Special Research
Special Research (Japanese: スペシャルリサーチ Special Research) are tasks assigned by Professor Willow in Pokémon GO. Unlike Field Research, Special Research tasks have separate, fixed objectives outlined by Professor Willow, and they cannot be obtained from spinning PokéStops.
Players receive rewards for each Special Research task they complete. As with Field Research rewards, the Pokémon that can be caught as a Special Research reward have a set minimum IV of 10 in each stat and an initial Power Up level of 15. Special Research is currently the only method of obtaining Mew, Celebi, Jirachi and Spiritomb. Those Pokémon are programmed to have a 100% catch rate.
Most Special Research tasks are available once the player reaches level 5. They can only be completed once, and tasks cannot be deleted. One set of Special Research tasks can be completed concurrently with tasks from another uncompleted set of Special Research.
List of Special Research
Globally available Special Research
A Mythical Discovery
A Mythical Discovery is the first set of the Special Research tasks that Professor Willow will assign to the player. It is split into eight parts, and completing these tasks will allow Trainers to catch Mew. These tasks have been available since March 31, 2018.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/8 | |
| Spin 5 PokéStops or Gyms | 500 XP |
| Catch 10 Pokémon | 500 XP |
| Transfer 5 Pokémon | 500 XP |
| Completing 1/8 |  ×10,  ×1,  ×3
|
| 2/8 | |
| Earn 2 Candies walking with your Buddy | 1000 XP |
| Make 10 Great Throws | 1000 XP |
| Hatch 3 Eggs | 1000 XP |
| Completing 2/8 |  ×1000,  ×3, ×20
|
| 3/8 | |
| Reach level 15 | 1500 XP |
| Battle in a Gym 2 times | 1500 XP |
| Battle in 2 raids | 1500 XP |
| Completing 3/8 |  ×1,  ×1,  ×2
|
| 4/8 | |
| Earn a silver Kanto medal | 2000 XP |
| Earn 5 Candies walking with your buddy | 2000 XP |
| Evolve 20 Pokémon | 2000 XP |
| Completing 4/8 | ×2000, ×3, ×20
|
| 5/8 | |
| Catch a Ditto | 2500 XP |
| Make 20 Great Throws | 2500 XP |
| Catch 10 Ghost-type Pokémon | 2500 XP |
| Completing 5/8 |  ×1,  ×1,  ×15
|
| 6/8 | |
| Battle in 10 raids | 3000 XP |
| Evolve a Magikarp | 3000 XP |
| Reach level 25 | 3000 XP |
| Completing 6/8 | ×3000,  ×5, ×3
|
| 7/8 | |
| Use 50 Berries to help catch Pokémon | 3500 XP |
| Make an Excellent Curveball Throw | 3500 XP |
| Earn a gold Kanto medal | 3500 XP |
| Completing 7/8 |  , ×4000,  ×20
|
| 8/8 | |
| Claim reward! | 4000 XP |
| Claim reward! | 4000 XP |
| Claim reward! | 4000 XP |
| Completing 8/8 | ×5000,  ×1,  ×20
|
A Ripple in Time
A Ripple in Time is the second set of the Special Research tasks that Professor Willow will assign players, available to players since August 20, 2018. It is unlocked after completing part three of A Mythical Discovery. Much like the first Special Research task, it is split into eight parts, and completing these tasks will allow Trainers to catch Celebi.
