Pokemon Go Dragons Research Day: Shiny Hunting, Timed Research, and Wild Encounters

Niantic has announced an exciting new Pokémon GO event, titled Aspiring Dragons Research Day, which will focus on the evolutions of some elusive Dragon-type Pokémon. As we approach the end of the year, Pokémon GO is transitioning into a new season known as Dual Destiny, packed with fresh Pokémon debuts, returning Shadow forms, and an array of Max Battles and special in-game events.

This particular Research Day will be unique, spotlighting not just one or two Pokémon but a total of four, all of which share the commonality of evolving into sought-after Dragon-types.

Research Day Schedule

The Aspiring Dragons Research Day is set to occur on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time. Mark your calendars to take part in this thrilling event!

Featured Pokémon

Once the event begins, trainers can spin Photo Discs at PokeStops or Gyms to access event-themed Field Research tasks. Completing these tasks will reward players with encounters with one of the four featured Pokémon, all of which will have an increased likelihood of appearing as Shiny.

Horsea
Trapinch
Swablu
Scrape

CP Values for Featured Pokémon

The featured Pokémon will exhibit the following Combat Power (CP) values during the Research Day:

Pokémon	CP Range	Max CP (Level 50)
Horsea	418 – 452	1194
Trapinch	507 – 546	1441
Swablu	322 – 353	931
Scrape	421 – 455	1202

Scrabble Pokemon — Image courtesy of THE POKÉMON COMPANY

Increased Wild Encounters

In addition to the four highlighted Pokémon, trainers will also encounter a variety of other Pokémon more frequently in the wild during the event timeframe. Notably, all of these wild spawns will also have a chance to appear as Shiny.

Spearow
Do not burn
Caravan
Dwebble
Ducklett
Binnacle

Event-Exclusive Paid Timed Research

The Aspiring Dragons Research Day will feature a Paid Timed Research opportunity at a cost of US $2.00 (or local currency equivalent). This special research will challenge trainers to complete specific tasks to unlock additional encounters with the featured Pokémon.

Upon finishing the first segment of Timed Research, players can choose another of the featured Pokémon to pursue for further research opportunities. Notably, all Pokémon from these paid tasks will share the same Shiny encounter rates as those available through standard Field Research.

It is crucial to complete the Paid Timed Research and claim your rewards before the event concludes on December 7, 2024, at 5:00 PM local time.

Trapinch Pokemon — Image courtesy of THE POKÉMON COMPANY

Should You Participate in Aspiring Dragons Research Day?

While some players may find the Aspiring Dragons Research Day underwhelming due to its limited content offerings, many trainers will still appreciate the opportunity to catch Pokémon they may be missing from their collections. Events like this can help players acquire difficult-to-find evolutions.

For instance, evolving Swablu into Altaria requires 400 Candy, while both Skrelp and Trapinch are known for their low spawn rates, making this event an ideal moment for trainers to catch them.

Regarding the Paid Timed Research option, it’s largely about providing players with additional encounters with the featured Pokémon, which might not be necessary if you prefer to engage in free content. Therefore, weigh the benefits based on your gameplay priorities before committing financially.

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