List of Special Research tasks

Here are listed all tasks and rewards for Special Research campaigns.

A Mythical Discovery
A Mythical Discovery is the first series of Special Research tasks. It is split into eight parts with sets of three Research tasks and rewards. Each Research task, within a step, awards some XP and completing all three will reward a Trainer with Stardust or Items. The final task is to catch Mew, the Mythical Pokémon from the Kanto region.

First part
The first part of the series of Special Research tasks is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

Trainer, how are you? It's been a while, hasn't it? You've become quite the Trainer! I wanted to ask for your help. As you know, I study Pokémon and their habitats. I've learned a lot over the years, but recently, I've found some hints of something mysterious. I was wondering if you would help me investigate what's going on. You will? That's great! First things first, let's calibrate my instruments to your area. Could you please complete the following research tasks?

Second part
The second part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the first part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

Great. Thanks, Trainer! Now I should be able to detect anything out of the ordinary. I believe we need to be on the lookout for a Mythical Pokémon! Mythical Pokémon are extremely rare and unique, and many consider their existence to be mere rumor. Could you help get my equipment set up around your local habitat? This'll be a great time to take your buddy out to explore a bit and hatch some Eggs! Please complete the following research tasks.

Third part
The third part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the second part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

Incredible! This confirms my initial suspicion. I think we're seeing evidence of Mew! A Pokémon found in a jungle far to the south that was thought to have been extinct. It is so rare that many experts say that it is a myth. Only a few people have seen it worldwide. Apparently, it appears only to those people who are pure of heart and have a strong desire to see it. My colleagues in Kanto, including my instructor, Professor Oak, spent a long time studying Mew. It looks like our findings match theirs! According to our research, Mew was said to be observed using moves of all kinds. This observation has led some of us to say that Mew is the ancestor of all Pokémon! Perhaps by studying Pokémon in battle, we'll learn more! Please perform the following research tasks.

Fourth part
The fourth part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the third part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

Great work, Trainer! This will help point us in the right direction. Did you know Mew is said to hold the genetic codes of all Pokémon? Mew's secrets could be a link to understanding the mystery of Pokémon growth and Evolution! Let's study some Pokémon Evolution to learn more about Mew! Please perform these research tasks for me.

Fifth part
The fifth part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the fourth part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

Amazing. Just amazing! Isn't Evolution wondrous? I learn something new every time I see it! With the data we've collected so far, I should be able to pinpoint Mew's location! It looks like... Yes, it looks like Mew has visited your area recently! Hmm... Interesting. If that's the case, someone should have reported a sighting... Maybe Mew is hiding or disguised as another Pokémon? Let's study some other Pokémon that use these tricks and the best ways to catch them! Please perform the following research tasks.

Sixth part
The sixth part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the fifth part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

Thank you, Trainer! With your help, I've determined that Mew is invisible! Let's collect some data to build a tool to find it. I have an idea... I'll need you to study some powerful Pokémon up close to help me out! Could you complete the following research tasks?

Seventh part
The seventh part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the sixth part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

Nice! My prototype is functioning well. I've upgraded your AR camera with the new ability to see invisible Pokémon! The final step is to lure out Mew. Mew is said only to appear to those who are pure of heart and have a strong desire to meet it... Let's show Mew what a great Trainer you are and how excited we are to see it! Please carry out the following research tasks.

Eighth part
The eighth and final part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the seventh part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

We found Mew! Awesome! This is an experience to remember forever. Now you can see why I love studying Pokémon so much! The whole world is out there to discover. So go have some fun! My assistants and I will request some Special Research from you in the future. Stay in touch!

GO Fest 2018
The second series of Special Research tasks was exclusively available for the Pokémon GO Fest 2018 attendants and its main reward was Johto-region Mythical Pokémon encounter &mdash; Celebi. This set of Special Research tasks is split on 5 parts. It could be completed simultaneously with A Mythical Discovery series of Special Research tasks.

First part
The first part of this series of Special Research tasks will be introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

Trainer! Thank goodness you made it. I was ready for a fun-filled day of playing with Pokémon, but as you may have seen, the park has all sorts of unusual geological phenomena occurring! We need to figure out what’s happening and set it right, so I'm asking for your help. Now that you’re here, I need you to be part of my Elite Research team. First things first—could you help survey the park and get some supplies? Please complete the following research tasks.