Tasks which involve making friends, trading, or sending Gifts, are already completed for those under the age of 13 as these features are locked for younger players.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/8 | |
| Power up Pokémon 5 times | 1000 XP |
| Battle in a Gym 2 times | 1000 XP |
| Battle in a raid | 1000 XP |
| Completing 1/8 |  ×10, ×1, ×1
|
| 2/8 | |
| Make 3 new Friends | 1500 XP |
| Evolve an evolved Grass-type Pokémon | 1500 XP |
| Catch a Pokémon 3 days in a row | 1500 XP |
| Completing 2/8 | ×1500,  ×1, ×1
|
| 3/8 | |
| Reach level 25 | 2000 XP |
| Use a Sun Stone to evolve Gloom or Sunkern | 2000 XP |
| Hatch 9 Eggs | 2000 XP |
| Completing 3/8 |  ,  ×1, ×1
|
| 4/8 | |
| Walk 10 km with Eevee as your Buddy to earn Candy | 2500 XP |
| Evolve Eevee into Espeon during the day | 2500 XP |
| Send 20 Gifts to friends | 2500 XP |
| Completing 4/8 | , ×2500,  ×1
|
| 5/8 | |
| Walk 10 km with Eevee as your buddy to earn Candy | 3000 XP |
| Evolve Eevee into Umbreon at night | 3000 XP |
| Trade a Pokémon | 3000 XP |
| Completing 5/8 | ×1,  ×15,  ×1
|
| 6/8 | |
| Visit PokéStops 7 days in a row | 3500 XP |
| Use 25 Pinap Berries while catching Pokémon | 3500 XP |
| Use items to evolve Pokémon 2 times | 3500 XP |
| Completing 6/8 | ×3500,  ×1,  ×5
|
| 7/8 | |
| Catch 40 Grass- or Psychic-type Pokémon | 4000 XP |
| Make an Excellent Curveball Throw | 4000 XP |
| Earn a Gold Johto medal | 4000 XP |
| Completing 7/8 |  , ×1, ×10
|
| 8/8 | |
| Claim reward! | 4500 XP |
| Claim reward! | 4500 XP |
| Claim reward! | 4500 XP |
| Completing 8/8 | ×5500 ×, ×1,  ×20
|
A Spooky Message
A Spooky Message is a time-limited set of the Special Research tasks introduced on October 23, 2018. This special research introduced Spiritomb into the game.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/3 | |
| Catch 10 Ghost-type Pokémon | 
|
| Make 8 Great Throws | 1080 XP |
| Use 108 Berries to help catch Pokémon | 
|
| Completing 1/3 | ×10, ×1080, ×8
|
| 2/3 | |
| Catch 10 Dark-type Pokémon | 
|
| Spin 8 PokéStops you haven't visited before | 1080 XP |
| Catch 108 Pokémon | 
|
| Completing 2/3 | ×10, ×1080, ×8
|
| 3/3 | |
| Claim reward! | 1080 XP |
| Claim reward! | 1080 XP |
| Claim reward! | 1080 XP |
| Completing 3/3 |  ×10, ×8, ×1080
|
A Spooky Message 2019
A Spooky Message 2019 is a time-limited set of the Special Research tasks introduced on October 17, 2019. This special research is a variant of the original one from 2018 with alternate updated rewards. It allows trainers to catch Spiritomb.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/3 | |
| Catch 10 Ghost-type Pokémon | 
|
| Make 8 Great Throws | 1080 XP |
| Use 108 Berries to help catch Pokémon | 
|
| Completing 1/3 | ×10, ×1080, ×8
|
| 2/3 | |
| Catch 10 Dark-type Pokémon | 
|
| Spin 8 PokéStops you haven't visited before | 1080 XP |
| Catch 108 Pokémon |
|
| Completing 2/3 | ×10, ×1080, ×8
|
| 3/3 | |
| Claim reward! | 1080 XP |
| Claim reward! | 1080 XP |
| Claim reward! | 1080 XP |
| Completing 3/3 | ×10, ×8, ×1080
|
Let's GO, Meltan
Let's GO, Meltan is a set of tasks introduced on November 16, 2018, to celebrate the release of Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. It is split into nine parts, and completing these tasks will allow Trainers to catch Meltan.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/9 | |
| Spin 5 PokéStops or Gyms | 500 XP |
| Catch 10 Pokémon | 500 XP |
| Transfer 5 Pokémon | 500 XP |
| Completing 1/9 | ×1000, ×10, ×1
|
| 2/9 | |
| Earn 2 Candies walking with your buddy | 1000 XP |
| Make 10 Great Throws | 1000 XP |
| Hatch 3 Eggs | 1000 XP |
| Completing 2/9 | ×2000, ×2, ×1
|
| 3/9 | |
| Catch a Ditto | 1500 XP |
| Win 2 Gym battles | 1500 XP |
| Battle in 2 raids | 1500 XP |
| Completing 3/9 | ×10, ×3,  ×3
|
| 4/9 | |
| Catch 5 Steel-type Pokémon | 2000 XP |
| Catch 5 Electric-type Pokémon | 2000 XP |
| Earn 5 Candies walking with your buddy | 2000 XP |
| Completing 4/9 | ×4000, ×5, ×5
|
| 5/9 | |
| Evolve a Grimer | 2500 XP |
| Catch 5 Slugma or Gulpin | 2500 XP |
| Make 20 Great Throws | 2500 XP |
| Completing 5/9 | ×5000, ×20, ×5
|
| 6/9 | |
| Evolve a Magnemite | 3000 XP |
