Pokémon GO has officially revealed the featured Pokémon for its January 2026 Community Day Classic event, and longtime players may find the choice familiar. Piplup, the Water-type starter from the Sinnoh region, is set to take center stage once again, marking another nostalgic addition to Niantic’s ongoing Community Day Classic lineup. The event continues the developer’s strategy of revisiting popular past Community Days while giving both new and returning players a chance to acquire exclusive moves and boosted rewards.

Community Day Classic events have become a key part of Pokémon GO’s seasonal content cadence, offering condensed versions of earlier Community Days with updated relevance for the modern game environment.

What Is Pokémon GO Community Day Classic?

Pokémon GO Community Day Classic is a recurring event format that revisits previously featured Community Day Pokémon. Unlike standard Community Days, Classic events focus on nostalgia, allowing players who missed earlier events to catch up while giving veteran trainers another opportunity to build strong evolutions with exclusive moves. These events typically run for a shorter duration but retain the core gameplay bonuses that define the Community Day experience.

Why Piplup Was Chosen for January 2026

Piplup remains one of the most recognizable starter Pokémon from Generation IV, and its final evolution, Empoleon, continues to hold relevance in both PvE and PvP scenarios. By selecting Piplup for January 2026, Niantic reinforces the appeal of Sinnoh-era Pokémon while tapping into player nostalgia. The choice also aligns with the Community Day Classic theme of revisiting fan-favorite Pokémon that still offer competitive or collection value.

Event Date, Time, and Gameplay Bonuses

The January 2026 Community Day Classic event will take place during a limited-time window, following the established Classic format. During the event period, Piplup will appear far more frequently in the wild, including an increased chance of encountering Shiny Piplup. Additional bonuses are expected to include enhanced experience or Stardust gains, as well as event-specific research tasks tied to Piplup encounters.

As with previous Community Day events, players will have a defined window after the event concludes to evolve Piplup into its final form and receive an exclusive move.

Exclusive Move Details for Empoleon

Evolving Prinplup into Empoleon during the event or within the post-event evolution window will grant Empoleon access to a special move previously unavailable outside limited events. These exclusive attacks often significantly impact battle performance, making Community Day Classic an important opportunity for players focused on raids, PvP leagues, or long-term team optimization.

How Players Can Prepare for the Event

Preparation remains key for maximizing Community Day Classic rewards. Stocking up on Poké Balls, clearing storage space, and planning evolution strategies ahead of time can help players make the most of the limited event window. Players interested in competitive play may also want to evaluate IV thresholds and CP caps to optimize Empoleon for different leagues.

Why Community Day Classic Events Matter in 2026

Community Day Classic events reflect Pokémon GO’s evolving approach to live-service content. By reintroducing legacy Pokémon and moves, Niantic ensures accessibility for newer players while preserving long-term value for established trainers. The January 2026 Piplup Community Day Classic highlights how nostalgia-driven events continue to play a central role in keeping the game’s ecosystem active and engaging.