Types of research (Field Research, Special Research, Timed Research, Breakthrough)
Getting startedLast checked 2026-10-31
In 3 lines
- Research gives you rewards for finishing tasks, and it splits into Field Research, Special Research, Timed Research and more, depending on where you get it and its time limit.
- You get Field Research by spinning PokéStops, and once you collect 7 stamps (one a day), a Research Breakthrough reward opens.
- Pokémon from research rewards are level 15, have at least 10 in every IV and are easy to catch.
Types of research
| Type | Where you get it | Time limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Research | When you spin a PokéStop | None | You can usually hold up to 3 at a time |
| Special Research | Automatically when an event starts or you meet a condition | None | Continues over several steps; can't be done again once finished |
| Timed Research | Often automatic when an event starts | Set period | Must be finished within the period |
| Collection Challenge | Events | Set period | Done when you catch all the listed Pokémon; Elite Collector medal |
| GO Pass | Every month | Set period | Earn GO Points to raise your rank and get rewards (Understanding the GO Pass) |
Research Breakthrough
- Each time you finish a Field Research task, you get a stamp, once a day.
- Collect 7 stamps to open a Research Breakthrough and encounter the reward Pokémon.
- You get only one stamp a day, so finishing one task every day for 7 days is the fastest way.
Research reward Pokémon
- They appear at level 15 (Legendary Pokémon from GO Pass rewards are level 20).
- Their Attack, Defense and HP IVs are all 10 or higher, so you're more likely to get a better one than in the wild (How to read IVs and appraisals).
- They have a 2× catch bonus, so they're easy to catch (Throwing and catch rates).
During events
During events, Field Research with the event's theme shows up more often, or Special Research and Timed Research open alongside it. The 'Research' section of each event page lists the tasks and rewards (Events).
Checklist
- Spin PokéStops to fill up 3 Field Research tasks
- Finish one a day to collect 7 stamps
- Finish Timed Research within its period
Sources
- Bulbapedia: Research (GO)) — research types, reward Pokémon level and IVs, 7 stamps
- Site data: event research tasks come from the event pages, which summarize LeekDuck event posts
Upcoming major eventsSee all
More in Getting started
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- How to use PogoHelp tools (IV calculator, PvP, calendar subscription, My Pokédex)Enter CP, HP and the Power Up Stardust in the IV calculator, and it finds every possible IV combination.
- How to read IVs and appraisalsIVs run from 0 to 15 for each of Attack, Defense and HP, and appraisal stars are set by the sum of the three (0–45).
- Trading and Lucky PokémonYou can trade from Trainer level 10 with a friend within 100 m, and the higher your friendship level, the less Stardust it costs.
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- How to tidy up your bag and Pokémon storageYour bag (items) and Pokémon storage have a set number of slots, and you can add 50 slots at a time with PokéCoins in the shop.
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