Second part
The second part of the series of Special Research tasks will be available after the first part has been completed and it will be introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

Yowzers! As you may have noticed, the park has all sorts of unusual geological phenomena going on today! I’m not sure what could have caused it—they just appeared out of nowhere...and they seem to be getting bigger and bigger! Whatever is causing it, the local park habitat here is quite disrupted by all the changes. The local Pokémon have become confused… It looks like they’re acting more aggressive and territorial! Let's see if we can help out by catching some Pokémon to make the situation a bit more stable. Please catch 10 Fire-, Steel-, Water-, Grass-, Rock-, or Ice-type Pokémon!

A Ripple in Time
On August, 2018, Celebi became available world-wide. Trainers who have already obtained Celebi at GO Fest, are able to earn Candy for their Celebi. Trainers who are still working on their "A Mythical Discovery" task are to start working on Ripple in Time tasks as long as they have completed the third part of Mythical Discovery.

First part
The first part of this series of Special Research tasks is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

Trainer, you’ve been such a help in conducting Field Research and Special Research! I have a feeling that there’s so much more about this world that we’ve yet to discover, and I’m glad I can count on you to see it through. I’ve been doing some experiments of my own, and I suspect that I’m onto a further exciting discovery about another Mythical Pokémon that’s rarely seen. Would you mind completing these tasks while I conclude my studies?

Second part
The second part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the first part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

Wow, you and your Pokémon have some amazing power! But according to my most recent data, it seems that the Mythical Pokémon I’m tracking only appears in times of peace. Also, from what I’ve gathered, it seems fond of forests and lush greens. Would you mind exploring this further, Trainer?

Third part
The third part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the second part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog. Excellent work, Trainer! I feel we’re getting closer to this Mythical Pokémon. I wonder if we can find some more friends for it by hatching some Eggs. Ah, and maybe you could put that Sun Stone you’ve earned to good use as well?

Fourth part
The fourth part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the third part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog. Oh wow, is that an Eevee you’ve caught? Perfect timing! Did you know that this Pokémon’s unstable genetic makeup enables it to take on one of several different Evolutions? I’ll bet if you spend some time with it during the day, you’ll be able to evolve your Eevee into an Espeon—a Psychic-type Pokémon just like the Mythical Pokémon I’m researching!

Fifth part
The fifth part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the fourth part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog. Oh wow, is that an Eevee you’ve caught? Perfect timing! Wait... Have we...had this conversation already? I’m getting a funny feeling in the back of my mind—like we’ve been here before. Trainer, would you spend some time with this Eevee during the night? I think you’ll be able to see an intriguing evolved form as a result. I wonder if this funny feeling will recur...

Sixth part
The sixth part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the fifth part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog. Trainer, I have some exciting news! That funny feeling hasn’t returned, but I did some important reading and learned that the Mythical Pokémon we’re researching has the ability to travel across time! Maybe that’s why all of this is occurring...or recurring... Maybe this Pokémon is nearby?! I suggest that you collect samples over the course of the next week and experiment with some Evolution items to see whether that feeling occurs again. While you’re at it, do you have any Pinap Berries? My research could benefit from more data on their use. Return with that, and you can have these exotic Silver Pinap Berries!

Seventh part
The seventh part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the sixth part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog. This data is so helpful. Thank you! I’ll use it to explore my theory. While you were in the field, I made more headway in learning about this Mythical Pokémon, and it seems that its mere presence causes grass and trees to flourish. I think if you catch more Grass-type Pokémon, this elusive time-traveling Pokémon will reveal itself!

Eighth part
The eighth and final part of the series of Special Research tasks is available after the seventh part has been completed and is introduced by Professor Willow in the following dialog.

Trainer, what an amazing experience! The appearance of the Mythical Pokémon Celebi is thought to be a sign that a bright and shining future awaits us. You’ve come a long way in your research, and I must say you’re inspiring me to discover even more Pokémon. Until next time, Trainer!

Safari Zone: Yokosuka
There was a Special Research tasks series for Safari Zone in Yokosuka, 2018, attendants, which was titled in game "Pokémon GO Safari Zone in Yokosuka". It was similar to the Special Research tasks series from GO Fest 2018, but it only had two parts.

