
Trainers, get ready for the exciting new Pokémon GO event: Steeled Resolve Timed Research! Running from January 21 to January 26, 2025, you’ll have an important decision to make: should you join Blanche’s team or align with Team GO Rocket Leader Cliff? If you’re feeling uncertain about which choice to make, keep reading as we explore the benefits of each path and help you decide.
Overview of the Steeled Resolve Timed Research

Before making a choice, all trainers must complete an initial set of research tasks, which are the same for everyone participating. These tasks include:
- Catch 15 Pokémon
- Spin 5 PokéStops or Gyms
- Walk 2 kilometers
Upon completing these tasks, you’ll receive valuable rewards including Ultra Balls, encounters with Bunnelby and Paldean Wooper, along with 1,000 Stardust and 1,000 XP. With your groundwork laid, you’ll face the pivotal choice: Blanche or Cliff?
Choosing Between Blanche and Cliff: Your Options Explained
Both paths present trainers with tasks that are nearly identical but feature different Pokémon encounters as rewards. On the second page of research, trainers will need to:
- Use five super-effective Charged Attacks
- Power up Pokémon five times
- Battle in GO Battle League five times
The rewards for completing these tasks include 500 Stardust, 2 Fast TMs, and 2 Charged TMs.
The third page continues with similar tasks, requiring trainers to:
- Catch 25 Pokémon
- Power up Pokémon 10 times
- Win a battle in GO Battle League
Both paths conclude with rewards of 10 Ultra Balls, a Silver Pinap Berry, a Magnetic Lure Module, 3,000 XP, and 2,000 Stardust.
Exploring the Key Differences: Blanche vs. Cliff
The primary distinction lies in the unique Pokémon encounters associated with each path:
- Blanche’s Path: Initially, you will encounter Marill, which is the foundation to evolve into Azumarill, an exceptional contender in the Great League. The final reward encounter is with Steelix, a robust Steel/Ground-type Pokémon, useful in both Great and Ultra Leagues.
- Cliff’s Path: You’ll come face-to-face with a Shadow Machop first, which can transform into Shadow Machamp, renowned as one of the most powerful Fighting-type attackers in the game. The path culminates in an encounter with Marowak, which holds significant value for both PvP and PvE scenarios.
Making Your Choice: Blanche or Cliff in Pokémon GO Steeled Resolve?
When making your decision, consider your current needs and future goals. Both paths hold essential value, especially for trainers interested in PvP battles. Nevertheless, Cliff’s path may hold a slight advantage due to the rarity of Shadow Machop, which is difficult to find through usual gameplay methods. On the other hand, Marill can usually be found in the wild during the event.
While Marowak is not as rare as Shadow Machop, it is still harder to come by compared to Marill. Choosing Cliff’s path also allows you to obtain the Magnetic Lure Module, which can be instrumental for evolving Onix into Steelix later on, should you desire that addition for your collection.
Conclusively, both paths have rewarding offerings; however, Cliff’s path provides somewhat rarer Pokémon encounters. If you already possess a powerful Shadow Machamp and are eager to acquire Steelix for competitive play, then Blanche’s path may better suit your needs.
Keep in mind that you have until January 26, 2025, at 8 PM local time to finalize your research, so think carefully about which rewards align best with your collection goals. Regardless of your choice, ensure you complete all tasks to gain the invaluable Magnetic Lure Module, essential for catching Rookidee during the event.
If you’re still unsure about which option to select or have any lingering questions, feel free to leave your inquiries in the comments section below!
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