| Catch 5 Exeggcute | 3000 XP |
| Battle in 10 raids | 3000 XP |
| Completing 6/9 | ×1, ×1, ×10
|
| 7/9 | |
| Evolve 1 Drowzee | 3500 XP |
| Catch 1 Cubone | 3500 XP |
| Evolve 1 Scyther | 3500 XP |
| Completing 7/9 | ×10, ×1, ×3
|
| 8/9 | |
| Catch 2 Omanyte or Kabuto | 4000 XP |
| Catch 2 Lileep or Anorith | 4000 XP |
| Catch an Aerodactyl | 4000 XP |
| Completing 8/9 | ×8000,  , ×1
|
| 9/9 | |
| Claim reward! | 4500 XP |
| Claim reward! | 4500 XP |
| Claim reward! | 4500 XP |
| Completing 9/9 | ×9000, ×1,  ×5
|
Jump-Start Research
Jump-Start Research is a time-limited set of tasks that may be unlocked between June 28 to September 2, 2019 for players level 10 or higher.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/6 | |
| Make a new friend | 5000 XP |
| Catch 3 Pokémon with Weather Boost | 5000 XP |
| Hatch an Egg | 5000 XP |
| Completing 1/6 | ×2,  , ×15000
|
| 2/6 | |
| Evolve a Dratini | 10000 XP |
| Take a snapshot of Dratini |  ×30
|
| Earn a Candy with your Buddy | ×30
|
| Completing 2/6 | ×1, ×15000, ×2
|
| 3/6 | |
| Power up Pokémon 10 times | 15000 XP |
| Battle a Trainer in the Great League | 15000 XP |
| Battle in a raid | 15000 XP |
| Completing 3/6 | ×2, 15000 XP, ×2
|
| 4/6 | |
| Catch 5 different species of Pokémon | 
|
| Catch a Legendary from a Field Research Breakthrough or raid | 
|
| Hatch 3 Eggs | 
|
| Completing 4/6 | ×2,  , ×15000
|
| 5/6 | |
| Take a Snapshot of Eevee | 30000 XP |
| Send 5 Gifts to friends | 30000 XP |
| Trade 3 Pokémon with a friend | 30000 XP |
| Completing 5/6 |  , 30000 XP, ×2
|
| 6/6 | |
| Make a new friend | ×60
|
| Win a level 3 or higher raid | ×60
|
| Evolve a Dragonair | 100000 XP |
| Completing 6/6 | ×2, 100000 XP, ×15000
|
A Troubling Situation
A Troubling Situation is a set of tasks that may be unlocked starting July 25, 2019 for players level 8 or higher.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | |
| Evolve 2 Pokémon | 
|
| Power up a Pokémon 5 times |
|
| Completing 1/4 | ×1000, 2000 XP
|
| 2/4 | |
| Catch 2 Shadow Pokémon | 
|
| Defeat 3 Team GO Rocket Grunts | 
|
| Completing 2/4 | ×2000, 2000 XP,  ×5
|
| 3/4 | |
| Purify 3 Shadow Pokémon | ×3000
|
| Purify a Fire, Water, or Grass-type Shadow Pokémon | 3000 XP |
| Completing 3/4 | ×2000, ×5, ×1
|
| 4/4 | |
| Claim reward! | ×1000
|
| Claim reward! | 1000 XP |
| Claim reward! | ×1000
|
| Completing 4/4 | ×1, ×1, ×3
|
A Thousand-Year Slumber
A Thousand-Year Slumber is a set of the Special Research tasks that Professor Willow will assign to the player. It is split into 7 parts, and completing these tasks will allow Trainers to catch Jirachi. These tasks have been available since August 20, 2019.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/7 | |
| Catch 25 Pokémon | 1000 XP |
| Spin 10 PokéStops or Gyms | 
|
| Make 3 new friends | 
|
| Completing 1/7 |  ×1,  ×1,  ×1
|
| 2/7 | |
| Catch 3 Whismur |  ×10
|
| Evolve a Feebas | 1500 XP |
| Win a gold Hoenn medal | 1500 XP |
| Completing 2/7 | ×2000, ×10, ×3
|
| 3/7 | |
| Take a snapshot of Loudred | 
|
| Make 3 Great Throws in a row | 2000 XP |
| Earn 3 Candies walking with your buddy | 2000 XP |
| Completing 3/7 | ×20, ×3, ×2000
|
| 4/7 | |
| Catch 50 Psychic- or Steel-type Pokémon | 2500 XP |
| Power up Pokémon 10 times | 2500 XP |
| Send 10 gifts to friends | 2500 XP |
| Completing 4/7 | ×1, ×1, ×1
|
| 5/7 | |
| Battle a team leader 3 times | 
|
| Win against another Trainer 7 times | 3000 XP |
| Win 5 raids | 3000 XP |
| Completing 5/7 | ×3, ×20, ×3000
|
| 6/7 | |
| Take 5 snapshots of Steel- or Psychic-type Pokémon | 
|
| Make 3 excellent Curveball throws | 
|
| Spin a PokéStop 7 days in a row | 4000 XP |
| Completing 6/7 | ×10, ×10, ×5000
|
| 7/7 | |
| Claim reward! | 4500 XP |
| Claim reward! | 4500 XP |
| Claim reward! | 4500 XP |
| Completing 7/7 |  ,  ×20, 
|
Team GO Rocket Leaders battles
These sets of tasks are available for players level 8 or higher who have finished A Troubling Situation. They are assigned to the player on the first day of every month[1] and can carry over to the following months if not completed on time. A player can have only 1 such task active at a time and once a player has completed the task that was active, he may receive the task of the current month. The reward Shadow Pokémon the player may encounter when defeating Giovanni depends of the month on which the task has been completed. Those research tasks were put on hold from May 1, 2020 until end of September 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