First part
These were tasks for the first part of this Research tasks series. Trainer! Thank goodness you made it to this important research site. I came to study Pokémon that commonly appear in this area, but it seems I need your help! The species of Pokémon I've observed today don't normally appear around here. What a strange occurrence! Would you be willing to travel throughout the park and perform some tasks for me? With all these wild Pokémon around, it almost feels like a safari! Please complete the following research tasks:

Second part
These was the second and last part of this Special Research tasks series. Wow, great work today! In addition to completing some insightful research, you've skillfully helped me document the amazing nature around us and the fascinating migration patterns that Pokémon follow. I have a feeling there's even more to discover out here! The results of your work have produced an awesome amount of Stardust. Perhaps you could find good use for it in powering up or trading a Pokémon! Enjoy, Trainer!

A Spooky Message
A Spooky Message is a Special Research task series that ties into the Halloween event for 2018. It is a three-part quest that awards the player with Spiritomb. There is significant number of "108" featured across the Research tasks of this series, as the reference to the Spiritomb's Pokédex entry from core game series.

First part
The first part of the series involves using 108 berries to assist in capturing Pokémon.

Oh, Trainer! You've dropped by just in time. As I was out on my regular walk one evening, I stumbled upon this odd stone. Something told me to bring it back to my lab for further research, and ever since then, strange things have been happening. Papers shifting around, water glasses tipping all by themselves... When I tried using my computer to research it, I got an error message with the number 108 flashing! Trainer, can you help gather some data on nearby Ghost-type Pokémon? I have to believe we can solve these spooky occurrences with science!

Second part
The second part of the series involves capturing 108 Pokémon.

Trainer, thanks so much for your help. I did some research on Ghost-type Pokémon, and I think there's a Ghost- and Dark-type Pokémon that is bound to a strange stone. I can't say for sure just yet but it seems this Pokémon may actually be composed of 108 spirits bound together. So maybe if we catch 108 Pokémon, it will appear? Good luck, Trainer! And...would you keep the light on in the lab for me? All this spooky research is making my hair stand on end.

Third part
The third part of the series is available after claiming rewards for the previous part of the tasks series. It concludes the series with parting word from the Professor and have only placeholder tasks with "Claim Reward!".

Wow, Trainer! It seems we've had a spooky brush with Spiritomb! I can't tell if it's the weather, but I've got the shivers! You know, I feel confident that we can solve anything together, Trainer, even when things get scary. I'll be in touch soon!

Let's Go, Meltan
Let's Go, Meltan is Special Research task series that allows players who don't play Pokémon Let's Go to catch a Meltan.

First Part
TRAINER, it's always great to see you! I'm sure you know this, but your help in progressing my research has been essential to major breakthroughs in my work. That's why I've come to talk to you again. You probably already know what I'll be asking! I need your assistance in learning more about the newly discovered Pokémon that has really sent me and other Pokémon researchers into quite a tizzy. Can you believe an undiscovered Pokémon just appeared out of the blue? You can imagine how everyone is talking about it! I was checking a nearby habitat when I ran into a nest of them, and I was so excited, I dropped my camera! Don't worry, though... I'm sure the repairs won't cost me too much at the shop... Although each Pokémon turned out to be a Ditto using the move Transform, that didn't put a damper on my day! So many Ditto taking on this unique Pokémon form must mean that the real Pokémon is truly out there, just waiting to be found. Let's get to work, TRAINER! I know we don't have much to go on, but I'm confident your hard work can only bring us good fortune! But first, let me recalibrate my instruments for your area. Could you please complete the following tasks? ​

Second Part
Thanks, TRAINER! I think that will be enough to help me properly conduct calculations based on the data you'll gather in the field. While you were out, I scanned some academic journals to see if any of my fellow researchers have encountered a Pokémon matching the description of the species I saw, but I didn't have much luck. But I do have a hunch! Given that this Pokémon has been unseen until just recently, I think it's safe to say that we're tracking another Mythical Pokémon, like Mew and Celebi. If I'm right and this elusive Pokémon is a Mythical Pokémon, we should be able to draw it out by creating specific conditions under which it thrives. But let's step back for a minute, before we take a step forward. Or many steps forward, in this case! Great fieldwork starts with a walk. Could you complete a few tasks for me? Also, remind me to contact my mentor, Professor Oak. I'm certain his brilliant mind will have something to lend to all this... Please complete the following tasks. ​

