Step into the thrilling new season of Pokémon GO with the “Dual Destiny” Special Research-a season-long quest that unfolds over ten exciting stages filled with unique tasks and rewarding encounters. Starting December 3, 2024, trainers can embark on this adventure to catch Pokémon like Snorlax and Sandygast, earn rare items such as Rare Candy and Lure Modules, and collect generous amounts of Stardust and XP. Whether you’re spinning PokéStops, winning Max Battles, or trading with friends, each step brings fresh challenges and valuable rewards that will keep you hooked until the season ends in March 2025.
The “Dual Destiny” season has shifted spawns, added new Pokémon to find in Max Battles, and changed research breakthroughs as well (though, yes, Furfrou is still in the pool).
Steps one and two of the “Dual Destiny” research was added as part of the “Not My Cup of Tea” event, alongside the release of Sinistea. Steps three and four were added as part of the “Holiday Part 2” event, while steps five to eight were added between the end of January and the middle of February, not coinciding with any event.
Below, we list the “Dual Destiny” Special Research steps that are currently available in Pokémon Go.
Update (Feb. 24): Added steps 9 and 10, which were introduced on on Feb. 20.
’Dual Destiny’ step 1 of 10
The first step of the Pokémon GO Dual Destiny Special Research tasks players with catching 25 Pokémon, spinning 10 PokéStops or Gyms, and exploring 3 kilometers. Completing these tasks rewards players with 25 Poké Balls, 10 Pinap Berries, and an encounter with Snorlax. Additionally, players earn 2,500 XP and 2,500 Stardust upon completion. This initial step sets the tone for the season-long research quest, encouraging exploration and Pokémon catching right from the start.
- Catch 25 Pokémon (25 Poké Balls)
- Spin 10 PokéStops or gyms (10 Pinap Berries)
- Explore 3 km (Snorlax encounter)
Rewards: 2,500 XP, 2,500 Stardust
’Dual Destiny’ step 2 of 10
Step 2 of 10 in the Pokémon Go ’Dual Destiny’ Special Research tasks requires trainers to catch 50 Pokémon, collect 500 Max Particles, and win a Max Battle. Completing these tasks rewards players with a Lure Module, 2,500 Stardust, and a Rare Candy, along with 2,500 XP and an additional 2,500 Stardust as stage completion rewards. This step builds on the initial tasks and introduces more challenging objectives that engage players in Max Raid Battles while continuing to encourage Pokémon catching and resource collection.
- Catch 50 Pokémon (1 Lure Module)
- Collect 500 Max Particles (2,500 Stardust)
- Win a Max Battle (1 Rare Candy)
Rewards: 2,500 XP, 2,500 Stardust
’Dual Destiny’ step 3 of 10
In Step 3 of 10 of the Pokémon GO ’Dual Destiny’ Special Research, trainers are tasked with catching 25 Pokémon, hatching 3 eggs, and completing 3 Field Research tasks. Completing these tasks rewards players with 25 Great Balls, 2,500 Stardust, and 1 Silver Pinap Berry. Additionally, upon finishing this step, players receive 2,500 XP, 2,500 Stardust, and an encounter with Snorlax as a special reward.
- Catch 25 Pokémon (25 Great Balls)
- Hatch 3 eggs (2,500 Stardust)
- Complete 10 Field Research Tasks (1 Silver Pinap Berry)
Rewards: Delibird encounter, 2,500 XP, 2,500 Stardust
’Dual Destiny’ step 4 of 10
Step 4 of the Pokémon Go ’Dual Destiny’ Special Research requires trainers to catch 50 Pokémon, earn 25,000 XP, and collect 10,000 Stardust. Completing these tasks rewards players with 2,500 XP, 2,500 Stardust, a Sandygast encounter, and a Star Piece, making it a valuable stage for both experience and resource gains.
- Catch 50 Pokémon (2,500 XP)
- Earn 25,000 XP (2,500 Stardust)
- Earn 10,000 Stardust (Sandygast encounter)
Rewards: 1 Star Piece, 2,500 XP, 2,500 Stardust
’Dual Destiny’ step 5 of 10
In step 5 of 10 in the Pokémon Go ’Dual Destiny’ Special Research, trainers are tasked with catching 25 Pokémon, battling in a gym 5 times, and defeating 5 Team GO Rocket Grunts. Completing these tasks rewards players with 25 Great Balls, 2,500 Stardust, 2 Fast TMs, and upon finishing the step, a Pancham encounter along with 5,000 XP and an additional 2,500 Stardust bonus.
- Catch 25 Pokémon (25 Great Balls)
- Battle in a gym 5 times (2,500 Stardust)
- Defeat 5 Team Go Rocket (2 Fast TMs)
Rewards: Pancham encounter, 5,000 XP, 2,500 Stardust
’Dual Destiny’ step 6 of 10
In Step 6 of the Pokémon Go ’Dual Destiny’ Special Research, trainers are tasked with catching 50 Pokémon, using 10 super effective charged attacks, and powering up Pokémon 15 times. Completing these tasks rewards players with 15 Ultra Balls, 2 Charged TMs, 2,500 XP for the charged attacks, and additional rewards including a Lucky Egg, 5,000 XP, and 2,500 Stardust upon finishing the step. This stage emphasizes both catching and battling skills, encouraging players to engage actively in battles and power up their Pokémon for stronger performance.
