Pokémon Go: Lunar New Year 2022 event guide

Pokemon Go Lunar New Year 2022 Litleo
Pokemon Go Lunar New Year 2022 Litleo (Image credit: Niantic)

The Lunar New Year 2022 event in Pokémon Go is almost here. This event will introduce Shiny Litleo, as well as see even more Hisuian Voltorb on the map. We here at iMore have everything you need to know to make the most out of this event and be sure to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories so you can be fully equipped on your Pokémon Journey!

What is the Lunar New Year 2022 event in Pokémon Go?

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Pokémon Go hosts an event each year which includes an influx of red Pokémon, as well as Pokémon related to the new Chinese Zodiac animal. This year is the year of the tiger, so feline Pokémon will be joining the rest of the red Pokémon in spawns, eggs, and raids. The event will star Litleo, the Lion Cub Pokémon, whose Shiny variant will make its Pokémon Go debut at the start of the event.

When is the Lunar New Year 2022 event in Pokémon Go?

The Lunar New Year 2022 event will run for one week, beginning on Tuesday, February 1 and ending on Monday, February 7, 2022.

Pokémon with the potential to be Shiny are indicated with an asterisk.

Wild Pokémon

Pokemon 100 Voltorb (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Pokemon 667 Litleo (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Pokemon 100 Voltorb Hisui (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Source: The Pokémon Company

Players will be able to encounter the following Pokémon during the Lunar New Year 2022 event:

  • Paras*
  • Meowth*
  • Growlithe*
  • Voltorb*
  • Hisuian Voltorb
  • Electabuzz*
  • Magikarp*
  • Gyarados*
  • Torchic*
  • Combusken
  • Litleo*

Eggs

Pokemon Go 7km Eggs Alolan Galarian Forms (Image credit: Niantic)

During the Lunar New Year 2022 event, players will be able to hatch the following Pokémon from 7KM eggs found in gifts:

  • Shuckle*
  • Slugma*
  • Darumaka*
  • Scraggy
  • Litleo*

Raids

Pokemon Go Gyms Raids (Image credit: Niantic)

The following raids will be appearing in gyms during the Lunar New Year 2022 event:

  • Magikarp* (one star)
  • Shinx* (one star)
  • Darumaka* (one star)
  • Litleo* (one star)
  • Espurr* (one star)
  • Charizard (three star)
  • Flareon (three star)
  • Shuckle* (three star)
  • Delcatty (three star)
  • Absol* (three star)
  • Druddigon* (three star)
  • Regirock* (five star)
  • Mega Houndoom* (Mega)

Field Research

Pokemon Go Wayfarer (Image credit: Niantic)

During the Lunar New Year 2022 event, players will be able to collect the following event exclusive Field Research tasks from PokéStops and Gym:

  • Catch five Pokémon for 25 Mega Gyarados Energy
  • Catch five Pokémon for a Darumaka* encounter
  • Hatch an egg for an Alolan Meowth* encounter
  • Hatch an egg for a Galarian Meowth* encounter
  • Make three Curve Ball Throws for a Voltorb* encounter
  • Send three gifts for a Magikarp* encounter
  • Send three gifts and a sticker to each for a Litleo* encounter
  • Trade a Pokémon for a Litleo* encounter
  • Win a raid for an Espurr* encounter

Timed Research

Pokemon Go Professor Willow (Image credit: Niantic)

The Lunar New Year 2022 event will also feature two different Timed Research lines, one focused on catching Pokémon and one focused on friendship.

Lunar New Year: Friendship Challenge

  • Send five gifts and a sticker to each for a Torchic* encounter
  • Trade three Pokémon with a friend for a Corphish encounter
  • Send 15 gifts to friends for a Darumaka* encounter
  • Send gifts three days in a row for a Litleo* encounter

Completion Rewards: Espurr* encounter, 1,000 Stardust, 1,000 XP

Lunar New Year: Catch Challenge

  • Catch ten Pokémon for ten PokéBalls
  • Catch 25 Pokémon for 15 Great Balls
  • Catch 25 Fire type Pokémon for 20 Ultra Balls
  • Catch ten different species of Pokémon for a Litleo* encounter

Completion Rewards: Espurr* encounter, 1,000 Stardust, 1,000 XP

Bonuses

Pokemon Go Battle League Season (Image credit: Niantic)

In addition to all of that, players can enjoy the following bonuses during the Lunar New Year 2022 event:

  • Increased chance of Lucky Trade
  • Increased chance of Lucky Friends
  • Double Gift Stardust
  • One bonus Special Trade per day

Questions about the Lunar New Year 2022 event in Pokémon Go?

Do you have any questions about the Lunar New Year 2022 event in Pokémon Go? Which lucky Pokémon are you most excited to battle, hatch, or catch? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out the rest of our Pokémon Go guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!

Casian Holly

Casian Holly has been writing about gaming at iMore since 2019, but their real passion is Pokémon. From the games to the anime, cards and toys, they eat, sleep, and breathe all things Pokémon. You can check out their many Pokémon Go and Pokémon Sword and Shield guides and coverage here on iMore.