| Month | Bonus reward |
|---|---|
| November 2019 | Shadow 
|
| December 2019 | Shadow 
|
| January 2020 | Shadow 
|
| February 2020 | Shadow 
|
| March 2020 | Shadow 
|
| April 2020 |
Looming in the Shadows
Looming in the Shadows is a set of tasks that may be unlocked starting November 7, 2019 for players level 8 or higher who have finished A Troubling Situation. This set of Research tasks rewards players with a Super Rocket Radar to find Giovanni.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/6 | |
| Spin 10 PokéStops | 500 XP |
| Defeat 3 Team GO Rocket Grunts | 500 XP |
| Catch 1 Shadow Pokémon | 500 XP |
| Completing 1/6 | ×500, x10,  x10
|
| 2/6 | |
| Spin a PokéStop 5 days in a row | 750 XP |
| Purify 15 Shadow Pokémon | 750 XP |
| Win 5 raids | 750 XP |
| Completing 2/6 | ×1000,  ×3, x3
|
| 3/6 | |
| Use 6 supereffective Charged Attacks in Gym battles | 1000 XP |
| Win 3 Great League Trainer Battles against another Trainer | 1000 XP |
| Defeat 6 Team GO Rocket Grunts | 1000 XP |
| Completing 3/6 | ×1500, x15, x5
|
| 4/6 | |
| Defeat Team GO Rocket Leader Arlo | 1250 XP |
| Defeat Team GO Rocket Leader Cliff | 1250 XP |
| Defeat Team GO Rocket Leader Sierra | 1250 XP |
| Completing 4/6 | ×2000,  x1, x3
|
| 5/6 | |
| Find the Team GO Rocket Boss | ×2500
|
| Battle the Team GO Rocket Boss | 1500 XP |
| Defeat the Team GO Rocket Boss | ×3
|
| Completing 5/6 | ×3000, ×1, ×1
|
| 6/6 | |
| Claim reward! | 2000 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2000 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2000 XP |
| Completing 6/6 | ×3, ×20, ×3
|
A Challenging Development
A Challenging Development is a set of tasks that may be unlocked starting December 1, 2019 for players level 8 or higher who have finished A Troubling Situation. This set of Research tasks is identical to and offers the same rewards as Looming in the Shadows.
The Take-Over Continues
The Take-Over Continues is a set of tasks that may be unlocked starting January 1, 2020 for players level 8 or higher who have finished A Troubling Situation. This set of Research tasks presents some changes from the previous 2 special researches.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/6 | |
| Spin 10 PokéStops | 
|
| Defeat 3 Team GO Rocket Grunts | 500 XP |
| Catch 1 Shadow Pokémon | 500 XP |
| Completing 1/6 | ×500, x10, x10
|
| 2/6 | |
| Spin a PokéStop 3 days in a row | 750 XP |
| Purify 5 Shadow Pokémon | 750 XP |
| Win 5 raids | 750 XP |
| Completing 2/6 | ×1000, ×3, x3
|
| 3/6 | |
| Use 6 supereffective Charged Attacks in Gym battles | 1000 XP |
| Win 3 Great League Trainer Battles against another Trainer | 1000 XP |
| Defeat 6 Team GO Rocket Grunts | 1000 XP |
| Completing 3/6 | ×1500, x15, x5
|
| 4/6 | |
| Defeat Team GO Rocket Leader Arlo | 1250 XP |
| Defeat Team GO Rocket Leader Cliff | 1250 XP |
| Defeat Team GO Rocket Leader Sierra | 1250 XP |
| Completing 4/6 | ×2000, x1, x3
|
| 5/6 | |
| Find the Team GO Rocket Boss | ×2500
|
| Battle the Team GO Rocket Boss | 1500 XP |
| Defeat the Team GO Rocket Boss | ×3
|
| Completing 5/6 | ×3000, ×1, ×1
|
| 6/6 | |
| Claim reward! | 2000 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2000 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2000 XP |
| Completing 6/6 | ×3, ×20, ×3
|
A Professor’s Work is Never Done
A Professor’s Work is Never Done is a set of tasks that may be unlocked starting February 1, 2020 for players level 8 or higher who have finished A Troubling Situation. This set of Research tasks is similar to The Take-Over Continues with slightly altered rewards. During February 2019, this research gave players opportunities to attempt to catch Shadow Raikou as a bonus reward for defeating Giovanni.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/6 | |
| Spin 10 PokéStops | 
|
| Defeat 3 Team GO Rocket Grunts | 500 XP |
