Pokemon GOhas been kicking off the summer with one of the most ambitious Special Research events that the mobile AR game has ever delivered. Themassive multi-part Throwback Celebrationall culminates in one final chain of quests that is full of exciting tasks, spawns, and rewards.
Trainers are going to need anentry ticket for Throwback Challenge 2020if they didn’t complete all the preceding timed research and earn their stamps, so be prepared to drop a few dollars if you’re in that boat. That said, the event seems to be jam-packed with valuable rewards and exciting activities, so lots ofPokemon GOplayers will likely be ready to make that investment.
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Players who either earned an entry or purchased a ticket (or both) will begin the celebration on June 22, 2025 with some very exciting features and bonuses. Get ready to put yourincense and remote raid passesto use and work through another chain of quests full of encounters with Galarian forms new toPoGOand lots of exciting Unova-region rewards.
Throwback Challenge 2020 Special Research
Join Professor Willow as you rediscover Pokémon originally found in the Unova region and meet Pokémon originally discovered in the Galar region as they make theirPokémon GOdebut. Unlike the previous sets of Timed Research, this Special Research can be completed at any time.
Features
If you earn the Throwback Challenge Champion 2020 Special Research or purchase a ticket for the Throwback Challenge Celebration 2020 Special Research, you’ll receive the following.
Encounters with Galarian Meowth and Galarian Stunfisk! This will be their first appearance in Pokémon GO.
Research tasks that lead to encounters with Pokémon originally discovered in the Unova region, such as Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Blitzle, Audino, Darumaka, Gothita, and Genesect.
A chance to earn exciting rewards, including Professor Willow’s glasses as an exclusive avatar item!
If you already have access to the Throwback Challenge Champion 2020 Special Research and purchase a ticket for the Throwback Challenge Celebration 2020 Special Research in the shop, you’ll also receive a version of the Throwback Challenge Celebration 2020 Special Research with the following changes: each time you would’ve earned a reward encounter with a Pokémon, you instead will earn 10 Candies for that specific Pokémon, and you’ll earn Stardust instead of Professor Willow’s glasses.
Bonuses for All Trainers (Non-Ticket Holders)
From Wednesday, July 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. to Monday, July 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. local time, all Trainers can look forward to the following features, even if they don’t have access to any version of the Throwback Challenge 2020 Special Research.
Galarian Stunfisk will be making its Pokémon GO debut! Find it in the wild, in raids, and as a Throwback Challenge 2020 Special Research reward encounter.
The following Pokémon will also be making their Pokémon GO debut and hatching from 7 km Eggs along with their usual forms: Galarian Meowth, Galarian Zigzagoon, Galarian Darumaka, and Galarian Stunfisk. Try evolving Galarian Meowth, Galarian Zigzagoon, and Galarian Darumaka!
Pokémon originally discovered in the Unova region will be appearing more frequently in the wild
For now, players may want to keep hunting downthe best Unova Pokemon in the gameif improving their Battle Raid rosters is their primary goal. Be sure to check back in the near future for morePokemon GOstrategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!
Pokemon GOis available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.
