Trainers are reporting new activity as the Primal Rumblings Special Research shakes up Pokémon Go, bringing fresh tasks, mysterious rewards, and a chance to face ancient power drawn from the depths of Hoenn.
Primal Rumblings Special Research Tasks
Primal Rumblings Special Research offers Trainers a set of themed missions focused on encounters with Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon. Completing each stage grants rewards such as XP, Stardust, and rare items like Mega Energy. Tasks often involve catching specific Pokémon, powering up your team, or performing battle-related challenges tied to the Hoenn region. This research provides a limited-time opportunity to earn exclusive encounters and bonus resources ahead of the related Primal events.
Step 1 of 2
- Catch 5 water-, electric-, or bug-type Pokémon (20 Pinap Berries)
- Catch 5 fire-, grass-, or ground-type Pokémon (20 Razz Berries)
- Catch 10 Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region (3 Golden Razz Berries)
Rewards: 2,023 XP, 2,023 Stardust
Step 2 of 2
- Complete 5 Field Research Tasks (10 Poké Balls)
- Power up Pokémon 10 times (5 Great Balls)
- Make 5 great curveball throws (1 Star Piece)
Rewards: 2,023 XP, 2,023 XP, Go Tour: Hoenn bonus pass
Should I pick Ruby or Sapphire?
Both Ruby and Sapphire offer strong Primal counterparts, but your choice hinges on team needs. Pick Ruby for Groudon, a Ground powerhouse that crushes Electric and Fire threats in raids and gyms. Go with Sapphire if Kyogre suits you better, delivering massive Water damage against Rock and Ground foes while boosting rainy weather battles. Check your current roster-duplicate leaders waste medals, so grab the one filling your gaps.
After you complete the research, you’ll be prompted to pick between Ruby and Sapphire for which bonuses you want to get. You’ll also get a matching medal depending on which version you pick.
It’s a little confusing as to what the differences between the two versions are, but we know that the choice corresponds to a bit of a friendly competition. Both sides will be battling out to see who can complete more Field Research Tasks during global event on Feb. 25-26.
At the end of the hour, whichever team has more points will get more raids for Kyogre and Groudon. Sapphire boosts Kyogre and Ruby boosts Groudon. Players who pick Sapphire will be competing in the challenge to increase the spawn rate of Minun, Illumise, Wailmer, Lunatone, and Castform (Rainy Form). Ruby players will be competing to supplement Plusle, Volbeat, Trapinch, Solrock, and Castform (Sunny Form.)
What are the best Pokémon to catch for Primal Rumblings tasks
For Pokémon Go’s Primal Rumblings Special Research tasks, prioritize common event spawns that overlap multiple requirements like Hoenn-origin Pokémon and specific types. These were boosted during the 2023 event for efficiency.
Best for “Catch 10 Hoenn Pokémon”
Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip topped the list as wild spawns, 1-star raids, and Field Research rewards. Other strong options included Wurmple (Bug), Numel (Fire/Ground), Barboach (Water/Ground), Whismur, and Absol for quick catches.
Best for Type Tasks
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Water/Electric/Bug (5 catches): Mudkip (Water, also Hoenn starter), Wurmple (Bug), or Barboach (Water) for multi-tasking.
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Fire/Grass/Ground (5 catches): Torchic (Fire), Treecko (Grass), or Numel (Fire/Ground) since they were event-featured and Hoenn natives.
Strategy Tips
Focus on wild spawns and raids first, as Treecko line covered Grass/Hoenn, Torchic for Fire/Hoenn, and Mudkip for Water/Hoenn. This minimized extra grinding while hunting shinies.
What Hoenn Pokémon are best for shiny hunting during Primal Rumblings
During Pokémon Go’s Primal Rumblings event in February 2023, the best Hoenn Pokémon for shiny hunting were those with boosted spawns, high encounter rates, and noticeable shiny forms. Starters like Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip stood out due to their event exclusivity and wild availability.
Top Shiny Targets
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Treecko line (Grass): Frequent wild spawns; shiny has a vibrant yellow-green hue for easy spotting. Great for overlapping Hoenn and type tasks.
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Torchic line (Fire): Common in the wild; shiny features a striking orange-red palette. Prioritize for efficiency.
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Mudkip line (Water): High spawn rates; shiny’s darker blue stands out well. Also hits Water-type tasks.
Other Strong Options
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Wurmple (Bug): Abundant, low-candy evolutions, and shiny form (pinkish) was reliable for mass hunting.
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Absol (Dark): Event-boosted with a cool white shiny; decent spawn density.
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Numel (Fire/Ground): Dual-type coverage for tasks; shiny’s brighter colors pop.
Hunting Tips
Wild spawns and Field Research were prime sources, enhanced by 2x evolution XP for quick chaining. Rayquaza raids offered shiny chances too, though less efficient for tasks. Focus on lures/incense in urban areas for volume.