| Catch 1 Shadow Pokémon | 500 XP |
| Completing 1/6 | ×500, x10, x10
|
| 2/6 | |
| Spin a PokéStop 3 days in a row | 750 XP |
| Purify 5 Shadow Pokémon | 750 XP |
| Win 5 raids | 750 XP |
| Completing 2/6 | ×1000, ×3, x3
|
| 3/6 | |
| Use 6 supereffective Charged Attacks in Gym battles | 1000 XP |
| Win 3 Great League Trainer Battles against another Trainer | 1000 XP |
| Defeat 6 Team GO Rocket Grunts | 1000 XP |
| Completing 3/6 | ×1500, x15, x5
|
| 4/6 | |
| Defeat Team GO Rocket Leader Arlo | 1250 XP |
| Defeat Team GO Rocket Leader Cliff | 1250 XP |
| Defeat Team GO Rocket Leader Sierra | 1250 XP |
| Completing 4/6 | ×2000, x1, x3
|
| 5/6 | |
| Find the Team GO Rocket Boss | ×2500
|
| Battle the Team GO Rocket Boss | 1500 XP |
| Defeat the Team GO Rocket Boss | ×3
|
| Completing 5/6 | ×3000, ×1, ×1
|
| 6/6 | |
| Claim reward! | 2000 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2000 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2000 XP |
| Completing 6/6 | ×3, ×20, ×3
|
The Shadow Threat Grows
The Shadow Threat Grows is a set of tasks that may be unlocked starting March 1, 2020 for players level 8 or higher who have finished A Troubling Situation. This set of Research tasks is similar to The Take-Over Continues with slightly altered rewards. This research task was extended into April 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. The bonus reward for beating Giovanni remained Shadow Entei for the month of April.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/6 | |
| Spin 10 PokéStops | 
|
| Defeat 3 Team GO Rocket Grunts | 500 XP |
| Catch 1 Shadow Pokémon | 500 XP |
| Completing 1/6 | ×500, x10, x10
|
| 2/6 | |
| Spin a PokéStop 3 days in a row | 750 XP |
| Purify 5 Shadow Pokémon | 750 XP |
| Win 5 raids | 750 XP |
| Completing 2/6 | ×1000, ×3, x3
|
| 3/6 | |
| Use 6 supereffective Charged Attacks in Gym battles | 1000 XP |
| Win 3 Great League Trainer Battles against another Trainer | 1000 XP |
| Defeat 6 Team GO Rocket Grunts | 1000 XP |
| Completing 3/6 | ×1500, x15, x5
|
| 4/6 | |
| Defeat Team GO Rocket Leader Arlo | 1250 XP |
| Defeat Team GO Rocket Leader Cliff | 1250 XP |
| Defeat Team GO Rocket Leader Sierra | 1250 XP |
| Completing 4/6 | ×2000, x1, x3
|
| 5/6 | |
| Find the Team GO Rocket Boss | ×2500
|
| Battle the Team GO Rocket Boss | 1500 XP |
| Defeat the Team GO Rocket Boss | ×3
|
| Completing 5/6 | ×3000, ×1, ×1
|
| 6/6 | |
| Claim reward! | 2000 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2000 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2000 XP |
| Completing 6/6 | ×3, ×20, ×3
|
Celebrate 2019
Celebrate 2019 is a set of tasks that can be unlocked starting December 14, 2019 at 9a.m. local time.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| Celebrate 2019 | |
| Catch 19 Pokémon | 2019 XP |
| Catch 19 Pokémon | 2019 XP |
| Catch 19 Pokémon | 2019 XP |
| Completing | x20,  x1, x9
|
Throwback Challenge Champion
Throwback Challenge Champion is a set of research tasks that runs from June 3, 2020 1 p.m. until June 8, 2020 1 p.m. local time. This challenges provides a Special Research only accessible to players who have completed the Timed Research Throwback Challenge 2020: Kanto, Throwback Challenge 2020: Sinnoh, Throwback Challenge 2020: Hoenn and Throwback Challenge 2020: Johto. This challenge gives various Galarian Form Pokémon as rewards, as well as Genesect as a final reward. Unlike other challenges, Throwback Challenge Champion is not time limited and can be completed at a later date.
Ticketed events
Ticketed Special Researches are available to players who purchased a ticket with real money in the in-game shop. Story events for those research occur on event days such as raid days with specific bosses or community days. The ticket disappears from the player's Bag once the event ends. Players who do not complete the Special Research during the event can still do so later as the research may be altered with alternate tasks less reliant on event encounters.
EX Raid Boss introduction
Those special researches give exclusive access to new EX Raid bosses before they are formally introduced to the EX raid rotation the following month.
