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 be available over multiple months.
What’s November 2022’s Research Breakthrough encounter?
November 2022’s Research Breakthrough encounter is Starmie.
Can November 2022’s Research Breakthrough encounter be shiny?
While Starmie’s shiny version is available in Pokémon GO, it’s unclear if their Shiny version will be available during these encounters. According to the official English Pokémon GO Twitter account, the infographic announcing November 2022’s Research Breakthrough encounter doesn’t include the sparkle symbol noting that Starmie can be shiny. The official Japanese Pokémon GO Twitter account, on the other hand, has shared a graphic stating that Starmie is shiny for these encounters.
Are there any other bonuses for November 2022’s Research Breakthrough?
Trainers will get a variety of items, including 1 Star Piece for each Research Breakthrough redeemed in November 2022.
What time is November 2022’s Research Breakthrough encounter active?
This month’s active time window is from Tuesday, November 1st, 2022 at 1 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. ET (GMT −7) until Thursday, December 1st, 2022 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?)