- Catch 50 Pokémon (15 Ultra Balls)
- Use 10 super effective charged attacks (2,500 XP)
- Power up Pokémon 15 times (2 Charged TMs)
Rewards: 1 Lucky Egg, 5,000 XP, 2,500 Stardust
’Dual Destiny’ step 7 of 10
Step 7 of the Pokémon Go “Dual Destiny” Special Research requires trainers to catch 15 Pokémon, take 5 snapshots of their Buddy, and earn 20 hearts with their Buddy. Completing these tasks rewards players with 1 Poffin, 2,500 XP, and 15 Pinap Berries. This step emphasizes bonding with your Buddy Pokémon while continuing to catch Pokémon, blending gameplay elements of collection and companionship.
- Catch 15 Pokémon (1 Poffin)
- Take 5 snapshots of your buddy (2,500 XP)
- Earn 20 hearts with your buddy (15 Pinap Berries)
Rewards: Dunsparce encounter, 5,000 XP, 2,500 Stardust
’Dual Destiny’ step 8 of 10
In Step 8 of 10 in the Pokémon Go ’Dual Destiny’ Special Research, trainers are tasked with catching 25 Pokémon, sending 5 gifts to friends, and trading a Pokémon 3 times. Completing these tasks rewards players with 2,500 Stardust, 5 Max Revives, and 1 Rare Candy, helping to prepare for the final stages of the season-long research quest.
- Catch 25 Pokémon (2,500 Stardust)
- Send 5 Gifts to friends (5 Max Revives)
- Trade Pokémon 3 times (1 Rare Candy)
Rewards: 1 Incense, 5,000 XP, 2,500 Stardust
’Dual Destiny’ step 9 of 10
In Step 9 of 10 in the Pokémon GO ’Dual Destiny’ Special Research, trainers are tasked with catching 25 Pokémon, winning 3 raids, and powering up Pokémon 20 times. Completing these tasks rewards players with 10 Ultra Balls, 3 Golden Razz Berries, and 1 Premium Battle Pass, helping them prepare for the final step of the research quest.
- Catch 25 Pokémon (10 Ultra Balls)
- Win 3 raids (3 Golden Razz Berries)
- Power up Pokémon 20 times (1 Premium Battle Pass)
What secrets do the ’Dual Destiny’ tasks reveal about upcoming Pokémon events
The ’Dual Destiny’ Special Research tasks in Pokémon GO reveal several key hints about upcoming events and gameplay features throughout the season. The staged release of tasks aligns with various in-game events, suggesting a dynamic season filled with evolving challenges tied to new Pokémon spawns, Max Battles, and seasonal rotations. Notably, the tasks highlight the debut of Galarian Pokémon, Dynamax and Gigantamax forms like Machop, Krabby, and Lapras, as well as Shadow Regirock, Regice, and Registeel raids, pointing to a focus on Galar and Unova regions during the season. The research also hints at monthly ticketed experiences with timed research and bonuses, and special Community Days scheduled in December, January, and February, indicating a packed calendar of events. Additionally, the inclusion of tasks such as winning Max Battles and collecting Max Particles signals an emphasis on Max Raid Battles as a core feature this season. Overall, the ’Dual Destiny’ tasks serve as a roadmap for trainers, unveiling a season rich with new Pokémon, battle formats, and event-driven rewards that will unfold progressively until March 2025.
What hidden clues about future Pokémon events are embedded in the ’Dual Destiny’ tasks
The ’Dual Destiny’ Special Research tasks embed several subtle clues about future Pokémon GO events and gameplay directions. The staged unlocking of tasks throughout the season signals a continuous rollout of new content and event tie-ins, encouraging players to stay engaged over several months. The inclusion of tasks such as winning Max Battles and collecting Max Particles hints at an increased focus on Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon mechanics, which are likely to feature prominently in upcoming events. Additionally, tasks involving battling Team GO Rocket Grunts and trading Pokémon suggest ongoing or future events centered on Team GO Rocket and social features like trading, which may be expanded or refreshed during the season. The presence of specific Pokémon encounters and rewards, including Sinistea, Pancham, and Shadow Regirock, Regice, and Registeel, foreshadows their availability in raids and research breakthroughs, indicating that the season will spotlight these Pokémon and their related events. Moreover, the monthly ticketed experiences with timed research and bonuses embedded in the season imply a recurring event structure, offering players exclusive content and rewards on a regular basis. Overall, the ’Dual Destiny’ tasks act as a roadmap, revealing a season rich with evolving gameplay elements, new Pokémon forms, and event-driven rewards that hint at the broader direction of Pokémon GO’s upcoming content.
