Trainers have a rare chance to encounter shiny Keldeo through the new “Pony Tales” Masterwork Research, a limited-time quest that blends challenge and reward. Here’s what you need to complete each stage and claim this stunning Mythical Pokémon for your collection.
Is the shiny Keldeo ‘Pony Tales’ Masterwork Research worth buying?
Shiny Keldeo from the Pony Tales Masterwork Research offers a reliable shot at one of the game’s rarer shiny Legendary horses, especially with its boosted odds during the current season. Paid research like this skips the grind of wild spawns or raids, guaranteeing encounters across multiple steps that build toward the final reward. Collectors prioritize it for completing shiny sets, while casual players might pass if they lack the candy budget or prefer free alternatives. At the listed price, it pays off for dedicated shiny hunters chasing perfection.
We don’t have a full list of the rewards as of writing this (and we won’t by the deadline to purchase the ticket), but the rewards for these types of tickets do usually make up the coin value of the ticket cost, making it “worth it” in that sense. However, the main thing to consider here is if you want a shiny Keldeo.
Keldeo is a mythical Pokémon, and it has only had a few event distributions since its reveal. You should have access to a regular, non-shiny Keldeo as part of the “Tales of Transformation” seasonal Special Research, but if you specifically want a shiny one, this is one of the only ways to get one.
The only other legitimate method to get a shiny Keldeo is by completing the Pokédex for Pokémon Sword and Shield in Pokémon Home. To do this, you need to catch every Pokémon in Sword/Shield and then register those Pokémon in Pokémon Home. (You functionally need to have a living Pokédex in the aforementioned games, and then transfer everything to Home.)
Pony Tales step 2 tasks and rewards
Pony Tales Step 2 Tasks
Step 2 of 7 in the Masterwork Research: Pony Tales requires catching 100 Water-type Pokémon for 15 Snivy Candy, catching 100 Fighting-type Pokémon for 15 Tepig Candy, and catching a Pokémon on 15 different days for 15 Oshawott Candy. These tasks follow the time-gated Step 1 and emphasize starter Pokémon from Unova, aligning with the quest’s progression toward shiny Keldeo.
Step 2 Rewards
Rewards include 10 Snivy XL Candy, 10 Tepig XL Candy, and 10 Oshawott XL Candy, providing valuable resources for powering up these Pokémon. This step unlocks after completing Step 1, with further pages gated by additional days of activity.
Pony Tales step 3 tasks and rewards
Pony Tales Step 3 Tasks
Step 3 of 7 in Masterwork Research: Pony Tales includes using 200 supereffective charged attacks (rewards Hitmonchan), battling in 10 raids with your buddy (rewards Hitmonlee), and catching a Pokémon on 21 different days (rewards Hitmontop). These tasks continue the time-gated progression with a focus on Fighting-type Pokémon and consistent daily play.
Step 3 Rewards
Rewards consist of one Incense, 30 Ultra Balls, and one Rare Candy XL. This step unlocks after completing Step 2, maintaining the quest’s extended timeline toward the shiny Keldeo encounter.
