December 2022 Community Day — Catch ’em All and Get Your Community Day Fill: The Final Pokémon Bonanza of 2022!

Are you ready for the final Pokémon Community Day of 2022? This year’s event will take place over two days: Saturday, December 17, 2022 and Sunday, December 18, 2022. During this time, Pokémon featured in Community Day events in 2022 will appear more frequently in the wild and in Timed Research, and Pokémon featured in Community Day events throughout 2021 will hatch from eggs and appear in raids and Timed Research. It’s a great opportunity to catch any Pokémon from previous Community Days that you may have missed.

During the event, trainers can enjoy a variety of bonuses. These include 2x XP for catching Pokémon, 2x Stardust for catching Pokémon, a 50% reduction in the distance required to hatch eggs, 2x Candy for catching Pokémon, a 2x chance for trainers level 31 and up to receive XL Candy when catching Pokémon, 3-hour Lure Modules, 3-hour Incense (excluding Daily Adventure Incense), and the ability to make one additional Special Trade per day, for a maximum of two per day.

Each day of the event will feature a different set of Pokémon that will have increased spawn rates from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time. On Saturday, December 17, 2022, trainers can catch Sandshrew, Alolan Sandshrew, Alolan Geodude, Hoppip, Spheal, and Stufful. On Sunday, December 18, 2022, trainers can catch Teddiursa, Galarian Zigzagoon, Starly, Roggenrola, Litwick, and Deino. Additionally, Bulbasaur, Dratini, and Mudkip may appear on either day, with a chance of encountering a Shiny version.

When evolving certain Pokémon during the event, trainers may also be able to obtain a Pokémon with a special attack. For example, evolving Ivysaur (Bulbasaur’s evolution) during the event will result in a Venusaur with the Charged Attack Frenzy Plant. Dragonite evolved from Dragonair during the event will know the Charged Attack Outrage, and Espeon evolved from Eevee during the event will know the Fast Attack Last Resort. See the complete list below.

You can also obtain 2022 Community Day stickers by spinning PokéStops, opening gifts, or purchasing them from the in-game shop.

And, it looks like there’s another special research story coming up for the December Community Day in 2022. For just $1.00 (or the equivalent in your local currency), you can access the exclusive content. If you don’t feel like purchasing a ticket yourself, you can always try to get one gifted to you by a friend who has reached the “Great Friends” level or higher. Just keep in mind that there are some restrictions on gifting and tickets are nonrefundable. Also, it’s worth noting that this special research will not include an in-game medal.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to catch some rare and powerful Pokémon! The Community Day event will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2022 and Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, with most bonuses active from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. local time. Happy catching!

Here is the complete list of Pokémon with the featured attacks they will receive if you evolve your Pokemon into them during the event (except Ursaluna, see below for more details).

  • Venusaur: Charged Attack Frenzy Plant
  • Sandslash: Charged Attack Night Slash
  • Alolan Sandslash: Fast Attack Shadow Claw
  • Machamp: Charged Attack Payback
  • Alolan Golem: Fast Attack Rollout
  • Vaporeon: Scald
  • Jolteon: Zap Cannon
  • Flareon: Superpower
  • Espeon: Shadow Ball
  • Umbreon: Psychic
  • Leafeon: Bullet Seed
  • Glaceon: Water Pulse
  • Sylveon: Psyshock
  • Eevee (during event): Charged Attack Last Resort
  • Dragonite: Charged Attack Draco Meteor
  • Jumpluff: Charged Attack Acrobatics
  • Swampert: Charged Attack Hydro Cannon
  • Altaria: Charged Attack Moonblast
  • Walrein: Fast Attack Powder Snow and Charged Attack Icicle Spear
  • Staraptor: Fast Attack Gust
  • Luxray: Charged Attack Psychic Fangs
  • Roserade: Charged Attack Weather Ball (Fire-type) and Fast Attack Bullet Seed
  • Garchomp: Charge Attack Earth Power
  • Dusknoir: Charged Attack Shadow Ball
  • Serperior: Charged Attack Frenzy Plant
  • Emboar: Charged Attack Blast Burn
  • Samurott: Charged Attack Hydro Cannon
  • Gigalith: Charged Attack Meteor Beam
  • Chandelure: Charged Attack Poltergeist
  • Hydreigon: Charged Attack Brutal Swing
  • Talonflame: Fast Attack Incinerate
  • Bewear: Charged Attack Drain Punch
  • Obstagoon: Fast Attack Lick and Charged Attack Gunk Shot
  • Ursaluna: Charged Attack High Horsepower
    • To obtain an Ursaluna that knows the Charged Attack High Horsepower, evolve Ursaring (Teddiursa’s evolution) during the time period of the special full moon. The full moon will be visible in the sky on Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2022 and again on Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

August 2022 Community Day – Galarian Zigzagoon

The featured Pokémon for the August 2022 Community Day will be Galarian Zigzagoon, the Tiny Racoon Pokémon! Community Day will start on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 11 a.m. local time and end at 2 p.m. local time. And, as always, there will be an increased chance that a Shiny Galarian Zigzagoon (the coolest looking shiny of all, in this author’s opinion) will appear!