Third Part
TRAINER, I gave Professor Oak a call, and he pulled through! He says that the Pokémon is called Meltan! I think the name has a nice ring to it:don't you? Professor Oak got this information through an ancient text found in his archives, which included the appearance of Meltan. What luck! Did you know that when Professor Oak was my instructor, he was my role model? And he still is! He and I are of the same opinion that Meltan is a Mythical Pokémon, so I really think we're on to something! Still, a name alone isn't going to get us very far... Perhaps the Ditto know something we don't? I think that if we find Ditto, we'll be able to figure out how they acquired this curious transformation, and maybe that will lead us to Meltan. Observation will be the best way forward, so let's roll up our sleeves and get to work! Please complete the following tasks. ​

Fourth Part
Excellent work, TRAINER! The Ditto you've helped me analyze indeed has transformed into Meltan before. In fact, it was able to use Transform and let me analyze Meltan up close! This Ditto was very helpful, even though it couldn't replicate some of the finer details. It seems the memory of Meltan is fading away... But I have good news! I was able to tell that Meltan has a liquid-metal body with a nutlike head and a tail that looks like a power cord. Judging from the appearance, it may be an Electric- or Steel-type Pokémon. In order to make more progress, I think we should study these types of Pokémon! Can you complete the following tasks? ​

Fifth Part
Great news, TRAINER! Thanks to all the data you've collected, I was able to make a detailed study of the differences between Electric-type Pokémon and Steel-type Pokémon. Thankfully, the Ditto was able to use Transform one more time! It took me some time to figure out it was attracted to all my metal equipment. Then I realized that it was copying every aspect of Meltan, including its behavioral patterns. Given the Ditto's behavior, I believe Meltan is capable of assimilating metal by melting metal objects. What an interesting ability! I can now say that, according to my research, Meltan is a Steel-type Pokémon! I think our next step is to study more Pokémon that have similar characteristics. Can you complete the following tasks to learn more about Pokémon with fluid body surfaces or stomach acid strong enough to melt metals? ​

Sixth Part
Oh, and one more thing:Professor Oak is also studying a Ditto in his own lab that is able to Transform into Meltan. With our parallel research, I think we'll be able to make some breakthroughs soon! By the time you complete all the research tasks, I should be able to circle back to you with the latest development. Just in the nick of time, TRAINER! With careful study of the Ditto that I sent him and the small amount of documented Meltan encounters, Professor Oak was able to solve more mysteries related to this Pokémon. Meltan very well may have split from a Pokémon named Melmetal, which has been recorded even less than Meltan. Never before have we seen a Mythical Pokémon that can divide into multiple, independent Pokémon! This explains why the world saw a simultaneous appearance of so many Ditto disguised as Meltan. Professor Oak and I have made a guess as to how Meltan can re-form back into Melmetal:because Meltan have bodies similar to molten metal, they have a unique ability to merge and trigger an Evolution into Melmetal! Do you know what Pokémon we should research next? You're bright, TRAINER, so I know you know the answer! I need you to collect data on Pokémon for which several parts can come together and act as one. Can you complete the following tasks? ​

Seventh Part
Wow, I'm impressed! TRAINER! Your data has arrived just as I've finished putting pieces of evidence together to learn Melmetal's place in history. According to these records, Melmetal was once regarded as a sacred being in a secluded community deep inside a wooded land that was rich with magnetite-bearing sedimentary rock. People there developed ways to make unique tools out of metal shed by Melmetal. Without such metal, they couldn't have made these tools back then. We need to find out more about Pokémon that wield tools. Could you complete the following research tasks? ​

Eighth Part
I just received an important piece of news, TRAINER! Remember the ancient text? It seems that a mysterious box was also excavated from the same site where the ancient text was found. There was nothing in the box except a rusty lump of metal that bears interesting similarities to Meltan. Perhaps exposing the box to this vast natural environment could cause something enigmatic to happen, resulting in Meltan changing states as well. Exposing this metal to the open air could have had an entirely different effect on what's inside the box, but we won't know until we try it. We may be able to find a clue about the lump of metal by delving into the world of ancient Pokémon. Please complete the following tasks. ​

