For the list of research campaigns that are only accessible for a specific period of time, see List of Timed Research tasks.
This is a list of all Special Research campaigns in Pokémon GO. Once a Trainer unlocks any of the Special Research campaigns, they keep that Special Research forever until they complete it. Visit the following articles for information about tasks and rewards.
Legendary and Mythical Pokémon[]
- Main article: Legendary Pokémon
- Main article: Mythical Pokémon
- Story Research
- A Mythical Discovery - Mew, unlocks at Level 15
- A Ripple in Time - Celebi, unlocks upon completing Part 6 of A Mythical Discovery
- Let's GO, Meltan - Meltan, unlocks after getting the Gold Medal for the Kanto Pokédex
- A Thousand-Year Slumber - Jirachi, unlocks upon completing Part 6 of A Ripple in Time
- Investigate a Mysterious Energy - Victini, unlocks upon completing Part 5 of A Thousand-Year Slumber
- Finding Your Voice - Meloetta
- Grass and Gratitude - Shaymin
- From A to Zygarde - 10% Forme Zygarde
- Time-restricted Research
- A Colossal Discovery - Regigigas, Ticketed Special Research
- A Drive to Investigate - Genesect, Ticketed Special Research
- Throwback Challenge Champion 2020 - Genesect, part of Throwback Challenge Champion 2020
- Distracted by Something Shiny - Shiny Celebi, unlocked by playing any time between December 14th, 2020 and February 28th, 2021
- All-in-One #151 - Shiny Mew, unlocked by completing the Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto Special Research, purchased on February 20th, 2021
- Search for Zarude! - Zarude, part of the Secrets of the Jungle Event 2021
- Misunderstood Mischief - Hoopa Confined, part of the Season of Mischief
- Mischief Unbound - Hoopa Unbound, complete Misunderstood Mischief
- A Cosmic Companion - Cosmog, part of the Season of Light
- Something Extraordinary - Keldeo, Ticketed Special Research
- Starry Skies - Cosmog, part of Solstice Horizons. Second copy available for US $5.00
Team GO Rocket[]
- Main article: Team GO Rocket
At level 8, Trainers unlock A Troubling Situation, which introduces Team GO Rocket and Shadow Pokémon. Once A Troubling Situation is complete, Trainers gain access to the currently-active Team GO Rocket Leaders research line. Additional Team GO Rocket Special Research cannot be unlocked while a previous one is in progress, making it possible to miss newer ones.
- Looming in the Shadows - November 2019
- A Challenging Development - December 2019
- The Take-Over Continues - January 2020
- A Professor’s Work is Never Done - February 2020
- The Shadowy Threat Grows - March and April 2020
- Time to Train - Unreleased, intended for May 2020
- An Inter-egg-sting Development - late 2020
- The Higher They Fly... - March 2021
- A Seven-Colored Shadow - Summer 2021
- Silent Schemes - Spring 2022
- Field Notes: Team GO Rocket - Summer 2022
- Ultra Beast Protection Efforts - November 14th, 2022 to December 1st, 2022
- Shadowy Skirmishes - February 1st, 2023 to March 1st, 2023
- From the Shadows - March 25th, 2023 to June 1st, 2023
- A Shadowy Disturbance - June 21st, 2023 to September 1st, 2023
- Showdown in the Shadows - October 26th, 2023 to December 1st, 2023
Community Day[]
- Main article: Community Day
- Celebrate 2019 - December 2019 Community Day, a bonus for the end of year
- 2020
- Investigating Illusions - Ticketed Special Research for April 2020 Community Day featuring Abra
- Seeing Double - Ticketed Special Research for May 2020 Community Day featuring Seedot
- A Hairy Situation - Unreleased Special Research for June 2020 Community Day featuring Weedle
- The Great Gastly - Ticketed Special Research for July 2020 Community Day featuring Gastly
- Making a Splash - Ticketed Special Research for August 2020 Community Day featuring Magikarp
- Decoding Porygon - Ticketed Special Research for September 2020 Community Day featuring Porygon
- A Tale of Tails - Ticketed Special Research for October 2020 Community Day featuring Charmander
