Pokémon GO just introduced something genuinely fresh for trainers — and it’s not a new legendary raid or a Community Day. Welcome to “Choose Your Path” Timed Research, part of the new Evergreen Weeks format rolling out in May 2026. Here’s everything you need to know before making your pick — because once you choose, there’s no going back.
Table of Contents
Pokémon GO Choose Your Path — Key Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Timed Research (Evergreen Week) |
| Start Date | Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 10:00 AM Local Time |
| End Date | Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 8:00 PM Local Time |
| Paths Available | Explore, Catch, Battle |
| Can You Switch? | ❌ No — path is locked once chosen |
| Item Rewards | Same across all paths |
| What Differs? | Gameplay bonus & tasks per path |
What Are Evergreen Weeks?
The new format is part of the Season of Memories in Motion in May 2026, where Scopely has introduced changes to Pokémon GO’s event pacing and structure, with a more regular schedule and new weekly gameplay experiences. During these quieter weeks, Trainers receive branching Timed Research that lets them choose how they want to play for the week. Pokémon GO Hub
Think of it as Niantic’s way of keeping the game alive and structured even during non-event stretches — and honestly, it’s a smart move.
All Three Paths Explained
You can choose one of the following Timed Research paths, each granting a unique bonus for the week. Leek Duck
🧭 Path 1: Explore
Bonus: 5x XP for spinning PokéStops
Best for trainers who are out and about regularly, commuters, or anyone who enjoys walking routes and hitting multiple PokéStops daily.
🎯 Path 2: Catch
Bonus: 1.5x XP for catching Pokémon with Nice Throws or better
Best for players focused on grinding catches, building candy stacks, or working on throw accuracy — a great pick if you’re levelling up fast.
⚔️ Path 3: Battle
Bonus: Additional 5,000 XP for completing Raids
Best for dedicated raid players who are chasing legendary Pokémon, building their raid teams, or grinding with friends on weekends.
Which Path Should You Choose?
Since the item rewards in each path are identical — 3 Pinap Berries and 5 Rare Candies — you should base your decision on whichever bonus fits your natural playstyle for the week. Mein-MMO
Here’s a quick cheat sheet: if you walk a lot → Explore. If you’re catching everything in sight → Catch. If you’re raiding this weekend → Battle.
Remember: just like the real Pokémon journey philosophy itself, the best path is the one that fits your adventure — not someone else’s.
Once selected, your path cannot be changed, so think it through before tapping that button! Leek Duck
For more Pokémon GO event guides, tips, and gaming news, head to TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q: Can I change my path in the Pokémon GO Choose Your Path Timed Research?
No — once you select Explore, Catch, or Battle, your path is locked for the entire duration of the research until May 12, 2026 at 8:00 PM local time.
Q: Are the item rewards different across all three paths in Pokémon GO?
No — all three paths reward the same items (3 Pinap Berries and 5 Rare Candies), so your choice should be based purely on which gameplay bonus suits your playstyle best.
