Niantic has released a new Timed Research event in Pokémon Go called 'Fairy Trail', a variation of the 'Choose Your Path' series designed for quieter periods in the game. This event introduces a unique element: two distinct versions of the research, meaning players may encounter different gameplay structures.

Upon booting up Pokémon Go, players will discover which of the two 'Fairy Trail' versions they have received. The core of the research revolves around selecting one of three paths: Explore, Catch, or Battle. Once a path is chosen, whether it's for a single day or the entire duration of the event, it cannot be changed.

Two Versions of 'Fairy Trail'

One version of 'Fairy Trail' offers players the opportunity to select a new bonus each day from six available options. The other version requires a single bonus selection that remains in effect for the entire quest period, chosen from three options. Which version a player receives appears to be randomized.

Quest Paths and Bonuses

Each path offers specific challenges and rewards, with the bonus awarded depending on the version of the research received and the path chosen.

For the version where a single bonus is chosen for the entire event, the paths are:

  • Explore Path: This path's bonus is halved hatch distance for eggs placed in Incubators. Challenges include exploring 3km, spinning 25 PokéStops or Gyms, hatching 2 eggs, or following 2 Routes, with rewards of three Golden Razz Berries and five Rare Candies. Encounters with Impidimp and Morelull are guaranteed.
  • Catch Path: The bonus for this path is an extra Candy for catching Pokémon with Nice Throws or better. Challenges involve making 15 Nice Throws, 15 Curveball Throws, 3 Excellent Throws, or 15 Great Curveball Throws, also yielding three Golden Razz Berries and five Rare Candies. Impidimp and Morelull encounters are featured.
  • Battle Path: This path grants an extra Mysterious Component from Team Go Rocket Grunts. Tasks include winning a raid, winning 2 raids, defeating 8 Team Go Rocket Grunts, or using 10 supereffective Charged Attacks, with the same reward of three Golden Razz Berries and five Rare Candies. Impidimp and Morelull encounters are also part of this path.

For the version where a new bonus can be selected daily, the paths and their associated daily bonuses are:

  • Explore (Hatch) Path: The daily bonus is halved hatch distance for eggs. Step 2 challenges include exploring 1km, hatching an egg, or following a Route, awarding three Golden Razz Berries and five Rare Candies, along with Impidimp or Morelull encounters.
  • Explore (PokéStops) Path: The daily bonus provides 5x XP for spinning PokéStops. Step 2 tasks involve exploring 1km, spinning 5 PokéStops or Gyms, or following a Route, offering the standard reward of three Golden Razz Berries and five Rare Candies and Impidimp or Morelull encounters.
  • Catch (XP) Path: The daily bonus grants 1.5x XP for catching Pokémon with Nice Throws or better. Step 2 challenges include making 20 Curveball Throws, 3 Excellent Throws, or 20 Great Curveball Throws, yielding three Golden Razz Berries and five Rare Candies. Impidimp and Morelull encounters are available.
  • Catch (Candy) Path: The bonus is an extra Candy for catching Pokémon with Nice Throws or better. Step 2 challenges are identical to the Catch (XP) path, with the same rewards and encounters.
  • Battle (Raids) Path: This path's daily bonus is an extra 5,000 XP for completing raids. Step 2 tasks involve winning a raid, powering up a Pokémon 3 times, or using 3 supereffective Charged Attacks, providing three Golden Razz Berries and five Rare Candies, along with Impidimp or Morelull encounters.
  • Battle (Team Go Rocket) Path: The daily bonus is earning an extra Mysterious Component from Team Go Rocket Grunts. Step 2 challenges include powering up a Pokémon 3 times, defeating 1 Team Go Rocket Grunt, or using 3 supereffective Charged Attacks, with the standard reward of three Golden Razz Berries and five Rare Candies. Impidimp or Morelull encounters are guaranteed.

Recommended Paths

For players who received the version offering a single bonus for the entire event, the 'Explore' path is recommended. The reduced hatch distance can significantly help players clear their egg inventory and gain substantial XP and Candy. For those with the daily bonus version, the 'Catch (XP)' path is suggested, as catching Pokémon is a frequent activity. Utilizing a Lucky Egg alongside this bonus can further maximize XP gains. The research concludes on Monday, August 3rd, at 8 p.m. local time.