Pokemon GO players who log in during Pokemon GO Fest: Global 2026 can get Special Research that culminates in an encounter with Zeraora, the Mythical Pokemon making its debut in the mobile game.

The Special Research is called 'A Thunderous Discovery' and can be claimed for free and does not expire, giving you unlimited time to complete all eight quest steps. If you want to know all the tasks and the associated rewards for the questline, we have all the info here.

The other big part of the Pokemon GO Fest: Global event is the debut of Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y. If you want to know more about the Genetic Mastery research and an explanation as to which branching path you should choose, we have a dedicated guide.

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A Thunderous Discovery Special Research Steps and Rewards

How to Get Zeraora

Pokemon Mythical Stats Ranked Zeraora

To get an encounter with Zeraora, the Mythical Thunderclap Pokemon, you'll need to reach and complete six out of eight steps of research for the 'A Thunderous Discovery' questline. Here are all the steps and rewards:

  • Step 1:
    • Spin 8 PokeStops or Gyms (1 Incense)
    • Use an Incense (26 Poke Balls)
    • Catch 7 Pokemon (1 Lucky Egg)
      • Total Reward: 1 Star Piece, 6 Nanab Berries, 1 Lure Module
  • Step 2:
    • Explore 1km (26 Poke Balls)
    • Use 10 Berries to help catch Pokemon (Pawmi Encounter)
    • Catch 15 different species of Pokemon (2026 Stardust)
      • Total Reward: 1 Incense, Tynamo Encounter, 2026 Stardust
  • Step 3:
    • Complete 3 Field Research Tasks (Pikachu wearing a Team Instinct Hat)
    • Catch 3 Electric-type Pokemon (Pikachu wearing a Team Mystic Hat)
    • Power up Electric-type Pokemon 10 times (Pikachu wearing a Team Valor Hat)
      • Total Reward: 6 Mewtwo Stickers, 1 Incubator, 2026 XP
  • Step 4:
    • Explore 2km (Electrode Encounter)
    • Make 8 Great Throws (Ninjask Encounter)
    • Make 5 Great Curveball Throws (Aerodactyl Encounter)
      • Total Reward: 2026 XP, 26 Ultra Balls, 2 Premium Battle Passes
  • Step 5:
    • Battle in 3 Raids (3 Max Revives)
    • Win a Raid (3 Max Potions)
    • Catch 20 Different species of Pokemon (3 Golden Razz Berries)
      • Total Reward: 2026 XP, 2 Super Incubators, 2026 Stardust
  • Step 6:
    • Explore 2km (Pikachu Visor Bulbasaur)
    • Make 8 Excellent Throws (Pikachu Visor Charmander)
    • Make 3 Great Throws in a Row (Pikachu Visor Squirtle)
      • Total Reward: 6 Zeraora Stickers, 26 Zeraora Candy, Zeraora Encounter
  • Step 7:
    • Take a Snapshot of Zeraora (1 Poffin)
    • Earn Candy while exploring with Zeraora as your buddy (3 Rare Candy)
    • Earn 6 hearts with Zeraora (3 Silver Pinap Berries)
      • Total Reward: 6 Pokemon GO Fest Stickers, Zeraora shirt, 2 Super Incubators
  • Step 8:
    • Catch a Pokemon on 7 different days (2026 XP)
    • Hatch 2 eggs (2026 Stardust)
    • Send a Gift to a friend (2026 XP)
      • Total Reward: 6 Rare Candy, Poke Ball Shades, 6 Zeraora XL Candy
Pokemon Go Tag Page Cover Art
Augmented Reality
RPG
Systems
Released
July 6, 2016
Developer(s)
Niantic
Publisher(s)
Niantic
Engine
Unity
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
Pokemon Go Press Image 1

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL

Genre(s)
Augmented Reality, RPG