For the month of May Pokémon GO will be testing a new addition to the game. During “evergreen weeks,” which is a week with no in-game events where you can find the usual seasonal spawns, a branching timed research will be available in-game to allow you to choose your own way to play for the week.
Branching Timed Research Information
Each week, you’ll get a different option for three branches of Timed Research. Choose from:
- Exploration
- Skill
- Battle
Based on the branch you select, you’ll get a different bonus for gameplay as well as timed research to complete. Some examples for each option are as follows:
- Exploration may challenge you to spin Pokéstops and walk. Your bonus could be additional XP from spinning stops.
- Skill may ask you to land certain types of throws. For your bonus you could get additional candy from catches.
- Battle could need you to raid. For the bonus you could get additional XP from raids.
The specific focus and bonus of the branch may change week by week, but the branches of Exploration, Skill, and Battle will remain the same.
Thoughts
When the May 2026 event schedule was announced many trainers were very confused by the lack of events. With only 5 events announced, 4 of which are single day events, meaning the Spring Marathon is the only “real” event all month, we were worried about the impact on the player base. Trialling a new type of weekly challenge in the form of Timed Research is intriguing, and having 3 different options to select from that you can choose to match your style of gameplay is a great idea. We are looking forward to seeing what the bonuses are, and what we are asked to do, and how many trainers actively take part with the aim to complete the Timed Research.
As we head into May, let us know your thoughts on this test and how it is impacting your play time and style!
