1. SHINY MELTAN
In an unexpected turn of events, Niantic and The Pokémon Company have released Shiny Meltan. Through March 4, 2019, at 11:59 PM PST Meltan will be able to be found in its Shiny form in Pokémon GO. This is the first Shiny Mythical Pokémon to be released in GO, and the only way to legitimately obtain Shiny Meltan and Shiny Melmetal in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!. Niantic is helping out with your chances of finding Shiny Meltan by lowering the recharge time of the Mystery Box to three days instead of the usual seven.
SOURCE: Niantic
SOURCE: Niantic
2. META SHAKEUP
Last week, Niantic released a new wave of Sinnoh Pokémon in Pokémon GO, and also made some changes to moves to improve game balance. It is a rather lengthy update, which we detail more in depth here.
3. FRIENDSHIP WEEKEND
A mini-event is happening this weekend. Friendship is leveling up twice as fast, Candy rewards from trading is doubled, and Stardust costs for trading have been cut in half. This event ends on February 11, 2019, at 1:00 PM PST.
SOURCE: Niantic
SOURCE: Niantic
4. LUNAR NEW YEAR
Niantic has thrown a celebratory event for the Lunar New Year once again. This year, a select roster of Pokémon have increased spawn rates, XP for catching and evolving is doubled, odds of obtaining Lucky Pokémon from trades are higher, and Shiny Spoink has been released. The event ends at 1:00 PM PST on February 13.
SOURCE: Niantic
SOURCE: Niantic
5. PALKIA
The Legendary Pokémon Palkia has come to Raid Battles until the end of February. Palkia replaces Kyogre and Groudon from the Hoenn Celebration event.
SOURCE: Niantic
SOURCE: Niantic
6. NEW UPDATE
Pokémon GO received a new update recently bringing many quality-of-life improvements and support for 12 new Spinda variants.
SOURCE: Serebii
SOURCE: Serebii
7. VALENTINE'S DAY
The Pokémon GO newsletter has revealed that a Valentine's Day event will happen once again this year. So far we only know about increased spawn rates of pink Pokémon. Time, date, and any additional bonuses have yet to be revealed.
SOURCE: Pokémon GO Newsletter
SOURCE: Pokémon GO Newsletter
8. COMMUNITY DAY
While the announcement has not been made in English yet, Niantic did reveal via the Chinese newsletter that Ancient Power will be Mamoswine's exclusive move on Community Day. This is not the most meta-breaking exclusive move, but it is an important part of Mamoswine's character and does give it a better Rock-type coverage move for Trainer Battles.
SOURCE: Pokémon GO Newsletter
SOURCE: Pokémon GO Newsletter
9. POKESTOP SUBMISSIONS
PokéStop submissions have come to the country of Argentina. They are still limited to Level 40 Trainers.
SOURCE: Niantic
SOURCE: Niantic