Summary
Ever since their introduction toPokemon GO, Timed Research events have had a mixed reception from players over the years, with the main reason being a lack of consistency and accessibility that Niantic could easily rectify. While the fact that certain events are only available inPokemon GOfor a price is its own problem, the added complication of giving these and other free events a deadline prevents many new and casual players from fully enjoyingPokemon GO. Given that these events add stories, characters, and quests to liven upPokemon GO’s standard gameplay loop, Niantic should be committed to making these as accessible as possible.
One simple means of improving this accessibility would be looking at how long these timed events can be and how they are scheduled alongsidePokemon GO’s other in-game content like Special Research. Though some events like the recent Winter Wishes and Frosty Festivities were made available throughout early December, others are barely available for one day, such as Community Days, with even a few only lasting for a few hours at best. Combined with a near-constant cycle of news about current or upcoming events, it’s unsurprising thatPokemon GOplayers are unhappy with Timed Researchevents due to a deadline.
Special Events Add Variety to Pokemon GO
Objectively, there is nothing wrong withPokemon GOfeaturing timed events throughout the year as, in doing so, players are incentivized to play as frequently as possible in order to make the most out of the game. It also helps provide something new so thatPokemon GO’s gameplay doesn’t feel repetitive over time, especially if completing these timed events offers special rewards such as new or rarer Pokemon.
For example,Pokemon GO’s Community Daysare often dedicated to one specific Pokemon, such as starter Pokemon or pseudo-legendaries, giving players the chance to both catch and evolve these rare Pokemon with the bonus of potentially finding one that’s shiny or 4-stars.
Pokemon GO is Going Overboard with Events
However, it is possible to have too much of a good thing, and thoughPokemon GOhas an ever-evolving cycle of Timed Research events throughout the year, sometimes there are just too many to keep up with. For instance, there were approximately thirteen time-sensitive events during September 2023, ranging from the month-long Timed Investigation: Master Ball to multiplePokemon-specific events for Growlithe, Lechonk, Grubbin, and Azurill as per the table below. Though other months can be less hectic, streamliningPokemon GO’s overall event schedule will help encourage new or casual players who might otherwise be put off by the constant volume of events.
June 14, 2025 to July 30, 2025
1x Master Ball 3,000 Stardust 100,000 XP (in total)
June 06, 2025 to Jul 08, 2025
6x Lechonk Encounters 900 Stardust 900 XP
Everyone Starts Somewhere (available as part ofPokemon GO’s Championship Series 2024)
September 2023 to August 2024
1x Noctowl Encounter 1x Alolan Sandslash Encounter 1x Sableye Encounter 1x Lanturn Encounter 1x Medicham Encounter 1x Swampert Encounter 50 Meditite Candy 10,000 Stardust 1x Charged TM
Lure Up! (available as part ofPokemon GO’s Championship Series 2024)
I’ve Got Your Back
June 09, 2025 to August 02, 2025
1x Egg Incubator 2x Pawmi Encounters 10x Silver Pinap Berries 3x Rare Candies 1x Pawmi backpack 921 Stardust 9,210 XP
Aao Khele Pokemon GO (exclusive to India)
May 29, 2025 to August 03, 2025
10x Razz Berries 10x Nanab Berries 10x Pinap Berries 1x Incense 30x Poke Ball 15x Great Ball
July 18, 2025 to Sepember 24, 2023
Out to Play: Timed Research
August 02, 2025
1x Incense 1x Hisuian Growlithe Encounter 1x Egg Incubator 5,000 Stardust
Tails of Adventure
5x Kantonian Growlithe Encounters 6x Hisuian Growlithe Encounters 2x Egg Incubators 1x Super Incubator
July 04, 2025
1x Super Incubator 1,000 XP
Another factor to consider while streamlining this schedule is that sometimes timed events can overlap with one another, ultimately creating a confusing and mismatched gameplay experience. As part of September’s special events, all-new Pokemon fromScarletandVioletwere being added toPokemon GO, leading to those like Lechonk becoming the focus of certainTimed Research events.
However, other timed events for Charmander and its eventual Mega Evolution and the Master Ball were also available during the same month, meaning they were overshadowed by the more excitingupdate ofScarletandViolet’s Gen 9 Pokemon.
Sometimes There’s Just Not Enough Time for Pokemon GO
Beyond the chaotic schedule,Pokemon GOcould improve its quality of lifefor time-sensitive events by ensuring players have enough time to participate. Though many timed events are available for days or even weeks at a time, there are still some that last barely a few hours at most.
This punishing time limit arguably contradicts the spirit ofPokemon GOas the game actively encourages people to play at different times or even when the weather changes. Moreover, sincePokemon GOis enjoyed by all kinds of playerswho might be in school or at work, these time limits can arbitrarily prevent so many from taking part.