- Electric for Electabuzz - Ticketed Special Research for November 2020 Community Day - Electabuzz
- No Match for Magmar - Ticketed Special Research for November 2020 Community Day - Magmar
- December Community Day - Ticketed Special Research for December 2020 Community Day
- 2021
- Straight to the Top, Machop! - Ticketed Special Research for January 2021 Community Day featuring Machop
- Stop and Smell the Roselia - Ticketed Special Research for February 2021 Community Day featuring Roselia
- The Bravest Bird - Ticketed Special Research for March 2021 Community Day featuring Fletchling
- Snivy in the Sunshine - Ticketed Special Research for April 2021 Community Day featuring Snivy
- Cotton-Winged Bird - Ticketed Special Research for May 2021 Community Day featuring Swablu
- Just a Nibble - Ticketed Special Research for June 2021 Community Day featuring Gible
- Roasted Berries - Ticketed Special Research for July 2021 Community Day featuring Tepig
- What You Choose to Be - Ticketed Special Research for August 2021 Community Day featuring Eevee
- From Scalchops to Seamitars - Ticketed Special Research for September 2021 Community Day featuring Oshawott
- Nothin' Dull About Duskull - Ticketed Special Research for October 2021 Community Day featuring Duskull
- Flash, Spark, and Gleam - Ticketed Special Research for November 2021 Community Day featuring Shinx
- December Community Day 2021 - Ticketed Special Research for December 2021 Community Day
- 2022
- The Spheal Deal - Ticketed Special Research for January 2022 Community Day featuring Spheal
- Bulbasaur Community Day Classic - Ticketed Special Research for Community Day Classic: Back to Bulbasaur featuring Bulbasaur
- A Hop, Skip, and Jump Away - Ticketed Special Research for February 2022 Community Day featuring Hoppip
- Gritty and Glacial - Ticketed Special Research for March 2022 Community Day featuring Sandshrew and Alolan Sandshrew
- Mudkip Community Day Classic - Ticketed Special Research for Community Day Classic: Memories of Mudkip featuring Mudkip
- Strong Stuff - Ticketed Special Research for April 2022 Community Day featuring Stufful
- A Rocky Road - Ticketed Special Research for May 2022 Community Day featuring Alolan Geodude
- Field Notes: Deino - Ticketed Special Research for June 2022 Community Day featuring Deino
- Field Notes: Starly - Ticketed Special Research for July 2022 Community Day featuring Starly
- Field Notes: Galarian Zigzagoon - Ticketed Special Research for August 2022 Community Day featuring Galarian Zigzagoon
- Rock 'n' Roll - Ticketed Special Research for September 2022 Community Day featuring Roggenrola
- Field Notes: Trick of the Light - Ticketed Special Research for October 2022 Community Day featuring Litwick
- Dratini Community Day Classic - Ticketed Special Research for Community Day Classic: Dreaming of Dratini featuring Dratini
- Sweet Snacks - Ticketed Special Research for November 2022 Community Day featuring Teddiursa
- December Community Day 2022 - Ticketed Special Research for December 2022 Community Day
- 2023
- Quality Quills - Ticketed Special Research for January 2023 Community Day featuring Chespin
- Larvitar Community Day Classic - Ticketed Special Research for Community Day Classic: Lounging with Larvitar featuring Larvitar
- Abundant Noise - Ticketed Special Research for February 2023 Community Day featuring Noibat
- Field Notes: Slow and Slower - Ticketed Special Research for March 2023 Community Day featuring Slowpoke and Galarian Slowpoke
- Spreading Cheer - Ticketed Special Research for April 2023 Community Day featuring Togetic
- Swinub Community Day Classic - Ticketed Special Research for April 2023 Community Day Classic featuring Swinub
- Fur and Flames - Ticketed Special Research for May 2023 Community Day featuring Fennekin
- Keeping Sharp - Ticketed Special Research for June 2023 Community Day featuring Axew
- Squirtle Community Day Classic - Ticketed Special Research for July 2023 Community Day Classic featuring Squirtle
- Slippery Swirls - Ticketed Special Research for July 2023 Community Day featuring Poliwag
