinistea.
The following Pokémon won’t be shiny during these Research Breakthrough encounters: Honedge and Dreepy.
What time is January 2026’s Research Breakthrough encounter active?
This month’s active time window is from Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 10 a.m. until Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 10 a.m. your local time.
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Written by Jennifer Burch
Illustrator, designer, writer and big Nintendo geek, you can find Jennifer with an N3DS within reach 24/7. As the oldest of three, she has survived many Mario Party, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart sessions intact in addition to getting her brothers hooked on some really weird games. (Cubivore anyone?)
