Final Worldwide Pokémon Go Research Challenge Begins!

This summer, Niantic and The Pokémon Company have been giving Pokémon Go fans a reason to get outside and “catch em’ all” with their Summer Tour 2018. This season-long event has already delivered rewards for the entire Pokémon Go community. This weekend wraps up the Summer Tour with Professor Willow’s final Global Research Challenge.

Starting today and running through September 2, players will have the opportunity to unlock special rewards, provided the global community can complete their research tasks. These tasks are global goals, wherein each region must complete their specific task. This event is linked to the Pokémon Go Safari event occurring in Yokosuka, Japan this weekend. In order to unlock these rewards, each region will have to complete a certain amount of research tasks. Those attending the event in Japan must complete 100,000 research tasks, while all other region must complete 5,000,000. If all regions come together and achieve these goals, all participants will unlock the following:

• Bonus Stardust for catching Pokémon
• Bonus Stardust for hatching Eggs
• 3,000 Stardust for Raids, starting September 3
• Unlockable bonus to earn Star Pieces
• Trainers will unlock Shiny Moltres Day and receive 5 free Raid Passes

Moreover, if Trainers complete this last research challenge, they will receive the mystery Ultra Bonus Unlock. To further commemorate this event, Niantic and The Pokémon Company have released flocks of Wingull across the world, including the Pokémon’s shiny variation.

The last Global Research events were centered around Pokémon Go Fests, which occurred in Chicago and Dortmund. By successful completing these tasks, Trainers unlocked both Shiny Moltres and Zapdos Raid events. If Trainers are able to get out and participate in the event, they will be able to unlock the final Raid event and have the chance to catch all three Legendary Birds.

Travis Williamson

Travis is a gamer, writer, and cat lover from the greater Pittsburgh area. While he is a multi-genre gamer, there is a special place in his heart for fighting games - particularly the Super Smash Bros. franchise. Outside of gaming, Travis enjoys embarking on pizza and Rupaul’s Drag Race benders.