Precious Paths is the new Pokémon GO season running from December 2, 2025, to March 3, 2026. As part of the seasonal lineup, Trainers receive a special multi-step research quest that unlocks gradually throughout the season. The Precious Paths Special Research focuses on core gameplay tasks like catching Pokémon, powering up your team, and interacting with your Buddy, offering encounters and valuable items as rewards.
How Precious Paths Season Research Works
Players can claim the Special Research from the start of the season. However, unlike most event research, Precious Paths unlocks in segments, meaning:
- Only some steps are available on day one.
- New steps unlock throughout December, January, and February.
- Completing steps early does not speed up unlocks — they are tied to global seasonal progression.
- You can claim the research anytime before March 3, 2026, but once claimed, there is no expiration.
The research consists of 12 total steps, though only the first two are currently active.
All Precious Paths Special Research Steps & Rewards
Precious Paths – Step 1 of 12
This opening step focuses on core activities like catching and spinning.
| Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 30 Pokémon | Sprigatito encounter |
| Use 15 Berries to help catch Pokémon | Fuecoco encounter |
| Spin 10 PokéStops or Gyms | Quaxly encounter |
Step 1 Completion Rewards:
- 3 Rare Candy
- 999 XP
- 999 Stardust
Precious Paths – Step 2 of 12
Step 2 shifts to buddy-related goals and powering up.
| Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Power up Pokémon 15 times | Lechonk encounter |
| Earn 20 Hearts with your Buddy | 999 XP |
| Take a Snapshot of your Buddy | 999 Stardust |
Step 2 Completion Rewards:
- 1 Poffin
- 999 XP
- 999 Stardust
Precious Paths – Step 3 of 12
Currently unavailable.
This step will unlock later in the season as part of the timed seasonal rollout.
Is Masterwork Research Included?
The Masterwork Research: A Precious Catch is separate from the seasonal Special Research.
- Requires a paid ticket ($7.99).
- Rewards include a Master Ball, premium items, and rare encounters.
- This research is long-term and significantly more demanding.
Season Highlights You Should Know
While completing the Special Research, keep an eye on these major seasonal features:
New Pokémon Debuts
Including:
- Sudowoodo (Holiday Costume)
- Charjabug (Holiday Costume)
- Clobbopus
- Grapploct
…and other seasonal releases.
Max Battle Debuts
- Dynamax Hitmonlee
- Dynamax Hitmonchan
- Gigantamax Meowth
Seasonal Bonuses (Global)
- One extra Special Trade per day
- Increased Stardust for first catch of the day
- More friendship-based raid damage
These bonuses help accelerate progress through the Special Research steps, especially catch-based or power-up tasks.
Tips for Finishing the Research Quickly
Even though only the first two steps are live, you can prepare for future phases:
- Stock Up on Berries: Later steps may continue to involve catch-support tasks.
- Keep a Buddy Active: Earning hearts daily spreads out the grind, especially for future buddy tasks.
- Save Stardust & Candy: Power-ups appear early — they often return in later steps.
- Play During Events: Spawn-boosting events will make catch tasks far easier.
The Precious Paths Special Research is designed as a season-long journey rather than a one-day clear. Each step gradually unlocks alongside new events, new debuts, and the continued rollout of the Kalos-themed season.
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Only the opening portion of the Precious Paths Special Research is currently available. The rest of the questline will unlock gradually as the season progresses, following Pokémon GO’s standard seasonal rollout. Play Now!