- A Bubbly Disposition - Ticketed Special Research for August 2023 Community Day featuring Froakie
- Community Day Classic: Charmander - Ticketed Special Research for September 2023 Community Day Classic featuring Charmander
- Plugging Along - Ticketed Special Research for September 2023 Community Day featuring Grubbin
- Muscle Memories - Ticketed Special Research for October 2023 Community Day featuring Timburr
- A Muddy Buddy - Ticketed Special Research for November 2023 Community Day featuring Wooper and Paldean Wooper
- Community Day Classic: Mareep - Ticketed Special Research for November 2023 Community Day Classic featuring Mareep
- December Community Day 2023 - Ticketed Special Research for December 2023 Community Day
- 2024
- Of a Feather - Ticketed Special Research for January 2024 Community Day featuring Rowlet
- Community Day Classic: Porygon - Ticketed Special Research for January 2024 Community Day Classic featuring Porygon
- The Shape of Happiness - Ticketed Special Research for February 2024 Community Day featuring Chansey
- All Fired Up - Ticketed Special Research for March 2024 Community Day featuring Litten
Level-specific Researches[]
- Main article: Trainer experience
- Level 43 Challenge - Research for Trainers reaching level 43
- Level 45 Challenge - Research for Trainers reaching level 45
- Level 48 Challenge - Research for Trainers reaching level 48
- Level 50 Challenge - Research for Trainers reaching level 50
Halloween[]
- Main article: Halloween
- A Spooky Message - Halloween 2018 and 2019
- A Spooky Message Unmasked - Halloween 2020
- What Lies beneath the Mask? - Halloween 2021
- Mysterious Masks - Halloween 2022
GO Fest[]
- Main article: Pokémon GO Fest
- 2018
- GO Fest 2018 - Ticketed Special Research
- 2019
- 2020
- GO Fest 2020: Welcome! - Ticketed Special Research for Day 1 of GO Fest 2020
- GO Fest 2020: Rocket Straight to Victory - Ticketed Special Research for Day 2 of GO Fest 2020
- 2021
- The Melody Pokémon - Ticketed Special Research for Day 1 of GO Fest 2021
- Strange Rings - Day 2 of GO Fest 2021
- 2022
- Pokémon GO Fest 2022 - Ticketed Special Research for Day 1 of GO Fest 2022, with Catch, Explore and Battle version, and Relaxed, Standard and Master difficulty
- Rhi's Arrival - Day 2 of GO Fest 2022
- A Radiant World - Ticketed Special Research for Day 2 of GO Fest 2022
- Pokémon GO Fest: Berlin - Ticketed Special Research for Pokémon GO Fest 2022 Berlin
- Pokémon GO Fest: Seattle - Ticketed Special Research for Pokémon GO Fest 2022 Seattle
- Pokémon GO Fest: Sapporo - Ticketed Special Research for Pokémon GO Fest 2022 Sapporo
- Willow's Return - Pokémon GO Fest 2022 Finale
- A Radiant Reunion - Ticketed Special Research for GO Fest 2022 Finale after completing Willow’s Return
- 2023
- GO Fest 2023: Osaka Park Adventure - Ticketed Special Research for Pokémon GO Fest 2023: Osaka
- GO Fest 2023: Osaka City Sights - Ticketed Special Research for Pokémon GO Fest 2023: Osaka
- GO Fest 2023: London Park Adventure - Ticketed Special Research for Pokémon GO Fest 2023: London
- GO Fest 2023: London City Sights - Ticketed Special Research for Pokémon GO Fest 2023: London
- GO Fest 2023: New York City Park Adventure - Ticketed Special Research for Pokémon GO Fest 2023: New York City
- GO Fest 2023: New York City Sights - Ticketed Special Research for Pokémon GO Fest 2023: New York City
- GO Fest 2023: Fascinating Facets - Ticketed Special Research for Day 1 of Pokémon GO Fest 2023: Global
- GO Fest 2023: Sky-High - Day 2 of Pokémon GO Fest 2023: Global
- GO Fest 2023: Super Sky-High - Ticketed Special Research for Day 2 of Pokémon GO Fest 2023: Global
GO Tour[]
- Kanto
- Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto - Ticketed Special Research, Shiny Ditto
- All-in-One #151 - Ticketed Special Research, Shiny Mew
- Johto
- Pokémon GO Tour: Johto - Ticketed Special Research, Shiny Gyarados, Celebi that knows Magical Leaf
- Masterwork Research: Apex - Ticketed Special Research, Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh
