Pokémon GO Fest Global 2026: Free Special Research Rewards Zeraora
Pokémon GO players who log in during Pokémon GO Fest: Global 2026 will be able to claim a free Special Research that ends with an encounter with Zeraora, the Mythical Pokémon joining the mobile game for the first time.
Pokémon GO Fest: Global 2026 Special Research availability
| Event tie-in | Special Research name | Claim cost | Time limit | Encounter result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon GO Fest: Global 2026 | A Thunderous Discovery | Free | Does not expire (unlimited time) | Zeraora |
The quest you’re aiming for is titled A Thunderous Discovery. Once you claim it, it doesn’t expire, so you can take your time working through every requirement and completing all eight steps at your own pace.
There’s also plenty happening beyond the Zeraora questline. Pokémon GO Fest: Global 2026 includes the debut of Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y, alongside related Genetic Mastery research. If you want help choosing the right branching option for that research, there’s a dedicated guide available—especially useful if you’re deciding how to focus your effort during the event.
A Thunderous Discovery Special Research Steps and Rewards
How to get Zeraora
To trigger the Zeraora encounter, you’ll need to reach and finish six of the eight total steps in the A Thunderous Discovery Special Research. Below are the steps and what each one grants.
-
Step 1
- Spin 8 PokéStops or Gyms (reward: 1 Incense)
- Use an Incense (reward: 26 Poké Balls)
- Catch 7 Pokémon (reward: 1 Lucky Egg)
- Total Reward: 1 Star Piece, 6 Nanab Berries, 1 Lure Module
-
Step 2
- Explore 1km (reward: 26 Poké Balls)
- Use 10 Berries to help catch Pokémon (reward: Pawmi Encounter)
- Catch 15 different species of Pokémon (reward: 2026 Stardust)
- Total Reward: 1 Incense, Tynamo Encounter, 2026 Stardust
-
Step 3
- Complete 3 Field Research Tasks (Pikachu wearing a Team Instinct Hat)
- Catch 3 Electric-type Pokémon (Pikachu wearing a Team Mystic Hat)
- Power up Electric-type Pokémon 10 times (Pikachu wearing a Team Valor Hat)
- Total Reward: 6 Mewtwo Stickers, 1 Incubator, 2026 XP
-
Step 4
- Explore 2km (Electrode Encounter)
- Make 8 Great Throws (Ninjask Encounter)
- Make 5 Great Curveball Throws (Aerodactyl Encounter)
- Total Reward: 2026 XP, 26 Ultra Balls, 2 Premium Battle Passes
-
Step 5
- Battle in 3 Raids (reward: 3 Max Revives)
- Win a Raid (reward: 3 Max Potions)
- Catch 20 different species of Pokémon (reward: 3 Golden Razz Berries)
- Total Reward: 2026 XP, 2 Super Incubators, 2026 Stardust
-
Step 6
- Explore 2km (Pikachu Visor Bulbasaur)
- Make 8 Excellent Throws (Pikachu Visor Charmander)
- Make 3 Great Throws in a row (Pikachu Visor Squirtle)
- Total Reward: 6 Zeraora Stickers, 26 Zeraora Candy, Zeraora Encounter
-
Step 7
- Take a Snapshot of Zeraora (reward: 1 Poffin)
- Earn Candy while exploring with Zeraora as your buddy (reward: 3 Rare Candy)
- Earn 6 hearts with Zeraora (reward: 3 Silver Pinap Berries)
- Total Reward: 6 Pokémon GO Fest Stickers, Zeraora shirt, 2 Super Incubators
-
Step 8
- Catch a Pokémon on 7 different days (reward: 2026 XP)
- Hatch 2 eggs (reward: 2026 Stardust)
- Send a Gift to a friend (reward: 2026 XP)
- Total Reward: 6 Rare Candy, Poké Ball Shades, 6 Zeraora XL Candy
