Ah, Pokémon GO! It’s a game that can spark joy with its dynamic features and occasionally frustrates us when we have to catch elusive critters like Ditto. One aspect I find particularly interesting is Research. It can be a satisfying challenge or an exercise in patience, depending on the task at hand. Let’s take a moment to break down what types of research are available and how they work.
Where to Find your Current Research?
Your first step is locating those research tasks. If you look to the bottom right corner of your screen, you’ll spot a pair of binoculars. When this icon is orange, it indicates you have completed some research and need to claim your rewards. If it’s light grey, well, more tasks await!
Clicking on these binoculars will direct you to the Today tab, where you can keep track of your field research tasks and monitor your progress toward encounters. If you swipe right, you’ll see the Events Tab filled with timed research related to current events and any collection challenges you might want to tackle. Swiping left brings up the Special Research tab. Here you’ll find multi-part stories that can be collapsed for easier navigation, plus a history of all completed tasks.
Timed Research
This type revolves around specific time-sensitive tasks tied closely to ongoing events within the game. Completing these challenges unlocks rewards progressively, valuable items and Pokémon encounters await those who act quickly! But beware: they disappear into the ether if you’re late to finish them.
Collection Challenges
If filling out collections sounds appealing, Collection Challenges are perfect for you! These require catching or evolving certain Pokémon during events for rewards at the end. You can proudly display your achievements via medals in your Trainer profile; look out for that green center indicating how many collection challenges you’ve completed.
Field Research
This one’s simple yet rewarding. Players pick up Field Research tasks by spinning PokéStops’ Photo Discs, one per day from each stop! These tasks range from making excellent throws to battling in raids; they’re as varied as fun! You can hold onto four active Field Research tasks at once but remember: only three can come from PokéStops unless you’re lucky enough to snag Bonus Research.
After completing a task and claiming its reward, you’ll free up space for another task while earning stamps towards an extraordinary reward encounter after seven stamps.
You may also notice some Field Research reflecting seasonal themes or current events with gold borders labeled “Event.”
Tip: Team up with friends while completing these! You’ll receive matching tasks if you visit PokéStops together.
Sponsored Field Research
If you’ve ever spun a Photo Disc at sponsored locations marked on your map, congratulations, you’ve encountered Sponsored Field Research! This works just like standard Field Research but adds an extra level of excitement by featuring unique rewards.
These appear alongside other tasks in your Binoculars menu with distinguishing labels. Like regular ones, they contribute toward your overall progress too!
Special Research
This feature introduces players to captivating storylines primarily led by Professor Willow and other characters within Pokémon GO. Completing these quests usually reveals legendary or mythical Pokémon while offering hefty rewards.
Unlike Field Research, Special ones can’t be picked up from PokéStops and don’t grant stamps upon completion; instead, expect direct communication from Professor Willow regarding new quests.
There’s no rush here, enjoy these narratives without feeling pressured!
Paid Research
If you’re looking for something extra special during events like Raid Days, consider purchasing Paid Research tickets in the shop under ‘Global Events’. Make sure whichever ticket you select aligns with what kind of experience you’re seeking since some offer Timed challenges while others delve into Special territory.
Masterwork Research
This paid research variant presents players with challenging tasks leading to exclusive bonuses if successfully tackled. It requires dedication but promises powerful Pokémon encounters locked behind these stories such as shiny Mew or Jirachi among others.
Community Day Research
Diving into Community Day? Consider grabbing a Community Day research ticket that ties specifically into featured Pokémon activities during those events; it boosts chances at exclusive moves alongside extra Stardust rewarded through successfully finishing related objectives.
Remember: trying to complete community day research after its conclusion can lead to frustration since featured Pokémon aren’t always readily available outside event windows.
Tip: During community days, when all Field Tasks focus on catching three featured Pokémon, stack those encounters before diving deep into capturing any high-IV shinies!
Level-Up Research
Certain levels require XP accumulation and completing their respective Level-Up Tasks before advancing further past level 40—a necessary milestone every Trainer must conquer before proceeding onward!
What do you think about all this? Have you had any memorable experiences tackling different types of research? Please share them below, I’m eager to hear about it!
