Pokémon Go is marking Professor Willow's birthday with a dedicated event that includes a new Timed Research quest and the debut of a special costumed Pokémon. The "Willow's Birthday Research" event celebrates the game's long-standing professor and offers trainers a chance to earn rewards and catch a unique Pikachu.
The "Willow's Birthday Research" Timed Research quest is available until Monday, July 27th, at 8 p.m. local time, extending beyond the main event day of Tuesday, July 21st. This timeframe gives players ample opportunity to complete the quest and focus on acquiring the event's highlight: Professor Willow's Assistant Pikachu.
Quest Steps and Rewards
The "Willow's Birthday Research" quest is divided into three steps. Completing each step yields rewards including experience points, Stardust, and encounters with Professor Willow's Assistant Pikachu. Step 1 rewards trainers with 721 XP, 721 Stardust, and an encounter with the Assistant Pikachu. Step 2 requires players to catch 10 Pokémon, complete 3 Field Research Tasks, and send 3 Gifts to friends, rewarding 721 XP, 721 Stardust, and another Assistant Pikachu encounter, along with 21 Great Balls and 21 Ultra Balls. The final step, Step 3, involves catching 10 Pokémon, completing 3 Field Research Tasks, and spinning 10 PokéStops or Gyms. Upon completion, trainers will receive 721 XP, 721 Stardust, an Assistant Pikachu encounter, a Lucky Egg, a Star Piece, and a Lure Module.
Additional Research Tasks and Encounters
In addition to the Timed Research, event-exclusive field research tasks are also available. Tasks such as catching 10 Pokémon can reward trainers with an encounter with Professor Willow's Assistant Pikachu. Other field tasks, like catching 100 Pokémon or spinning 50 PokéStops or Gyms, offer various rewards including PokéCoins, Lucky Eggs, Star Pieces, Lure Modules, or Incense. Completing 5 Field Research Tasks also grants similar bonus rewards.
The new Professor Willow's Assistant Pikachu is the main draw, and it can be shiny. Players can find this special Pikachu not only through the research quests but also in raids and via photobombing snapshots. The availability of a shiny version adds an extra incentive for dedicated hunters seeking a rare variant.