The notification flashed across my phone screen: “Grookey Community Day incoming!” A wave of anticipation washed over me – not just for the chance to catch a rare shiny, but for the thrill of the hunt alongside fellow trainers. The energy of a Community Day is always electric, turning local parks into vibrant hubs of camaraderie and competition. This grass-type, monkey-like Pokémon, first introduced in the Galar region, is about to get its moment.
Mark your calendars: the first Community Day of 2026 will feature Grookey, giving you the perfect chance to add this rare Pokémon and its shiny evolution to your collection. After making its debut in September 2024, it seemed inevitable that Grookey would get the Community Day treatment, and now it’s finally here! Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the January 2026 Grookey Pokémon GO Community Day.
Grookey Pokémon GO Community Day: Date and Time
I remember one Community Day where the weather was awful, but dedicated trainers still showed up in droves, huddled under umbrellas, phones in hand. Dedication! The Grookey Pokémon GO Community Day in January 2026 is a three-hour event, so be sure to take note of the times.
- Start Date and Time: Sunday, January 18, 2026, 2 PM Local Time
- End Date and Time: Sunday, January 18, 2026, 5 PM Local Time
Keep in mind that even after the event ends, you can still evolve your Grookey to get the exclusive move, but the increased spawns will disappear, so be efficient with your time.
Community Day Spawns and Shiny Rate
During the Community Day, expect increased Grookey spawns in the wild. To prepare, stock up on Ultra and Great Balls, to make catching Pokémon much easier. The anticipation of finding a shiny is a real driver for Community Day participation.
The shiny rate for Grookey will be significantly boosted to approximately 1 in 25 (4%), a huge jump from the standard rate. Encounter as many Pokémon as possible to maximize your chances. Tap on every Grookey you see!
What Makes Shiny Pokémon so Appealing?
Is it the rarity, the bragging rights, or the completionist satisfaction? Whatever the reason, the allure of shiny Pokémon is undeniable and a central part of Pokémon Go’s appeal.
Grookey Community Day Bonuses
I always make a checklist before Community Day to ensure I have enough Poké Balls, berries, and incense. Preparation is key! You can take advantage of the following bonuses during the Grookey Community Day event:
- Increased Grookey Spawns
- 3× Stardust for catching Pokémon
- 3-hour Incense duration (excluding Daily Adventure Incense)
- 1-hour Lure duration (excluding Golden Lure Modules)
- 2× Catch Candy
- 2× increased chance to receive Candy XL from catching Pokémon
- One additional Special Trade can be made (max 3 for the day)
- Trades with Friends will require 50% less Stardust compared to normal days
- From 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. local time, there is a very high chance of the featured Pokémon appearing at PokeStops with active regular Lure Modules
- Showcases at different PokeStops
Use an Incense at the start of the event, along with a Star Piece for extra stardust. If you’re short on these items, the in-game store has you covered (purchases with PokeCoins). Having a grass-type Mega Evolution like Mega Venusaur or Mega Sceptile in your party can give you extra candy bonuses.
Trade Pokémon for a chance to get one with better stats. Don’t forget your special trades with friends, trading shinies and Legendaries.
Exclusive Move for Grookey Community Day
Remember the feeling of evolving your Pokémon and discovering it knows a brand-new, powerful move? During the event, or up to four hours after it ends, evolving Thwackey (Grookey’s Evolution) will get you a Rillaboom that knows the following Charged Attack:
- Frenzy Plant (Grass-type Charged Attack)
- Trainer Battles: 100 power
- Gyms and raids: 100 power
Rillaboom will also be able to learn the following Charged Attack:
- Drum Beating (Grass-type Charged Attack)
- Trainer Battles: 60 power and lowers the opposing Pokémon’s Attack by one stage
- Gyms and raids: 115 power
- Drum Beating can be obtained by either evolving your Thwackey or by using a charged TM on Rillaboom anytime after the event.
Frenzy Plant is highly desirable for any grass-type Pokémon. Aim to get at least four or five Rillaboom with this move, ideally with great IVs.
How Important Are IVs (Individual Values) in Pokémon GO?
While not strictly necessary for casual play, good IVs can provide a noticeable advantage in raids and Trainer Battles, pushing your Pokémon to its maximum potential. They represent hidden stats that affect a Pokémon’s overall strength.
Pokémon GO Grookey Community Day Research Tasks and Rewards
Field Research Tasks and Rewards
Spinning PokéStops will give you Field Research Tasks to complete for rewards.
- Catch 3 Grookey – Grookey, Great Ball ×5, Ultra Ball ×2, Pinap Berry ×2, Stardust ×500
- Win a five-star or higher raid – Grookey
- Trade a Pokémon – Grookey
- Complete a Party Challenge – Grookey
Special Research Tasks and Rewards
For US$2.00 (€1.85) (or the equivalent in your local currency), you can purchase an exclusive Special Research Ticket. Gifting is available to friends who have achieved a Friendship level of Great Friends or higher. Here’s a list of the tasks and rewards:
Step 1 – Grookey Community Day Timed Research (1/3)
- Catch 3 Pokémon: Grookey
- Catch 5 Pokémon: Grookey
- Catch 10 Pokémon: Grookey
- Make 7 Nice Throws: Ultra Ball ×20
- Make 5 Great Throws: Star Piece ×1
- Make 5 Curveball Throws: Incense ×1
- Completion Rewards: Grookey ×50, Poké Ball ×5
Step 2 – Grookey Community Day Timed Research (2/3)
- Catch 3 Pokémon: Grookey
- Catch 5 Pokémon: Grookey
- Catch 10 Pokémon: Thwackey
- Use 3 Berries to help catch Pokémon: Ultra Ball ×20
- Use 5 Berries to help catch Pokémon: Charged TM ×1
- Use 7 Berries to help catch Pokémon: Silver Pinap Berry ×3
- Completion Rewards: Grookey ×1, Stardust ×7,500, Rare Candy ×3
Step 3 – Grookey Community Day Timed Research (3/3)
- Catch 3 Pokémon: Grookey
- Catch 5 Pokémon: Grookey
- Catch 10 Pokémon: Rillaboom
- Spin 3 PokéStops or Gyms: Ultra Ball ×20
- Spin 5 PokéStops or Gyms: Rocket Radar ×1
- Explore 1 km: Premium Battle Pass ×1
- Completion Rewards: Grookey ×1, 10,000 XP, Rare Candy XL ×1
Community Days are like a well-orchestrated symphony; all the elements—spawns, bonuses, community—come together in perfect harmony. Miss one note, and you lose the magic. Mark your calendar for the Grookey Community Day and be sure not to miss out.
Is Grookey Pokémon GO Community Day free-to-play?
Yes, the Grookey Pokémon GO Community Day is a free-to-play event, although there is an optional paid research ticket that provides additional rewards.
When is January 2026 Community Day in Pokémon GO?
January’s Community Day takes place on January 18, 2026.
What are the Shiny Odds in Community Day?
Typically, shiny odds during Community Days are boosted to approximately 1 in 25 encounters.
Will you be out there on January 18, ready to catch ’em all, or are Community Days losing their shine?