Top 5 things to look forward to in Pokemon GO in December 2024

While the announcement for Pokemon GO's next season has only been live for a couple of days, Niantic has flooded the game's news section with various upcoming events in December. Given the large shoes the season has to fill compared to the previous one, it's great to see that the community has plenty to look forward to.

Thanks to a recent news update by Niantic on Pokemon GO's official website, the game's community now has a clear idea of what to expect in December. Here are five things to look forward to.

---

Pokemon GO highlights for December 2024

5) Gigantamax Lapras

Gigantamax Lapras is coming to Pokemon GO on December 6 (Image via Niantic)

Gigantamax Lapras is a challenge coming to Pokemon GO on December 6, 2024. Gigantamax Pokemon are set to be the ultimate challenge the game offers, being the only type of raid with a lobby limit of 40 trainers. However, it may be difficult for rural players to participate since these challenges cannot be done remotely.

Although Gigantamax Lapras may not perform better in raids than Gigantamax Blastoise, it will have an interesting niche as one of the few Ice-type Gigantamax forms available. Additionally, Niantic is releasing this form's shiny variant, making it a great addition to any collector's storage.

---

4) Necrozma Raid Day

A Raid Day featuring both forms of Necrozma will go live on December 14 (Image via Niantic)

A special Raid Day event will take place on December 14, 2024, offering players the chance to challenge Dusk Mane and Dawn Wings Necrozma. These Legendary Pokemon have access to exclusive Adventure Effects, which can be handy for collectors due to their effects offering unique spawn tables.

Both forms of Necrozma will have an increased chance of being found in their shiny variations. Given that Five-Star Raids already have a boosted shiny rate of 1 in 25, those actively participating in this event are likely to encounter a rare creature variant. This event also offers five free Raid Passes, which can be obtained by spinning Photo Discs at Gym locations.

---

3) Sinistea and Polteageist

Sinistea and Polteageist debut in the game on December 3 (Image via Niantic)

Two new Pocket Monsters, Sinistea and Polteageist, are set to debut in Pokemon GO on December 3, 2024. These pure Ghost-type creatures were introduced in the Galar region and were very interesting at the beginning of their debut generation. However, with their utility reduced in the mobile game transition, it will be interesting to see how they fare.

Their shiny variants will not be available, meaning trainers will have to wait for a future event to find them. Nevertheless, given Polteageist's pure Ghost typing and decent defense potential, it may have some viability in Ultra or Great League.

Also check: Pokemon GO Evolution Calculator

---

2) Shiny Genesect

Shiny Chill Drive Genesect will be available in the game starting on December 3 (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Shiny Chill Drive Genesect will be coming to Niantic's mobile game on the same day as Sinistea and Polteageist (as part of the Just My Cup of Tea event). Chill Drive Genesect will be the Five-Star Raid Boss during this period, which is also when its shiny form debuts.

Chill Drive Genesect gains access to Ice-type coverage with its Techno Blast attack, which changes its typing depending on the Drive form Genesect is in. This can make it a useful anti-meta pick for dealing with weaker Dragon-type creatures in competitive play.

Also check: Pokemon GO CP calculator

---

1) Aspiring Dragons Research Day

The Aspiring Dragons Research Day begins on December 7 (Image via Niantic)

Pokemon GO will host a special Research Day event featuring interesting creatures that evolve into Dragon-type Pocket Monsters. Additionally, some Water- and Flying-type wild encounters will be present.

A minor event ticket will also be available for just $2 USD. It will allow players to select which featured Pokemon they would like to see more of while completing their event research tasks.

Overall, this will be an excellent opportunity for players to add tricky Dragons, like Kingdra and Altaria, to their collections.

---

For more information on the game, check out the articles below:

• Ditto disguises
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters
• Team GO Rocket Grunts