Pokémon Go has launched the 'Twilight Trails' Timed Research event, a variation of the recurring 'Choose Your Path' quests. This event presents players with a strategic decision: to focus on exploration, catching Pokémon, or battling Team Go Rocket. The research is set to conclude on Monday, September 28th, at 8 PM local time.
There are two distinct versions of the 'Twilight Trails' quest. One version allows players to select a new daily bonus, while the other requires a single bonus choice that applies for the entire duration of the event. Which version a player receives is determined randomly. Regardless of the version, the path chosen cannot be altered after selection.
Quest Structure and Rewards
All paths begin with a shared Step 1, rewarding players with 500 Stardust and five Poké Balls upon claiming.
The 'Twilight Trails' research offers exclusive field tasks as well. Players can complete tasks such as 'Explore 1km,' 'Make 5 Nice Throws,' or 'Defeat a Team Go Rocket Grunt' for a reward of one Rare Candy each.
Path Options and Bonuses
Version 1: Single Bonus Choice
For players who select one bonus for the entire event, three paths are available:
- Explore (PokéStops): This path's bonus is an increase to XP gained from spinning PokéStops. Step 2 challenges include hatching eggs, exploring 2km, spinning PokéStops or Gyms, and following a Route. Rewards for completing Step 2 are 5,000 XP, 5,000 Stardust, and five Rare Candies.
- Catch (Candy): This path offers double Catch Candy during the event. Step 2 tasks involve catching a specific number of Pokémon, using berries to aid in catches, and making Great Throws. The rewards mirror the Explore path: 5,000 XP, 5,000 Stardust, and five Rare Candies.
- Battle (Team Go Rocket): This path provides an increased chance of receiving Mysterious Components from defeated Team Go Rocket Grunts. Step 2 involves using supereffective Charged Attacks, defeating Team Go Rocket Grunts, and powering up Pokémon. The rewards remain consistent: 5,000 XP, 5,000 Stardust, and five Rare Candies.
Version 2: Daily Rotating Bonuses
For players who receive the version with daily bonus choices, the paths also offer specific benefits:
- Explore (PokéStops): This path grants double XP for spinning PokéStops daily. Step 2 includes exploring 1km, spinning PokéStops or Gyms, and following a Route. Rewards for this path's Step 2 are 2,500 XP, 2,500 Stardust, and two Rare Candies.
- Catch (Stardust): This path provides double Stardust for catching Pokémon daily. Step 2 challenges focus on Curveball Throws and Excellent Throws. Rewards are 2,500 XP, 2,500 Stardust, and two Rare Candies.
- Catch (Candy): This path offers double Catch Candy daily. Step 2 tasks involve catching and transferring Pokémon, and using berries. Rewards are identical to the other daily paths: 2,500 XP, 2,500 Stardust, and two Rare Candies.
- Battle (Team Go Rocket): This path increases the Mysterious Components obtained from Team Go Rocket Grunts daily. Step 2 involves defeating Grunts, powering up Pokémon, and using Charged Attacks. Rewards are 2,500 XP, 2,500 Stardust, and two Rare Candies.
Recommended Path Choice
For the version of 'Twilight Trails' where only one bonus is chosen for the entire event, the Explore (PokéStops) path is recommended. The additional XP can contribute to reaching Trainer Levels, and is seen as more broadly useful than the double Catch Candy bonus, particularly for players who are not new to the game.
When presented with the daily rotating bonuses, it is advisable to alternate between the 'Explore (PokéStops)' and 'Catch (Stardust)' paths. Utilizing a Lucky Egg during the PokéStop bonus can maximize XP gains, while the Stardust bonus is best employed on days with extended gameplay sessions, especially when combined with a Star Piece for significant Stardust accumulation.