There will be timed research to receive an Obstagoon Hat, Glasses, Gloves and Post for your Pokémon GO avatar. You’ll need to catch at least 100 Galarian Zigzagoon’s to get all of the rewards, but it shouldn’t be that hard!

As always, Niantic has provided the opportunity to give them more money! You can purchase the Community Day Special Research story, “Field Notes: Galarian Zigzagoon” for $1.00 US or the equivalent in your local currency. We’ll update this story once we know what is in the special research.

What is Galarian Zigzagoon, Galarian Linoone and Obstagoon good for?

The most important question to answer for every Community Day is, why should I care about this Pokémon? Is Galarian Zigzagoon, Galarian Linoon or Obstagoon good for PvP or attacking Raids? Well, I have some not so great news about one of my personal favorite Pokémon. Galarian Zigzagoon currently comes in at #542 on the Little Cup Ranking and # 193 on the Little Cup Remix Ranking on PvPoke.com. Galarian Linoone comes in at #498 and #183 on the Little Cup and Great League rankings respectively.

However, Obstagoon, Galarian Zigzagoon’s final evolution, comes in #52, #111, #99 and #121 on the Little Cup, Great League, Master League and Master League Classic rankings on PvPoke.com respectively. It doesn’t make the top 200 normal attackers on Pokebattler’s Raid Attackers though.

What’s the point then?

Two words: STAR DUST. OK, that’s actually one word: Stardust.

With the 3x catch Stardust bonus, this is a great time to build that Stardust Savings and Loan account back up. I’m planning on popping six Star Pieces right at 11 and going as hard as I can to get as much Stardust as possible.

Event Bonuses:

During the event:

  • 3x Catch Stardust (The real currency of Pokémon GO.)
  • 2x Catch Candy
  • Incense will last three hours (if activated during the event)
  • Lure Modules will last three hours (if activated during the event)
  • 2x chance to get Zigzagoon Candy XL from catching (Level 31 and up)
  • Snapshot photobombs

During and up to five hours after the event: (7 p.m. local time)

  • One additional special trade (total of three)
  • Trades cost 50% less Stardust
  • Galarian Linoones evolved to Galarian Obstagoons will learn the Charged Attack Obstruct.

Additional Bonuses:

  • Galarian Linoone will appear if enough Pokémon are caught from a Lured Pokéstop
  • From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. there will be four-star Galarian Linoone Raid Battles. If the Raid boss is defeated, Galarian Zigzagoon will in appear up to 300 meters around that Gym for 30 minutes.
    • *Remote Raid Passes will not work on these Raids.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly called Obstagoon, “Galarian Obstagoon,” which isn’t technically wrong since Obstagoon is from Galar region, but putting the region name in front of the Pokémon’s name implies there are other regional variations, and there’s only one Obstagoon. It was quite offended that I implied otherwise.

Also, an earlier version of this article implied that Obstagoon wasn’t great at PvP, which it was also quite offended about.

July 2022 Community Day – Starly

The featured Pokémon for the July 2022 Community Day will be Starly, the Starling Pokémon. Community Day will start on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at 11 a.m. local time and end at 2 p.m. local time. And, as always, there will be an increased chance that a Shiny Starly will appear as well!

This means you can expect to see tons of people playing Pokémon GO out in public spaces across the country, so take advantage of this opportunity to meet other players or just enjoy watching them play!

If, for some reason, you want to give Niantic more money, you can buy the special research “Field Notes: Starly” for $1.00 US or the equivalent in your local currency.

What is Starly/Staravia/Staraptor good for?

I’m sure the most important thing that you are wondering is what is Starly and it’s evolutions good for? The answer is basically… nothing. Well, that’s not entirely true. Staraptor is a Tier 2 attacker, and Shadow Staraptor is a Tier 1 Attacker. It is pretty much useless in the GO Battle Leagues though. If you don’t have a great Flying team, Staraptor is a pretty good, cheap investment, but even Honchkrow and Braviary beat it out, so don’t go crazy.

