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 2024’s Research Breakthrough encounter?
December 2024’s Research Breakthrough encounters are Alolan Raichu, Pancham, Furfrou, Hisuian Avalugg, Jangmo-o, and Frigibax.
Can December 2024’s Research Breakthrough encounter be shiny?
Yes and no. All but one Pokémon from this group can be shiny when encountered during a Research Breakthrough.
- Shiny: Alolan Raichu, Pancham, Furfrou, Hisuian Avalugg, and Jangmo-o.
- Not Shiny: Frigibax.
What time is December 2024’s Research Breakthrough encounter active?
December 2024’s active time window is from Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 at 1 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. ET (GMT −8) until Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 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?)
