A mysterious force is stirring in Pokémon Go as Marshadow, the elusive Gen 7 Mythical Pokémon, finally steps out of the shadows. The exclusive “A Shadowy Caper” Special Research quest, available only to Go Fest 2024 Global ticket holders, challenges trainers to complete a series of tasks for a chance to add Marshadow to their Pokédex-alongside a trove of rare rewards and regional exclusives. Are you ready to uncover the secrets lurking in this limited-time adventure?
This research is loaded with tons of rewards, like Lucky Eggs, Star Pieces, and Incubators, but you can also catch two regional exclusives for your Pokédex: Corsola and Maractus.
Below we list out all the steps for the Marshadow “A Shadowy Caper” Special Research.
’A Shadowy Caper’ Special Research quest
The “A Shadowy Caper” Special Research quest in Pokémon Go is a ticket-exclusive event available during Go Fest Global 2024, offering players the chance to encounter the mythical Pokémon Marshadow. This quest consists of six stages filled with various tasks such as spinning PokéStops, catching different Pokémon species, completing Field Research tasks, hatching eggs, and powering up specific Pokémon types. Along the way, trainers earn valuable rewards including Lucky Eggs, Star Pieces, Incubators, and encounters with regional exclusives like Corsola and Maractus. While the quest requires a paid ticket to unlock initially, Marshadow will be accessible to all players later through a free Special Research. The quest is designed to be completed at the player’s own pace after activation, making it a rewarding challenge for dedicated trainers during the event.
Once you have purchased a Go Fest Global 2024 ticket and log into Pokémon Go on Saturday, July 13 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., you will unlock this Special Research. Once you have, there is no deadline to completing the following steps:
’A Shadowy Caper’ step 1 of 6
- Spin 3 PokéStops or gyms (2 Incense)
- Use an Incense (24 Poké Balls)
- Catch 10 Pokémon (3 Nanab Berries)
Rewards: 2,024 XP, 2 Lure Modules, 2,024 Stardust
’A Shadowy Caper’ step 2 of 6
- Complete 3 Field Research Tasks (Ducklett encounter)
- Use 5 berries to help catch Pokémon (2 Incubators)
- Catch 10 different species of Pokémon (Dunsparce encounter)
Rewards: 2,024 XP, 2 Poffins, 2,024 Stardust
’A Shadowy Caper’ step 3 of 6
- Hatch 2 eggs (24 Great Balls)
- Spin 10 PokéStops or gyms (Emolga encounter)
- Earn 2 candies walking with your buddy (Crabrawler encounter)
Rewards: 2,024 XP, Maractus encounter, 2,024 Stardust
’A Shadowy Caper’ step 4 of 6
- Catch 10 Pokémon (2 Star Pieces)
- Evolve 5 Pokémon (2 Silver Pinap Berries)
- Earn 8,020 Stardust (Corsola encounter)
Rewards: 2,024 XP, Vullaby encounter, 2,024 Stardust
’A Shadowy Caper’ step 5 of 6
- Power up fighting-type Pokémon 10 times (2 Lucky Eggs)
- Power up ghost-type Pokémon 10 times (Rockruff encounter)
- Earn 8,020 XP (3 Rare Candy)
Rewards: Marshadow T-shirt, Marshadow encounter, 2,024 Stardust
Note if you attended one of the in-person Go Fest events (in Madrid, Sendai, or New York City) and you already have a Marshadow, you’ll get 25 Marshadow Candy instead.
“A Shadowy Caper” step 6 of 6
- Claim reward! (2,024 XP)
- Claim reward! (2,024 Stardust)
- Claim reward! (2,024 XP)
Rewards: 25 Marshadow Candy, 25 Marshadow stickers, Alolan Greeting Pose
And with that, Marshadow is yours!
All done? There is still plenty to do during Go Fest 2024 – including following the habitat schedule, get Solar and Lunar Fusion Energy, battling raids effectively with strong Necrozma counters, and getting Dusk Mane and Dawn Wings Necrozma.
How will completing ’A Shadowy Caper’ unlock Marshadow for me
Completing the “A Shadowy Caper” Special Research during Pokémon Go Fest 2024 Global is the only way to unlock Marshadow during its debut period. To access this quest, you must purchase a Go Fest 2024 Global ticket and log in to Pokémon Go at least once between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. (local time) on July 13 or 14, 2024. Once you’ve unlocked the Special Research, you can complete its six stages at your own pace-there’s no deadline for finishing the tasks.
As you progress through the quest, you’ll complete a series of challenges such as powering up Fighting- and Ghost-type Pokémon and earning XP. The key reward for completing step 5 is an encounter with Marshadow, allowing you to catch and add this Mythical Pokémon to your collection. Finishing the final step grants additional Marshadow Candy, stickers, and other themed rewards.
If you attended an in-person Go Fest event and already have Marshadow, you’ll receive Marshadow Candy instead of a second encounter. If you miss the debut, Marshadow will become available to all players at a later date, following the pattern of previous Mythical releases.
Will completing ’A Shadowy Caper’ guarantee Marshadow for me permanently
Yes, completing “A Shadowy Caper” will guarantee you a permanent Marshadow in Pokémon Go, provided you unlock the Special Research during Go Fest 2024 Global by purchasing a ticket and logging in during the event hours. Once the Special Research is unlocked, there is no deadline to finish it, and you can complete the steps at your own pace. Upon completing the required tasks, you will receive an encounter with Marshadow, allowing you to catch and keep it in your collection permanently.
However, if you already obtained Marshadow from an in-person Go Fest event, you will receive Marshadow Candy instead of a second Marshadow encounter. If you miss this event, Marshadow will become available to all players through a future Special Research, but this will likely be many months later.
