Complete Timed Research and Encounter Ducklett and Flying Pikachu in Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO is celebrating its fourth anniversary this summer! To mark the occasion (and in anticipation of Pokémon GO Fest 2020), there are three weeks of challenges in the form of Timed Research lines. By completing these Timed Research lines, Trainers can unlock additional Pokémon that will appear during Pokémon GO Fest 2020 on July 25 and July 26. There are other cool bonuses as well, including encounters with special Pokémon. Even if you don't have a Pokémon GO Fest 2020 ticket, you can still participate in these three weeks of challenges.

The first weekly challenge takes place from Friday, July 3, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. to Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at 10:00 p.m., local time, and it coincides with Pokémon GO's fourth anniversary.

Catch Special Pokémon

During this fourth anniversary event, special Pokémon will be appearing in the wild, hatching from Eggs, and appearing in raids. Look for plenty of Flying-type Pokémon and Pokémon wearing party hats—and if you're lucky, you might find a Shiny Pidove. Ducklett will be making its Pokémon GO debut in the wild and hatching from 5 km Eggs. You'll also be able to encounter Flying Pikachu in the wild and in raids. And yes, there's a chance you might even find a Shiny Flying Pikachu!

GO Fest Weekly Challenge: Skill Timed Research

The first week's challenge is designed to test your Pokémon catching skills, including your throwing technique. If you can complete all three sets of tasks in the GO Fest Weekly Challenge: Skill Timed Research, you will earn an encounter with Ducklett, an encounter with Flying Pikachu, a Star Piece, and more.

Furthermore, if the following numbers of Trainers from the same team complete this Timed Research, the corresponding Pokémon will appear during Pokémon GO Fest 2020:

One million Team Instinct Trainers: Alolan Exeggutor

One million Team Mystic Trainers: Snorlax

One million Team Valor Trainers: Chansey

Plus, if you complete the GO Fest Weekly Challenge: Skill Timed Research, you'll earn access to the GO Fest Elite Skill Challenge. This is a set of difficult tasks that you can complete to earn personal bragging rights. Be aware that you don't need to complete these tasks for your Timed Research to count toward the Pokémon GO Fest 2020 unlock goals.

Challenge Ho-Oh

The Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh is flying in to heat up the festivities. From Friday, July 3, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. to Monday, July 6, 2020, at 10:00 p.m., local time, this Fire- and Flying-type Pokémon will appear in five-star raids. Be sure you have your Remote Raid Passes ready to go! If you need some tips to defeat the Rainbow Pokémon, be sure to check out our strategy article.

More Fourth Anniversary Event Features

The Jump-Start Special Research will also be available this week for any Trainers who missed it during last year's anniversary celebration. To claim this Special Research, be sure to open the game between July 3, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. and July 8, 2020, at 10:00 p.m., local time. This Special Research will net you plenty of Stardust and XP along with some cool Pokémon encounters. It's a great way to catch up with other Trainers who might be at a higher level than you. Don't forget to take advantage of this great bonus.

Also, if you take a snapshot during this event, you might just discover a fun surprise!

As you can see, there's quite a bit of fun packed into this first week of challenges. Be sure to check back later to see what's in store for the remaining two weeks leading up to Pokémon GO Fest 2020!