The Pinch Perfect event in Pokemon GO is happening right now and will come to an end on Sunday, January 11, at 8 pm local time. For the first time, players will be able to catch the Rock-type Ambush Pokemon, Klawf, which was introduced in Scarlet and Violet’s Paldea region.
Dhelmise, the mysterious Sea Creeper Pokemon from Pokemon Sun and Moon, will also debut its shiny form for the first time in Pokemon GO. Plus, there are some Field, Timed, and Premium Research tasks and rewards to look forward to during this event, so this guide will go over everything you need to know about Pinch Perfect.

Related
Pokemon Go Reveals Gen 9 Pokemon and Shiny Debut for January 2026 Event
As the year winds down, Pokemon GO reveals a Gen 9 critter and a new shiny that will be debuting in an upcoming event for January 2026.
Pinch Perfect Event Spawns in Pokemon GO
As far as the spawns that’ll appear more often during the Pinch Perfect event, here’s a list of what to expect. It’s worth pointing out that Dwebble, Corphish, and Clauncher will show up more frequently during specific times, which we’ll put in a note below:
Pinch Perfect Spawns
Can It Be Shiny?
Sandshrew
Yes
Onix
Yes
Clauncher (more frequently from Jan 10, 10 am to Jan 11, 8 pm)
Yes
Trapinch
Yes
Corphish (More frequently from Jan 8, 10 am to Jan 10, 10 am)
Yes
Tentacool
Yes
Rhyhorn
Yes
Magikarp
Yes
Binacle
Yes
Dwebble (More frequently from Jan 6, 10 am to Jan 8, 10 am)
Yes
Drillbur
Yes
Tirtouga
Yes
Archen
Yes
Pinch Perfect Raids in Pokemon GO
One Star Raids
Corphish
Dwebble
Clauncher
Three-Star Raids
All Pinch Perfect Field Research Tasks and Rewards
Catch 5 Pokemon
Possible Rewards: 10 Poke Balls, 5 Great Balls, 3 Ultra Balls
Catch 10 Pokemon
Possible Rewards: Corphish, Dwebble, and Clauncher Encounter
Catch 15 Pokemon
Win a Raid
Possible Rewards: Dhelmise and Klawf Encounter
Pinch Perfect Timed Research Tasks and Rewards
The reward for each step of this Timed Research will depend on when you decide to complete each one. If you do it between January 6, 10 am, and January 8, 10 am, you will encounter Dwebble. If you do it from January 8, 10 am to January 10, 10 am, you’ll encounter Corphish. And lastly, if you complete the steps between January 10, 10 am, and January 11, 8 pm, you will get Clauncher encounters. You will always get a final encounter with Klawf once each step is completed.
Catch 5 Pokemon
Dwebble, Corphish, or Clauncher Encounter
Catch 10 Pokemon
Dwebble, Corphish, or Clauncher Encounter
Catch 15 Pokemon
Dwebble, Corphish, or Clauncher Encounter
Catch 20 Pokemon
Dwebble, Corphish, or Clauncher Encounter
Catch 25 Pokemon
Dwebble, Corphish, or Clauncher Encounter
Total Rewards: Klawf Encounter, 950 XP, and 950 Stardust
Pinch Perfect Premium Timed Research Tasks and Rewards
You can head to the in-game Pokemon GO shop to pick up the Pinch Perfect Premium Timed Research ticket for $1.99 to earn some more encounters with Klawf, Dhelmise, and other ‘mon. Here are all the steps and rewards!
Pinch Perfect Step 1
Catch 5 Pokemon
Reward: Dwebble Encounter
Catch 5 Pokemon
Reward: Corphish Encounter
Catch 5 Pokemon
Reward: Clauncher Encounter
Catch 10 Pokemon
Total Reward: Klawf Encounter, 9500 XP, and a Premium Battle Pass
Pinch Perfect Step 2
Catch 5 Pokemon
Reward: Dwebble Encounter
Catch 5 Pokemon
Reward: Corphish Encounter
Catch 5 Pokemon
Reward: Clauncher Encounter
Catch 10 Pokemon
Total Reward: Klawf Encounter, 9500 XP, and a Premium Battle Pass
Can Klawf Be Shiny in Pokemon GO?
Not Yet
While Klawf does have a shiny version available in Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet (shown above), it does not have a shiny variant available in Pokemon GO just yet.
Can Dhelmise Be Shiny in Pokemon GO?
Yup! This event marks the debut of Shiny Dhelmise in Pokemon GO, so you certainly will have a chance of finding one from now on.


Released
July 6, 2016
Engine
Unity
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op