A Colossal Discovery
A Colossal Discovery is available to players who purchased a ticket with real money in the in-game shop between October 24 and November 2, 2019.[2] The story event takes place on November 2, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. It is a four-part Special Research that, upon completion, allows players to catch Regigigas before it becomes available in EX Raids in December 2019.
Along with the rewards listed for completing the Special Research tasks, players with the ticket can also receive up to 10 additional free Raid Passes from spinning Gyms during the event period. Ticket holders may also receive event-exclusive Field Research tasks from spinning PokéStops.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | |
| Catch a Regirock, Regice, or Registeel from a raid
Win 3 raids (after event) |
3000 XP |
| Catch 7 Rock-type Pokémon
Catch 49 Pokémon (after event) |
|
| Evolve 7 Rock-type Pokémon | 
|
| Completing 1/4 | ×3, ×3000, ×10
|
| 2/4 | |
| Catch a Regirock, Regice, or Registeel from a raid
Win 3 raids (after event) |
3000 XP |
| Catch 7 Ice-type Pokémon
Catch 49 Pokémon (after event) |
|
| Evolve 7 Ice-type Pokémon | 
|
| Completing 2/4 |  ×1, ×3000, ×10
|
| 3/4 | |
| Catch a Regirock, Regice, or Registeel from a raid
Win 3 raids (after event) |
3000 XP |
| Catch 7 Steel-type Pokémon
Catch 49 Pokémon (after event) |
|
| Evolve 7 Steel-type Pokémon | 
|
| Completing 3/4 | ×1, ×3000, ×10
|
| 4/4 | |
| Take a snapshot of Regirock
Take 7 snapshots of Rock-type Pokémon (after event) |
3000 XP |
| Take a snapshot of Regice
Take 7 snapshots of Ice-type Pokémon (after event) |
3000 XP |
| Take a snapshot of Registeel
Take 7 snapshots of Steel-type Pokémon (after event) |
3000 XP |
| Completing 4/4 |  ,  ×10, 
|
A Drive to Investigate
A Drive to Investigate is available to players who purchased a ticket with real money in the in-game shop from March 17, 2020 to March 26, 2020. The story event takes place from March 20, 2020 at 8 a.m. to March 26, 2020 at 10 p.m. local time. It is a five-part Special Research that allows players to catch Genesect before it becomes available in EX Raids in April 2020.[3]
Along with the rewards listed for completing the Special Research tasks, players with the ticket can also receive up to 5 additional free Raid Passes from spinning Gyms during the event period. Ticket holders may also receive event-exclusive Field Research tasks from spinning PokéStops.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/5 | |
| Battle another Trainer 5 times | ×1000
|
| Catch 25 Normal-type Pokémon | ×3
|
| Give your buddy 1 treats | 
|
| Completing 1/5 | ×5,  , 
|
| 2/5 | |
| Power up a Pokémon 5 times | ×1000
|
| Catch 25 Fire-type Pokémon | ×3
|
| Send 3 gifts to friends | 
|
| Completing 2/5 | ×3,  , ×3
|
| 3/5 | |
| Transfer 3 Pokémon | ×1000
|
| Catch 25 Water-type Pokémon | ×3
|
| Hatch an Egg | 
|
| Completing 3/5 | ×3,  , 
|
| 4/5 | |
| Make 3 Great Throws in a row | ×1000
|
| Catch 25 Electric-type Pokémon | ×3
|
| Play with your buddy | 
|
| Completing 4/5 | ×3,  , ×1
|
| 5/5 | |
| Battle a Team Leader 3 times | ×1000
|
| Catch 25 Ice-type Pokémon | ×3
|
| Take 3 snapshots of Genesect | 
|
| Completing 5/5 |  ×1,  ×10, ×3
|
Community Day
From March 2020 on, optional Special Researches are proposed for enhanced game play experience during monthly Community Day.
Investigating Illusions
Investigating Illusions is available to players who purchased a ticket with real money in the in-game shop. The ticket was initially planned to be sold between March 14 and March 15, 2020 with the story event taking place on March 15, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time on the day of the Abra Community Day, but the whole event was postponed worldwide to April 25, 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. It is a four-part Special Research.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | |
| Catch 10 Abra |  ×20
|
| Power Up Pokémon 10 Times | x10
|
| Make 5 Nice Throws | 
|
| Completing 1/4 | ×2000, ×1,
|
| 2/4 | |
| Catch 15 Abra | ×20
|
| Evolve 3 Abra | 1000 XP |
| Transfer 10 Pokémon | 
|
| Completing 2/4 | ×2000, ×1, ×1
|
| 3/4 | |
| Make 3 Great Curveball Throws | ×20
|
| Evolve 1 Kadabra | ×5
|
| Transfer 10 Pokémon | 1500 XP |
| Completing 3/4 | ×2000, ×1,  ×1
|
| 4/4 | |
| Claim reward! | ×5000
|
| Claim reward! | 1500 XP |
| Claim reward! | ×5
|
| Completing 4/4 | ×2000, ×3, 
|
Event-exclusive Special Research
These are sets of Special Research that are exclusive to certain real-world events.
