Pokémon Go trainers will have a free opportunity to catch the Mythical Pokémon Zeraora during the upcoming Go Fest 2026: Global event by completing the "A Thunderous Discovery" Special Research quest. This quest is available to all players and offers a chance to obtain Zeraora without any cost.
To unlock "A Thunderous Discovery," players must log into Pokémon Go between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time on either Saturday, July 11, or Sunday, July 12, 2026. Once unlocked during this window, the quest will remain available indefinitely, allowing players to complete it at their own pace, though it may be easier to finish during the event itself. Players who attended in-person Go Fest 2026 events in Tokyo, Chicago, or Copenhagen will receive Zeraora Candy instead of a second Zeraora upon completing certain stages.
The Special Research quest is divided into eight steps, each with specific tasks and rewards:
Step 1 of 8: Spin 8 PokéStops or Gyms, Use an Incense, Catch 7 Pokémon. Rewards include one Star Piece, six Nanab Berries, and one Lure Module.
Step 2 of 8: Explore 1km, Use 10 Berries to help catch Pokémon, Catch 15 different species of Pokémon. Rewards include 2026 Stardust, one Incense, and a Tynamo encounter.
Step 3 of 8: Complete 3 Field Research Tasks, Catch 3 Electric-type Pokémon, Power up Electric-type Pokémon 15 times. Rewards include 2026 XP, one Incubator, and team-themed Pikachu encounters.
Step 4 of 8: Explore 2km, Make 8 Great Throws, Make 5 Great Curveball Throws. Rewards include 2026 XP, 26 Ultra Balls, and two Premium Battle Passes. Encounters include Electrode, Ninjask, and Aerodactyl.
Step 5 of 8: Battle in 3 raids, Win a raid, Catch 20 different species of Pokémon. Rewards include 2026 XP, 2026 Stardust, and two Super Incubators.
Step 6 of 8: Explore 2km, Make 8 Excellent Throws, Make 3 Great Throws in a row. Rewards include 26 Zeraora Candy, six Zeraora Stickers, and a Zeraora encounter. This step also offers encounters with costumed Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
Step 7 of 8: Take a snapshot of Zeraora, Earn a Candy exploring with Zeraora as your buddy, Earn 6 hearts with Zeraora as your buddy. Rewards include a Zeraora T-Shirt, two Super Incubators, and six Go Fest 2026 stickers.
Step 8 of 8: Catch a Pokémon on 7 different days, Hatch 2 Eggs, Send a Gift to a friend. Rewards include Poké Ball Shades, six Zeraora Candy XL, and six Rare Candies.
Players who miss the initial unlock window can still obtain Zeraora, but they must ensure they log in at least once during the specified Go Fest hours on July 11 or 12, 2026. If the quest does not appear automatically, restarting the game multiple times should prompt it to load. Special Research quests like "A Thunderous Discovery" do not have completion deadlines, but completing it during Go Fest 2026: Global may offer advantages due to increased Pokémon spawns and event bonuses. The event also features other activities, including Mega Mewtwo X and Y raids and various habitat hours.