Every month, a Pokémon (or multiple Pokémon) are featured as a catch reward encounter when completing a Research Breakthrough in Pokémon GO. This feature was added to the game in April 2018 as part of the Field Research system. Essentially a quest system, Trainers can acquire one Field Research task by logging in daily and obtaining more by spinning PokéStops (one task per PokéStop per day). When a task is completed and a reward is claimed, Trainers 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 give Trainers a catch reward encounter and an this Pokémon will have a minimum rating of 2- or 3-stars (if you’re lucky you may even catch a 4-star Pokémon). In addition to this Pokémon encounter, Trainers will also earn a variety of items (including a Remote Raid Pass), XP, and Stardust.
Research Breakthrough encounters can vary from month to month. In the past, a single month would feature one to six Pokémon as possible Research Breakthrough encounters. Plus, these reward pools could be carried over multiple months. With the Season system established in Pokémon GO, typically Research Breakthrough encounters consist of the same pool of Pokémon for an entire Season (about three months).
What’s October 2026’s Research Breakthrough encounter?
October 2026’s Research Breakthrough encounter can be one out of the following 67 Pokémon:
Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, Venomoth, Persian, Golduck, Arcanine, Dewgong, Hypno, Electrode, Marowak, Weezing, Seaking, Starmie, Omastar, Kabutops, Dratini, Dragonite, Meganium, Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Xatu, Azumarill, Ursaring, Donphan, Blissey, Larvitar, Sceptile, Blaziken, Swampert, Medicham, Whiscash, Crawdaunt, Claydol, Bagon, Beldum, Torterra, Infernape, Empoleon, Toxicroak, Serperior, Emboar, Samurott, Excadrill, Leavanny, Axew, Beartic, Deino, Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja, Honedge, Goomy, Decidueye, Incineroar, Primarina, Jangmo-o, Rillaboom, Cinderace, Inteleon, Blipbug, Dreepy, Meowscarada, Skeledirge, Quaquaval, Klawf, and Frigibax.
Can October 2026’s Research Breakthrough encounter be shiny?
Out of the 67 Pokémon that are featured in this Research Breakthrough pool, the possibility of the encounter being shiny depends on the Pokémon.
Yes, the following Pokémon can be shiny during this Research Breakthrough encounter:
Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, Venomoth, Persian, Golduck, Arcanine, Dewgong, Hypno, Electrode, Marowak, Weezing, Seaking, Starmie, Omastar, Kabutops, Dratini, Dragonite, Meganium, Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Xatu, Azumarill, Ursaring, Donphan, Blissey, Larvitar, Sceptile, Blaziken, Swampert, Medicham, Whiscash, Crawdaunt, Claydol, Bagon, Beldum, Torterra, Infernape, Empoleon, Toxicroak, Serperior, Emboar, Samurott, Excadrill, Leavanny, Axew, Beartic, Deino, Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja, Honedge, Goomy, Decidueye, Incineroar, Primarina, Jangmo-o, Rillaboom, Cinderace, Inteleon, Meowscarada, Skeledirge, Quaquaval, and Frigibax.
No, the following Pokémon will not be shiny during this Research Breakthrough encounter:
Blipbug, Dreepy, and Klawf.
What items and other rewards can I get from a Research Breakthrough?
Trainers are guaranteed the following rewards when completing a Research Breakthrough:
- 2,000 XP
- 3,000 Stardust
Trainers will also receive one of the following item options:
- 20 Poké Balls
- 5 Ultra Balls
- 5 Pinap Berries
- 3 Rare Candies
- 1 Sinnoh Stone
- 1 Unova Stone
- 1 Premium Battle Pass OR 1 Remote Raid Pass
Note: If you have the max amount of Remote Raid Passes in your inventory (3), then you will receive a Premium Battle Pass instead.
What time is October 2026’s Research Breakthrough encounter active?
Since this month’s pool of Pokémon is tied to the Season of Twilight Trails, this Research Breakthrough will be active the entire season. This active time window is from Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, December 1st, 2026 at 10 a.m. your local time.
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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?)
