A Crabby Start to the New Year
Pokémon GO is welcoming the new year with a focus on claws, shells, and all things crustacean. The Pinch Perfect event is scheduled to run from January 6th to January 11th, offering a balanced mix of new Pokédex entries, shiny hunting incentives, and valuable gameplay bonuses to make those winter walks more rewarding.
The Headliners: Klawf and Shiny Dhelmise
The star of the show is undoubtedly Klawf, the Stony Cliff Pokémon, finally making its long-awaited debut in the mobile ecosystem.
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How to Catch Klawf: Trainers can encounter Klawf primarily through Field Research tasks and a dedicated Timed Research story available throughout the week.
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Shiny Debut: Collectors should set their sights on Dhelmise. For the first time, Shiny Dhelmise will be available in the game, appearing in three-star raids and select research encounters.
Wild Spawns and Raid Rotations
The event theme brings a specific set of Water and Rock-type Pokémon to the forefront. Expect to see the following frequently in the wild:
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Common Spawns: Corphish, Dwebble, and Clauncher (all with boosted shiny odds during the event).
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Rare Spawns: If you are lucky, you may encounter the prehistoric favorites Tirtouga and Archen.
Raids will follow a similar structure, focusing on themed combatants to keep the experience curated and efficient for players looking for specific candy or high-IV catches.
Event Bonuses and Research Options
To sweeten the deal, Niantic is implementing a simple but powerful global bonus:
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2x Catch XP: Every Pokémon caught during the event window will award double experience points, making this an excellent time to push toward your next trainer level.
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Timed Research: A free, rotating series of tasks will spotlight different “crabby” companions, leading up to an encounter with Klawf.
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Paid Research: For trainers looking for more, a small paid research ticket will be available, offering extra encounters and Premium Battle Passes.
Gear Up for the Hunt
Whether you are a casual player looking for 2x XP or a completionist hunting for that elusive Shiny Dhelmise, the Pinch Perfect event offers a solid start to the 2026 calendar.
Before you head out, make sure to check for the latest Pokémon GO codes to stock up on Poké Balls, Berries, and extra items to ensure you’re ready for the hunt!