Ninth Part
I was right, TRAINER! This artifact is truly Meltan! We did it! Of course, the reason for Meltan's presence inside this mysterious box can only be guessed. Maybe the people who glorified and worshiped Melmetal decided to keep it safe when the Pokémon somehow split itself apart. Doing so could have been thought of as the only way for the people to ever meet Melmetal again. That warms the heart a little, doesn't it, TRAINER? Make sure you give Meltan plenty of chances to see the vast world we live in by venturing out and exploring! Who knows what will happen from here... Enjoy exploring, TRAINER, and I'm sure we'll be in touch soon! ​

GO Fest 2019—Chicago
This series of Special Research tasks was exclusively available for the Pokémon GO Fest 2019 attendees in Chicago and its main reward was Hoenn-region Mythical Pokémon encounter—Jirachi. This set of Special Research tasks was split on five parts.

First Part
Welcome to GO Fest 2019, TRAINER! I'm glad you're here. I discovered something fascinating during my research, and I need your help. I've come across what I believe to be a rare Pokémon deep in slumber. We have our work cut out for us, TRAINER. I think this adventure is going to call for some resources and even the help of friends. Could you collect some supplies? Meanwhile, I'll see if I can find anything about this Pokémon in any of my texts. ​

Second Part
Good work, TRAINER. I am sure the resources you've earned will be crucial. I had some success in my research, as well. I came across an ancient text containing the story of a Mythical Pokémon that grants wishes. I'm still researching the best way to awaken this Pokémon, but I keep hearing reports of other Pokémon in the area showing signs of distress. Could I ask you to investigate these reports? ​

Third Part
Well done, TRAINER! I knew I could count on you. You know, something interesting came up when I reviewed your results. Many of the Pokémon you encountered seem to have strayed from their habitats. I'd like you to help them get back to their proper habitats, as I'm sure this will soothe them and make them more comfortable. This should be a breeze for an accomplished TRAINER like you! As you return the Pokémon to their proper habitats, be sure to snap pictures to help document this unusual situation. ​

Fourth Part
Wonderful work, TRAINER! You're certainly getting the hang of that camera! Did you notice anything strange while taking photos of Pokémon in their habitats? Apparently there's an unusual phenomenon where Pokémon leap out in an attempt to appear in your photos. I've heard Spark refer to it as a "photobomb." I'm eternally amused—and amazed—by the things we learn about Pokémon every day. That said, I did notice a connection. These Pokémon all seem to have something in common—music! I have a hunch that music may be the key to awakening our slumbering Pokémon. What do you think, TRAINER? Shall we set the stage and see if some beautiful music is the answer to this perplexing situation? ​

Fifth Part
That's it! The pure melody created by your musical Pokémon has awakened the Steel- and Psychic-type Pokémon Jirachi! The ancient text was right—this Mythical Pokémon could only be awakened from its thousand-year slumber by a song of purity. The text also says that when Jirachi awakens, it grants wishes! Now that we've done the work of waking Jirachi up, I wonder what you and your fellow Trainers will wish for. I already know what my wish is going to be—I want you to enjoy this amazing experience! It isn't every day that you get to join Trainers from all over the world in exploring a park with so many Pokémon in such diverse habitats—not to mention meeting a Mythical Pokémon! I'm sure Jirachi was far from the last amazing discovery to be made, though. IT no doubt be calling on your excellent research skills again in the future! ​

Trivia

 * Unlike the Field Research tasks, there is no possibility to cancel nor skip any of Special Research tasks in order to complete the set of tasks.
 * More than one set of special research tasks can be completed within a day.
 * Special Tasks in A Ripple in Time related with Trading, sending Gifts and making Friends are pre-completed for Trainers under age of 13, since these don't have access to such game features.
 * The number 108 is referenced throughout the A Spooky Message special research, because Spiritomb is closely linked with that number - Spiritomb is formed by 108 souls trapped inside a stone, and that number is referenced multiple times in the video games, such as Spiritomb being #108 in the Sinnoh Dex, or his weight being 108.0 kg.