- GO Tour: Live - Step into Kanto - Ticketed Special Research, Shiny Mewtwo
- Hoenn
- Primal Rumblings - Free Special Research, rewards Ticket that lets Trainers chose between Ruby and Sapphire version
- Masterwork Research: Wish Granted - Ticketed Special Research, Shiny Jirachi
- Pokémon GO Tour: Hoenn - An Uneasy Alliance - Ticketed Special Research for Las Vegas
- Pokémon GO Tour: Hoenn - Chasing Legends - Free Special Research for Global
- Sinnoh
- GO Tour 2024: Road to Sinnoh - Free Special Research, lets Trainers chose between Diamond and Pearl version
- Masterwork Research: Glimmers of Gratitude Ticketed Special Research, Shiny Shaymin
- GO Tour 2024: Looking for the Boss Ticketed Special Research for Los Angeles
- GO Tour 2024: It's About Time (and Space) Free Special Research for Global
Safari Zone[]
- Main article: Pokémon GO Safari Zone
- Safari Zone Yokosuka - Ticketed Special Research
- Safari Zone St. Louis 2020 - Ticketed Special Research
- Safari Zone Liverpool 2020 - Ticketed Special Research
- Safari Zone Philadelphia 2020 - Ticketed Special Research
- Safari Zone Seville 2022 - Ticketed Special Research
- Safari Zone Goyang 2022 - Ticketed Special Research
- Safari Zone New Taipei City 2022 - Ticketed Special Research
- City Safari: Seoul 2023 - Ticketed Special Research
- Seoul City Safari: The Journey Continues - Ticketed Special Research
- City Safari: Barcelona 2023 - Ticketed Special Research
- Barcelona City Safari: The Journey Continues - Ticketed Special Research
- City Safari: Mexico City 2023 - Ticketed Special Research
- Mexico City Safari: The Journey Continues - Ticketed Special Research
Ticketed Researches[]
- Throwback Challenge Celebration 2020 - Ticketed Special Research
- Tap... Tap... Tappity-Tap... - Ticketed Special Research for Galarian Mr. Mime Event
- City Spotlight 2020 - Ticketed Special Research
- Pokémon Air Adventures 2022 - Ticketed Special Research
- Special Research: Master Ball - Ticketed Special Research for Party Up!, only available to accounts that did not complete Timed Investigation: Master Ball before the start of the event
Other Researches[]
- Jump-Start Research - 3rd Anniversary, reintroduced in the 4th Anniversary and the 5th Anniversary if not completed before
- A Mega Discovery - Introduction to Mega Evolution, Mega Beedrill, August 27th, 2020
Season of Legends[]
- Season of Legends - March 1st, 2021
- BIDOOF - Bidoof Day, July 1st, 2021
Season of Heritage[]
- Voltorb from the Hisui Region?! - Power Plant, January 19th, 2022
- Professor's Research - Available through a code found on the Professor Willow TCG Card
Season of Alola[]
- A Melemele Adventure - Season of Alola, March 1st, 2022
- An Akala Adventure - Season of Alola, March 22nd, 2022
- April Fools' 2-Oh?-22 - April Fools' Day Event, April 1st, 2022
- An Ula'ula Adventure - Season of Alola, April 12th, 2022
- A Mega Moment - Update to Mega Evolution, April 29th, 2022
- A Poni Adventure - Season of Alola, May 10th, 2022
- Alola to Alola - Season of Alola, May 25th, 2022
Season of GO[]
- An Intriguing Incense Part 1 - July 25th, 2022
- An Intriguing Incense Part 2 - July 25th, 2022
Season of Light[]
- Season of Light Partner Research - Season of Light, September 1st, 2022
- Ultra Beast Arrival - Ultra Beast Arrival, November 27th, 2022
Season 10: Rising Heroes[]
- Let's GO! - Let's GO!, March 21st, 2023
- Pidgey Pandemonium - April Fowl's Day: Pidgey Pandemonium, April 1st, 2023
- A Mystic Hero - A Mystic Hero, April 13th - 17th, 2023
- An Instinctive Hero - An Instinctive Hero, May 2nd - 8th, 2023
- A Valorous Hero - A Valorous Hero, May 11th - 17th, 2023
Hidden Gems[]
- Catching Some Z's - received by pairing a Pokémon GO Plus + with Pokémon GO
Adventures Abound[]
- A Paldean Adventure - Adventures Abound, September 5th - December 1st, 2023
- Welcome Party - October 16th, 2023
Timeless Travels[]
- A Route to New Friendships - Along the Routes, December 5th, 2023
- Timeless Travels - Adamant Time, December 11th, 2023