What’s the point then?

I’m personally thinking of this event as mostly a way to rack up BUNCH of XP. Pop some lucky eggs and an incense and work on your Excellent throws. After three hours of grinding, you’ll probably move up out a level or two. Plus, I fully plan on taking advantage of the extra special trade and reduced Stardust costs for trades.

Event Bonuses:

During the event:

  • 3x Catch XP
  • 2x Catch Candy
  • Incense will last three hours (if activated during the event)
  • Lure Modules will last three hours (if activated during the event)
  • 2x chance to get Starly Candy XL from catching
  • Snapshot photobombs

During and up to five hours after the event:

  • One additional special trade (total of three)
  • Trades cost 50% less Stardust

Additional Bonuses:

  • Lure Modules will give 4x Catch XP if enough Pokémon are caught from a Lured Pokéstop
  • From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. there will be four-star Staravia Raid Battles. If the Raid boss is defeated, Starly will in appear up to 300 meters around that Gym for 30 minutes.
    • *Remote Raid Passes will not work on these Raids.

January 2022 Pokémon GO Community Day – Spheal, the ‘Clap’ Pokémon?

OK, let’s go ahead and get the obvious joke out of the way: It’s time to catch the Clap!

January 2022’s Community Day is going to feature, Spheal — which for some unbeknownst reason, is called the Clap Pokémon!

OK, allegedly, the reason they are called the Clap Pokémon is because, when a group of Spheals get together and they are really happy or excited, they will clap their fins. This is, of course, how real seals clap their fins in the wild…

Seal Clap GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY
I couldn’t find a GIF of a seal in the wild, OK? Give me a break.

But seriously, have you seen how chonky Spheals are? How do they clap their fins together?

Spheal Excited GIF - Spheal Excited Pokemon - Discover & Share GIFs
Oh, sure. To heck with the laws of physics and biology, I guess!

Nonetheless, during Community Day January 2022 on Sunday, January 16, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time there will be a ton of Spheals in the wild, and the shiny rate will be increased. If you’ve always wanted to get your hands on a purple Larry David, this is your best shot!

Actual screenshot of Shiny Walrein taken from the game.*
Actual photo of Shiny Larry David taken in the wild.*

Exclusive Moves

If you evolve a Walrein (the final evolution of Spheal) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day, it will learn the Fast Attack Powder Snow, and it will learn the Charged Attack Icicle Spear in the move’s debut release in Pokémon GO. This new move costs low energy to charge and could impact the META, especially for player vs player competition. It’s definitely worth getting while you have the chance.

Additional Bonuses During Community Day

  • Catch XP will be TRIPLE
  • Incenses and Lure Modules will last for three hours (if activated during the event),
  • There will be photobombs during the event. (It’s probably safe to assume it will be Spheal.)
  • Free bundle of 30 Ultra Balls in the shop

As always, Niantic will have an opportunity for you to spend some more PokéCoins and cash. This month’s Community Day Box will include 50 Ultra Balls, five Super Incubators, five Lucky Eggs and an Elite Fast TM for 1,280 PokéCoins. There will also be a ticket for a special research story, “The Spheal Deal”, available for $1 (or equivalent pricing in your local currency).

The December 2021 Community Day special research ended up having an Elite Fast TM and an Elite Charge TM in it! It’s unlikely that the January 2022 Community Day special research will have two TMs in it, but it sure would be nice!

Have fun catching the Clap!

Seal Of Approval GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

(Seriously, why didn’t they just call it the “clapping” Pokémon?)

*Editors note: I may have gotten those two image files mixed up. My apologies.

December 2021 Community Day Breakdown

The most important event of the year in Pokémon GO is happening this weekend! For the past few years, the final Community Day of the year has featured all of the Pokémon that were featured during the year, and this year is no exception.

On Saturday, December 18, 2021, you’ll encounter more Machop, Roselia, Swablu, Gible, Snivy, and Fletchling, and on Sunday, December 19, 2021, there will be more Eevee, Duskull, Shinx, Tepig, Oshawott. All of them will spawn more frequently for lures and incenses all weekend.

These Pokémon will be popping out of 2KM eggs all weekend: Charmander, Weedle, Abra, Gastly, Rhyhorn, Magikarp, Porygon, Elekid, Magby, Seedot, Piplup, and Budew.

