The 'Precious Paths' Special Research is a seasonal questline in Pokémon Go.
Debuting in December 2025 alongside the 'A Precious Catch' Master Ball Masterwork research quest, it is season-long Special Research updated throughout the titular season, and is free for all players.
As with previous season-long research, steps will be added in increments throughout 'Previous Paths', meaning the full roster of challenges will be available by the time the season ends on 3rd March, 2026.
However, because it's Special Research, there is no time limit to complete the steps - so as long as you add it to your quest log at some point during the season, it'll remain forever on your account to complete at your leisure.
This guide explains all known steps in the 'Precious Paths' Special Research in Pokémon Go.
'Precious Paths' Masterwork Research in Pokémon Go
The 'Precious Paths' Special Research debuted on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025 as part of the titular new season, and provided you log in by 3rd March 2026, will remain in your quest inventory until it's completed, meaning there is no time limit to taking on the following challenges.
'Precious Paths' Special Research step 1/12
- Catch 30 Pokémon (reward: Sprigatito encounter)
- Use 15 Berries to help catch Pokémon (reward: Fuecoco encounter)
- Spin 10 PokéStops or Gyms (reward: Quaxly encounter)
End rewards: 3 Rare Candy, 999 XP, 999 Stardust
'Precious Paths' Special Research step 2/12
- Power up Pokémon 15 times (reward: Lechonk encounter)
- Earn 20 hearts with your Buddy (999 XP)
- Take a Snapshot of your Buddy (999 Stardust)
End rewards: 1 Poffin, 999 XP, 999 Stardust
'Precious Paths' Special Research step 3/12
- Battle in the Go Battle League 5 times (reward: 1 Charged TM)
- Use 10 supereffective Charged Attacks (reward: 1 Fast TM)
- Win a raid with your buddy (5 Max Revives)
End rewards: Primeape encounter, 999 XP, 999 Stardust
'Precious Paths' Special Research step 4/12
- Use 5,000 Stardust (reward: Fidough encounter)
- Purify 3 Shadow Pokémon (999 XP)
- Defeat 5 Team Go Rocket Grunts (999 Stardust)
End rewards: 3 Rare Candy, 999 XP, 999 Stardust
'Precious Paths' Special Research step 5/12
- Catch 10 different species of Pokémon (reward: Pawmi encounter)
- Use 25 Berries to help catch Pokémon (reward: Tadbulb encounter)
- Make 15 Great Throws (reward: 15 Great Balls)
End rewards: 3 Rare Candy, 999 XP, 999 Stardust
'Precious Paths' Special Research step 6/12
- Power up Pokémon 25 times (reward: Paldean Wooper encounter)
- Win a raid (999 XP)
- Win a Max Battle (999 Stardust)
End rewards: 15 Ultra Balls, 999 XP, 999 Stardust
'Precious Paths' Special Research step 7/12
"Professor Willow is currently performing an investigation regarding this research. Check back soon!"
More steps will be added as the season progresses. For now, we're up to speed!
