The notification flashed on my phone: “A Shiny Fidough is nearby!” My heart pounded. This wasn’t just another Pokémon; this was a debut, a chance to catch something others hadn’t even seen yet. The Pokemon GO world was buzzing, and I needed to be ready.
Precious Pals Event: Date and Time
The park was already filling up. Trainers, young and old, were glued to their screens, fingers swiping with anticipation. The Pokemon GO Precious Pals event arrived on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and lasts five days. Get ready—the clock is ticking.
- Start Date and Time: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10 AM local time
- End Date and Time: Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 8 PM local time
Once the event ends, the bonuses vanish. So, what are the limited-time perks?
Maximizing the Precious Pals Event Bonuses
I overheard two trainers discussing the best way to leverage the event. “Buddy Pokémon,” one said, “that’s where the real rewards are.” The Precious Pals event does offer a heartwarming array of bonuses centered around friendship, alongside boosted shiny rates. Here’s what you can expect:
- Extra Candy XL when walking with your Buddy Pokémon
- Earn additional hearts with your Buddy Pokémon
- Increased chance to encounter Shiny Goldeen
- Increased chance to hatch Shiny Goldeen and Shiny Fidough
- Event-themed new Field Research tasks
- Event-themed new Timed Research
- Ticket for Premium Timed Research
How does buddy interaction affect evolution during the Precious Pals event?
Several Pokémon evolutions get a temporary shake-up during the event. Think of it like a shortcut through the evolutionary process.
- Pawmo and Pawmot: Evolve Pawmo into Pawmot after exploring 5 km with Pawmo as your buddy.
- Eevee and Sylveon: Evolve Eevee into Sylveon after earning 20 hearts with Eevee as your buddy.
- Pancham and Pangoro: Evolve Pancham into Pangoro after catching ten Dark-type Pokémon with Pancham as your buddy.
Note: These evolution requirements will return to the usual requirements when the event ends, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Precious Pals Event Spawns and Shiny Pokémon Debut
The energy was electric. Everyone was hunting for something special. Shiny Fidough and Shiny Dachsbun are making their debut during this event. Fidough evolves into Dachsbun using 50 Fidough candies. While its battle prowess might not be world-class, its shiny form is a must-have for collectors. Aim for two shiny Fidough: one to keep as is, and another to evolve.
What other Pokémon are spawning during the Precious Pals event?
The park became a diverse ecosystem. The usual suspects mingled with rarer finds, creating a vibrant Pokémon tapestry.
Note: Pokémon marked with a * can be encountered as a shiny.
Here’s a list of Pokémon spawning in the wild:
| Pokemon | Type(s) |
|---|---|
 Goldeen* |
Water |
 Magikarp* |
Water |
 Eevee* |
Normal |
 Swablu* |
Normal / Flying |
 Stufful* |
Normal / Fighting |
 Wimpod* |
Bug / Water |
 Pawmi* |
Electric |
 Fidough* |
Fairy |
 Zorua* |
Dark |
 Pancham* |
Fighting |
 Espurr* |
Psychic |
Precious Pals Event: Egg Pokémon
During the Precious Pals event, 2km eggs are easier to acquire from Poké Stop spins. These eggs have a higher chance of hatching specific Pokémon:
| Pokemon | Type(s) |
|---|---|
Goldeen* |
Water |
 Togepi* |
Fairy |
 Happiny* |
Normal |
 Riolu* |
Fighting |
Fidough* |
Fairy |
Field Research Tasks and Rewards
I overheard a player grumbling about a difficult task, then cheering as they completed it. New field research tasks are available during the Precious Pals event, offering encounters with various Pokémon.
| Task | Reward | CP |
|---|---|---|
| Earn a Candy exploring with your buddy | Fidough | 389 – 422 |
| Give your buddy 1 treats | Razz Berry ×5 | — |
| Give your buddy 1 treats | Nanab Berry ×5 | — |
| Give your buddy 1 treats | Pinap Berry ×5 | — |
| Take a snapshot of your buddy | Goldeen | 458 – 493 |
| Take a snapshot of your buddy | Eevee | 424 – 459 |
| Take a snapshot of your buddy | Pawmi | 244 – 272 |
Precious Pals Collection Challenge
The Precious Pals Challenge brings its own rewards. Catching specific Pokémon during the event allows you to complete the challenge and earn rewards.
| Challenge | Task | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| In Knead of a Friend | Catch: Fidough Catch: Dachsbun |
5000 XP Fidough encounter ×5000 Stardust |
| Little Friends, Big Potential | Catch: Magikarp Catch: Swablu Catch: Wimpod Catch: Stufful |
5000 XP Fidough encounter ×5000 Stardust |
Precious Pals Premium Timed Research
For those willing to invest a bit more, a paid timed research option is available for US$4.99 (€4.60 approx.). You can buy it for yourself or gift it to friends who are Great Friends or higher.
• Step 1 – Precious Pals Premium Timed Research (1/1)
- Earn 5 hearts with your buddy: Wimpod
- Earn 10 hearts with your buddy: Swablu
- Earn 15 hearts with your buddy: Pancham
- Feed your buddy 1 time: Magikarp
- Feed your buddy 3 times: Espurr
- Take a snapshot with your buddy: Poffin ×1
- Completion Rewards: Fidough ×1, Heart Pose, 3000 Stardust
The Precious Pals Ultra Ticket Box can also be purchased from the official Pokemon GO Website for US$4.99 (€4.60 approx.). This includes an event ticket and one Premium battle pass.
Is the Premium Timed Research worth the cost?
That depends on your goals. The Premium Timed Research is like a curated experience, offering exclusive rewards for dedicated players.
Events like Precious Pals are a double-edged sword: they offer unique opportunities, but also highlight the ever-present pull to spend more. Are these events enhancing the game, or subtly reshaping our expectations?