The 2020 Community Line up (Charmander, Weedle, Abra, Gastly, Rhyhorn, Electabuzz, Magmar, Magikarp, Porygon, Seedot, Piplup) will be appearing in Raids all weekend.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Community Day if there wasn’t another opportunity to spend more cash and/or PokéCoins!

First, there will be 30 free Ultra Balls in the shop to get you in the door. Then, there will be thing we’ve all been waiting for: a Community Day Box with 50 Ultra Balls, six Star Pieces, and the priceless items: an Elite Fast TM and an Elite Charged TM. (Well, I guess they aren’t priceless. They cost 1,280 PokéCoins.)

There will also be the usual $1 (or the equivalent in your local currency) research ticket. No word yet as to how interesting or valuable the research will be.

Here’s the important things you need to know:

When:

  • Saturday, December 18, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, and
  • Sunday, December 19, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time

Bonuses:

  • Incenses and Lure Modules will last for three hours (if activated during the event),
  • Eggs will hatch in half the normal distance (if placed in the incubator during the event), and
  • Stardust & XP will be double

The ABSOLUTE MOST IMPORTANT PART:

Other than the chance to get an Elite TM, and tons of XP and Stardust, the best part of Community Day is the EXCLUSIVE MOVES! If you evolve a Pokémon into one of these 29 Pokémon you will get these exclusive moves. There are too many to go into detail on this article, but suffice it to say, it is worth taking the time to make a plan for which Pokémon you are going to evolve during December 2021 Community Day.

Some of these exclusive moves make the difference between a Pokémon being a decent fighter to being the GOAT. For example, I’ve been hanging on to my Rhydons and my Sinnoh Stones just waiting for this day to get a couple more Rhyperiors with Rock Wrecker to round out my rock attackers team.

At the same time, some of these moves seem like someone at Niantic and/or Pokémon Company was playing a practical joke! Yes, Electivire, I’m talking about you. Why do you get Flamethrower? WHY?

If you’re a moves collector though, this is the day to stock up that storage. Check Gamepress and Poke Genie for some of the best moves evaluations.

  • Charizard gets Fast Attack Dragon Breath,
  • Beedrill gets the Charged Attack Drill Run,
  • Alakazam gets the Fast Attack Counter,
  • Machamp gets the Charged Attack Payback,
  • Gengar gets the Charged Attack Shadow Punch,
  • Gyarados gets the Charged Attack Aqua Tail,
  • Vaporeon gets the Charged Attack Scald,
  • Jolteon gets the Charged Attack Zap Cannon,
  • Flareon gets the Charged Attack Superpower,
  • Espeon gets the Charged Attack Shadow Ball,
  • Umbreon gets the Charged Attack Psychic,
  • Shiftry gets the Fast Attack Bullet Seed,
  • Altaria gets the Charged Attack Moonblast,
  • Empoleon gets the Charged Attack Hydro Cannon,
  • Luxray gets the Charged Attack Psychic Fangs,
  • Roserade gets the Charged Attack Fire-type Weather Ball
  • Garchomp gets the Charged Attack Earth Power,
  • Rhyperior gets the Charged Attack Rock Wrecker,
  • Electivire gets the Charged Attack Flamethrower,
  • Magmortar gets the Charged Attack Thunderbolt,
  • Leafeon gets the Fast Attack Bullet Seed,
  • Glaceon gets the Charged Attack Water Pulse,
  • Porygon-Z gets the Charged Attack Tri Attack,
  • Dusknoir gets the Charged Attack Shadow Ball,
  • Serperior gets the Charged Attack Frenzy Plant,
  • Emboar gets the Charged Attack Blast Burn,
  • Samurott gets the Charged Attack Hydro Cannon,
  • Talonflame gets the Fast Attack Incinerate, and
  • Sylveon gets the Charged Attack Psyshock.

The REAL, ABSOLUTE MOST IMPORTANT PART:

Shiny Pokémon. So many Shiny Pokémon. Like, you’re probably gonna throw away several Shiny Pokémon at the end of the day because you’ll catch too many. On a normal day, the odds of catching a shiny is about 1 in 500. On a Community Day, the odds are usually 1 in 25. Thems are good odds. Thems are real good odds.

Additional Bonuses:

Make sure to take some time to trade with your friends this weekend to turn your trash into treasures! Trade some of those shiny Pokémon you were about to throw out!

On top of the extra candy and guaranteed Candy XL from trading during Season of Heritage, from Friday, December 17, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. EST (GMT-5) to Monday December 20, 2021 1:00 p.m. EST (GMT-5),

  • Trades will cost 25% less Stardust, and
  • Trainer will get an additional Special Trade each day!