In Pokémon GO, most Pokémon are typically only available during specific events. However, December 2024 brings spotlight hours every Tuesday from 6 PM to 7 PM local time, which highlight various Pokémon. During these hours, one particular Pokémon will spawn at a greatly increased rate, giving players ample chances to catch them, including their shiny variants. This is in addition to the Monday schedule that runs concurrently with the spotlight hours each week.
Additionally, each week features unique bonuses during the spotlight hour, varying from week to week and enhancing different aspects of Pokémon GO. Even if you’re primarily focused on specific Pokémon, these spotlight hours serve as a great reason to engage in gameplay for an hour each week. Players can earn increased XP, additional candy, or extra stardust bonuses during these sessions. December features five spotlight hours, including a special double Pokémon feature.
December Spotlight Hour Schedule in Pokémon GO
Five Spotlight Hours Throughout the Month
In December 2024, there are four Pokémon with their own dedicated spotlight hours; some of these are seldom found outside of events. Sableye has appeared in several events recently, such as Halloween, but is not often seen outside of these occasions. On the other hand, Murkrow is relatively common across the game, yet this spotlight hour offers a great chance for players who don’t have its shiny form yet.
During spotlight hours, nearly every spawn will consist solely of the featured Pokémon. This significantly boosts your chances of encountering a shiny variant of any of those highlighted in December 2024.
If you’re new to Pokémon GO, you’ve likely never come across a wild Delibird. This Ice- and Flying-type Pokémon only appears during special seasonal events. This year, there will be a spotlight hour on Christmas Eve. Additionally, Togetic and its pre-evolution, Togepi, also have low spawn rates in the wild, making this a can’t-miss opportunity to catch the former.
|
Date |
Pokémon |
Rewards |
|---|---|---|
|
December 3rd |
Sableye |
Double Catch Stardust |
|
December 10th |
Murkrow |
Double Catch XP |
|
December 17th |
Slugma/Bergmite |
x2 Catch Candy |
|
December 24th |
Delibird (Wearing a Holiday Ribbon) |
x2 Transfer Candy |
|
December 31st |
Togetic |
x2 Evolution XP |
Additionally, there will be a double spotlight hour featuring Slugma and Bergmite. Though these two Pokémon are quite different, they will appear simultaneously, and both are quite rare in Pokémon GO.
How to Make the Most of Spotlight Hours
Earning Bonuses Every Tuesday Night
The primary benefit of spotlight hours is the opportunity to catch large numbers of one or two specific Pokémon. Utilizing a Pinap Berry allows you to earn six candies per catch, which helps you accumulate enough for evolution quickly. Additionally, this is a great time to check Pokémon for shininess. If you click on a Pokémon that isn’t shiny, you can quickly exit and click on another that spawns nearby. I’ve found this method to be quite effective when using lures or incense to increase nearby spawns.
Rewards during spotlight hours are also significant. All Pokémon caught, evolved, or transferred during these sessions yield bonuses, not just the ones currently spotlighted. This is especially advantageous during hours that provide double catch XP or double evolution XP, allowing you to make fast progress toward leveling up.
Before double evolution XP hours, stack Pokémon in your storage for evolution. Each one will give you 1,000 XP. If you’re prepared and evolve Pokémon during the hour, you can manage to evolve between 60 and 100 Pokémon, depending on your efficiency.
Double stardust hours also offer a great chance to earn valuable resources at a much quicker rate than usual. Stardust is essential for enhancing the CP of your Pokémon, boosting their attack, defense, and health, which is crucial for success in both PvP and for battling Team GO Rocket leaders like Sierra.
Though spotlight hours occur just once weekly, they are an excellent opportunity. Besides catching many of the featured Pokémon, these hours can also be used to acquire XP much faster than is typically possible in Pokémon GO.
