Every month, Niantic spotlights a Pokémon for Pokémon GO’s Research Breakthrough encounter. This feature was added to the game in April 2018 as part of the Field Research system. Essentially a quest system, Trainers can acquire Field Research tasks by logging in daily and/or spinning PokéStops (one task per PokéStop per day). When a task is completed and a reward is claimed, the Trainer will earn a stamp (only one stamp can be earned each day). After seven stamps are collected, Trainers will activate a Research Breakthrough. This bonus will let Trainers encounter a specific Pokémon to catch and will have a rating of 2- or 3-stars (or even “4-stars” if you’re lucky).
Research Breakthrough encounters can vary from month to month. Usually, a single month will feature only one Pokémon, but there have been cases of two or more Pokémon included as possible Research Breakthrough encounters for the month, or even being available over multiple months.
What’s December 2023’s Research Breakthrough encounter?
December 2023’s Research Breakthrough encounter pool contains the following Pokémon: Lapras, Galarian Weezing, Galarian Mr. Mime, Furfrou, Goomy, and Jangmo-O.
Can December 2023’s Research Breakthrough encounter be shiny?
Yes and no. Some Pokémon featured in the lineup can be shiny, whereas one in particular won’t be.
- Can be shiny: Lapras, Galarian Weezing, Galarian Mr. Mime, Furfrou, and Goomy.
- Won’t be shiny: Jangmo-O.
What time is December 2023’s Research Breakthrough encounter active?
This month’s active time window is from Friday, December 1st, 2023 at 1 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. ET (GMT −8) to March 1st, 2024 at 1 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. ET (GMT −8).
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Written by Jennifer Burch
Illustrator, designer, writer and big Nintendo geek, you can find Jennifer with an N3DS within reach 24/7. As the oldest of three, she has survived many Mario Party, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart sessions intact in addition to getting her brothers hooked on some really weird games. (Cubivore anyone?)
