Latest News About Choose Your Path Timed Research

Here’s the latest on the Choose Your Path Timed Research for Pokémon GO.

What it is

• A one-week Timed Research with three branching tracks you can pick from: Explore, Catch, or Battle. Each path grants unique bonuses for that week and cannot be changed after selection.[1][2][3]

Key dates

• Availability: May 5, 2026 at 10:00 local time to May 12, 2026 at 20:00 local time. Niantic is testing this format during evergreen weeks (weeks without major events).[2][3][1]

Path options and bonuses

• Explore: 5x XP for spinning PokéStops.
• Catch: 1.5x XP for catching Pokémon with Nice Throws or better.
• Battle: +5,000 XP from completing raids. Note: Once you pick a path, you’re locked into it for the week.[3][1][2]

Reception and context

• The trend appears to be a test of branching, path-based quests intended to diversify play during quieter periods and to complement Daily Discoveries bonuses.[4][3]

Practical tips

• Pick the path that aligns with what you’re already farming that week (stopping for PokéStops, focusing on raids, or maximizing catch XP).
• Since you can’t change paths, consider your immediate goals for the week (raids vs. catching vs. exploration) before choosing.

Sources

• Leekduck overview and dates for the event format.[1]
• Sportskeeda summary confirming the three paths and that choices are final.[2]
• SSBCrack and other outlets describing the same structure and emphasis on “test run” in evergreen weeks.[3][4]

If you’d like, I can summarize the exact task lists and rewards from each path from a specific source, or help you decide which path fits your current in-game goals.