Choose Your Path Timed Research
Choose between Explore, Catch, or Battle to unlock different Timed Research bonuses and rewards.
leekduck.comHere are the latest updates on the Choose Your Path Timed Research for Pokémon GO.
-
Overview: Niantic is testing a branching Timed Research format during what they call evergreen weeks, allowing players to pick one of three paths—Explore, Catch, or Battle—that determine the weekly bonuses. Once you select a path, you cannot switch to another for that Timed Research period. This initial test aims to see how the format affects engagement during quieter weeks. [LeekDuck summary of the event details] [SSBCrack News coverage] [Sportskeeda article] [YouTube guides provide visual explanations] [Multiple outlets corroborate the same window and inability to switch paths] [Source: LeekDuck, May 4–5, 2026 announcements; in-game timings show May 5–12 window]
-
Path details and bonuses:
- Explore: higher XP from spinning PokéStops (5x XP on spins)
- Catch: bonus XP for catching Pokémon with Nice Throws or better (1.5x XP)
- Battle: extra raid-related reward (additional 5,000 XP for raids) These bonuses are designed to favor different playstyles and are locked in once you pick a path. [LeekDuck] [Sportskeeda] [SSBCrack News]
-
Availability window: The Timed Research runs for roughly one week, typically starting around 10:00 local time on a Tuesday and ending around 20:00 local time the following Tuesday, with May 5–12, 2026 cited in multiple outlets. [LeekDuck] [Sportskeeda] [YouTube guides]
-
How to participate: Start the Timed Research in-game during the window and choose your path when prompted after the initial steps. Be sure to pick the path that aligns with how you prefer to play that week, since switching is not allowed. [LeekDuck] [SSBCrack News] [El-Balad coverage]
-
Community reactions: Early coverage emphasizes the novelty of a weekly, player-path choice and notes the potential for longer-term changes if the format proves engaging during quiet weeks. Several video guides and articles provide step-by-step paths and discuss which option might maximize XP and rewards depending on your playstyle. [YouTube tutorials] [Sportskeeda] [SSBCrack News]
Illustration: If you’d like, I can summarize the exact tasks and rewards for each path as they appear in-game, or I can create a quick quick-scan checklist to help you decide which path to lock in before May 12.
Would you like a side-by-side comparison table of the three paths with their XP bonuses and suggested playstyles, or a brief quick-guide on choosing the best path for your typical weekly schedule?
Citations:
- LeekDuck article on Choose Your Path Timed Research (starts May 5, ends May 12, path bonuses)[1]
- Sportskeeda coverage confirming in-game activation and duration[2]
- YouTube guides explaining paths and timing[3]