GO Fest 2018
Special Research was available to players at the GO Fest 2018 held at Chicago, Illinois on July 14 and 15, 2018.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/5 | |
| Spin 15 PokéStops or Gyms | 500 XP |
| Earn 1 Candy walking with your buddy | 500 XP |
| Catch 15 Pokémon | 500 XP |
| Completing 1/5 | ×1000, ×3, ×50
|
| 2/5 | |
| Catch 10 Fire-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 10 Water-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 10 Grass-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 10 Steel-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 10 Rock-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 10 Ice-type Pokémon | 
|
| Completing 2/5 | ×2000, ×3, ×20
|
| 3/5 | |
| Catch 7 Unown
Catch 7 Psychic-type Pokémon (after event) |
1500 XP |
| Spin 20 PokéStops or Gyms | 1500 XP |
| Hatch 3 Eggs | 1500 XP |
| Completing 3/5 | , ×10, ×3000
|
| 4/5 | |
| Catch 5 Plusle | 2000 XP |
| Catch 5 Minun | 2000 XP |
| Completing 4/5 | ×4000, ×10, ×20
|
| 5/5 | |
| Claim reward! | 2018 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2018 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2018 XP |
| Completing 5/5 | ×5000, ×3, ×3
|
Pokémon GO Safari Zone in YOKOSUKA
Special Research was available to players at the Pokémon GO Safari Zone in YOKOSUKA event held from August 29 to September 2, 2018.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/2 | |
| Spin 3 PokéStops or Gyms | ×3
|
| Catch 10 Beldum |
|
| Catch 10 Ralts | 
|
| Catch 10 Slakoth | 
|
| Hatch 3 Eggs | 3000 XP |
| Completing 1/2 | ×10, ×20, ×10
|
| 2/2 | |
| Claim reward! | 2018 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2018 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2018 XP |
| Completing 2/2 | ×100000
|
GO Fest 2019—Chicago
Special Research was available to players at the GO Fest 2019 Chicago held at Chicago, Illinois from June 14 to 16, 2019.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/5 | |
| Spin 7 PokéStops or Gyms | ×25
|
| Make 3 new friends | ×10
|
| Send 3 Gifts to Friends | ×1
|
| Completing 1/5 | ×25, ×15, ×15
|
| 2/5 | |
| Catch 5 different species of Fairy-type Pokémon |
|
| Catch 5 different species of Water-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 5 different species of Grass-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 5 different species of Steel-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 5 different species of Rock-type Pokémon |
|
| Completing 2/5 | ×3, ×5, ×5
|
| 3/5 | |
| Catch 3 Unown
Hatch 3 Eggs (after event) |
×1
|
| Take a snapshot of Ralts in its GO Fest habitat
Take 5 snapshots of Fairy-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Take a snapshot of Gastly in its GO Fest habitat
Take 5 snapshots of Ghost-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Take a snapshot of Hippopotas in its GO Fest habitat
Take 5 snapshots of Ground-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Take a snapshot of Snover in its GO Fest habitat
Take 5 snapshots of Ice-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Take a snapshot of Horsea in its GO Fest habitat
Take 5 snapshots of Water-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Completing 3/5 | ×5000, ×5, ×1
|
| 4/5 | |
| Claim reward! | 2019 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2019 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2019 XP |
| Completing 4/5 |
|
| 5/5 | |
| Trade for 3 Pokémon from at least 100 km away
Evolve 3 Pokémon (after event) |
×3
|
| Hatch 5 Eggs | ×3
|
| Take 3 snapshots of Jirachi | ×1
|
| Completing 5/5 | ×20, ×5, ×5000
|
GO Fest 2019—Dortmund
Special Research was available to players at the GO Fest 2019 Dortmund held at Dortmund, Germany from July 4 to 7, 2019.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/5 | |
| Spin 7 PokéStops or Gyms | ×25
|
| Make 3 new friends | ×10
|
| Send 3 Gifts to Friends | ×1
|
| Completing 1/5 | ×25, ×15, ×15
|
| 2/5 | |
| Catch 5 different species of Ground-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 5 different species of Water-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 5 different species of Psychic-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 5 different species of Steel-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 5 different species of Bug-type Pokémon |
|
| Completing 2/5 | ×3, ×5, ×5
|
| 3/5 | |
| Catch 3 Unown
Hatch 3 Eggs (after event) |
×1
|
| Take a snapshot of Nidoran♂ in its GO Fest habitat
Take 1 snapshot of Ground-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Take a snapshot of Feebas in its GO Fest habitat
Take 1 snapshots of Water-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Take a snapshot of Scyther in its GO Fest habitat
