Pikachu Community Day
January 20, 2018 Community Day. 3-hour event featuring Pikachu. No shiny rate boost — this event predates the standard shiny boost. First-ever Community Day; Raichu learns Surf.
The evolved form learned this move during the event window and from Elite Charged TMs after. This is what makes most CDs pull double duty — get the shiny and a hundo with the exclusive move locked in.
Stack each bonus with the relevant multiplier (Lucky Egg for XP, Star Piece for dust, Pinap Berry for candy) for compounded gains.
This Community Day predates the standard CD shiny boost. The shiny rate was the normal ~1-in-500, but the shiny form may have been released here for the first time.
B-tier exclusive — useful in specific matchups but rarely the absolute best slot. Hold off on Elite-TM use unless you main the species.
Hindsight verdict — based on how the evolved form aged in the meta. For the live tier rankings see the tier list.
PvP-leaning charged move that gives the evolved form a usable shield-baiter or wincon. Less critical in PvE but defines the species' GBL playstyle.
Was the January 20, 2018 Community Day worth it in hindsight?
B-tier exclusive — useful in specific matchups but rarely the absolute best slot. Hold off on Elite-TM use unless you main the species. Shiny Pikachu remains a permanent dex addition either way, so any time spent at this CD wasn't wasted.
What was the January 20, 2018 Community Day in-game?
The January 20, 2018 Community Day featured Pikachu. The exclusive move was Surf — learned by the evolved form during the event window and via Elite Charged TM afterward. Bonuses: 2x catch XP, 3-hr Lure.
How do I get Surf on my Pikachu after the event?
Use an Elite Charged TM (or Elite Fast TM if Surf is a fast move) on the evolved form. Niantic occasionally re-releases exclusive moves during anniversary events and Community Day recap weekends — the December recap CD is the most reliable second chance.
Can I still get a shiny from this Community Day?
Yes — the shiny form is permanently released after a Community Day. The boosted ~1-in-25 rate only applies during the event, but you can still hunt the standard ~1-in-500 wild rate or use raids / research / eggs after.
When is the next Community Day?
Niantic announces Community Days about 2-3 weeks ahead. Check the events page for the current month's schedule and announced upcoming dates.