Take 1 snapshot of Grass-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Take a snapshot of Meditite in its GO Fest habitat
Take 1 snapshot of Psychic-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Take a snapshot of Magnemite in its GO Fest habitat
Take 1 snapshots of Steel-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Completing 3/5 | ×5000, ×5, ×1
|
| 4/5 | |
| Claim reward! | 2019 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2019 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2019 XP |
| Completing 4/5 |
|
| 5/5 | |
| Trade for 3 Pokémon from at least 100km away
Evolve 3 Pokémon (after event) |
×3
|
| Hatch 5 Eggs | ×3
|
| Take 3 snapshots of Jirachi | ×1
|
| Completing 5/5 | ×20, ×5, ×5000
|
GO Fest 2019—Yokohama
Special Research was available to players at the GO Fest 2019 Yokohama held at Yokohama, Japan from August 6 to 12, 2019.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/5 | |
| Spin 7 PokéStops or Gyms | ×25
|
| Make 3 new friends | ×10
|
| Send 3 Gifts to Friends | ×1
|
| Completing 1/5 | ×25, ×15, ×15
|
| 2/5 | |
| Catch 5 different species of Ice-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 8 different species of Water-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 3 different species of Grass-type Pokémon |
|
| Catch 5 different species of Flying-type Pokémon | 
|
| Catch 3 different species of Normal-type Pokémon | 
|
| Completing 2/5 | ×3, ×5, ×5
|
| 3/5 | |
| Catch 3 Unown
Hatch 3 Eggs (after event) |
×1
|
| Take a snapshot of Snorunt in the Snowy Habitat
Take 5 snapshots of Ice-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Take a snapshot of Poliwag in the Ocean Habitat
Take 5 snapshots of Water-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Take a snapshot of Lotad in the Ocean Habitat
Take 5 snapshots of Grass-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Take a snapshot of Swablu in the Cloudy Sky Habitat
Take 5 snapshots of Flying-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Take a snapshot of Taillow in the Cloudy Sky Habitat
Take 5 snapshots of Normal-type Pokémon (after event) |
×5000
|
| Completing 3/5 | ×5000, ×1, ×5
|
| 4/5 | |
| Claim reward! | 2019 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2019 XP |
| Claim reward! | 2019 XP |
| Completing 4/5 |
|
| 5/5 | |
| Trade for 3 Pokémon from at least 100km away
Evolve 3 Pokémon (after event) |
×3
|
| Hatch 5 Eggs | ×3
|
| Take 3 snapshots of Jirachi | ×1
|
| Completing 5/5 | ×20, ×5, ×500
|
Safari Zone St. Louis 2020
This Special Research was available to players who purchased ticket to the Safari Zone St Louis 2020. This event was supposed to be held in St Louis, Missouri, USA on March 27 - 29, 2020. This event was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak and the Special Research was instead made available worldwide to all ticket holders on March 27 - 29, 2020, local time at the same time and date of their original event ticket. It's a 2 part Special Research that, upon completion, rewards a shiny Teddiursa. The steps of the research were modified to prevent trainers from going outside or interacting with other players.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/2 | |
| Evolve 3 Pokémon | ×100
|
| Transfer 10 Pokémon | ×1
|
| Catch 10 Different Species of Pokémon | ×5
|
| Completing 1/2 | ×1, ×1, ×10
|
| 2/2 | |
| Take a Snapshot of your buddy | ×1
|
| Give your buddy 3 treats | ×100
|
| Play with your buddy 3 times | ×1
|
| Completing 2/2 | ×1,  , ×20000
|
Safari Zone Liverpool 2020
This Special Research was available to players who purchased ticket to the Safari Zone Liverpool 2020. This event was supposed to be held in Liverpool, UK on April 17 - 19, 2020. This event was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak and the Special Research was instead made available worldwide to all ticket holders on April 17 - 19, 2020, local time at the same time and date of their original event ticket. It's a 2 part Special Research that, upon completion, rewards a shiny Chinchou. The steps of the research are identical to those from the Special Research Safari Zone St. Louis 2020 with slightly altered rewards and task order.
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 1/2 | |
| Transfer 10 Pokémon | ×1
|
| Evolve 3 Pokémon | ×100
|
| Catch 10 Different Species of Pokémon | ×5
|
| Completing 1/2 | ×1, ×1, ×10
|
| 2/2 | |
| Take a Snapshot of your buddy | ×1
|
| Give your buddy 3 treats | ×100
|
| Play with your buddy 3 times | ×1
|
| Completing 2/2 | ×1,  , ×30000
|
In other languages
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See also
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This article is part of Project Sidegames, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon Sidegames. |