The “Road to Unova” event coincides with the launch of the shiny Meloetta Special Research and the new GO Tour Pass feature. With so much happening simultaneously, it’s crucial for players to understand the various components of the event to maximize their rewards and enjoyment.

Pokémon GO ‘Road to Unova’ Event Timed Research and Rewards

The “Road to Unova” event features three distinct sets of Timed Research, offering both free and paid options for players. All of these research sets will expire on March 2 at 6 p.m. local time, coinciding with the end of the GO Tour: Unova hype.

‘Road to Unova: Raids’ free Timed Research and Rewards

the free Timed Research, titled “Road to Unova: Raids,” rewards players with Legendary Pokémon encounters for completing raid battles. The research does not require participation in Legendary raids, allowing players to complete easier, soloable raids to earn rewards. This provides an accessible way for all players to obtain free Legendaries and candy.

‘Road to Unova: Raids’ (Free) Step 1 of 1

  • Win a raid (terrakion encounter)
  • Win 2 raids (cobalion encounter)
  • win 3 raids (Virizion encounter)
  • Win 4 raids (Tornadus [Therian forme] encounter)
  • Win 5 raids (Thundurus [Therian forme] encounter)
  • Win 6 raids (Landorus [Therian forme] encounter)
  • Win 7 raids (Genesect encounter)
  • Win 8 raids (Genesect [Burn] encounter)
  • Win 9 raids (Genesect [Douse] encounter)
  • Win 10 raids (Genesect [Shock] encounter)
  • win 11 raids (Genesect [Chill] encounter)

Rewards: 10 reshiram Candy, 10 Zekrom candy, 10 Kyurem Candy

‘Road to Unova: Raids’ Premium timed Research and Rewards

The paid Timed Research, also named “Road to Unova: Raids,” offers additional rewards for $4.99. This pass grants players XL candy for Legendary Pokémon featured during the event, along with bonuses such as 5,000 XP per completed raid, additional candy and candy XL from Legendaries caught in raids, doubled Stardust from raids, and an additional free raid pass from spinning gym discs (up to three from two).

Pokémon GO Road to Unova Raids Premium Timed research
Image: Niantic

Whether the raid premium pass is worth the investment depends on individual player goals. As stated,
Yes, but only if you are trying to power up the featured Legendary Pokémon, you care about the ‘Black and White Joggers’ cosmetic, and/or you plan on taking advantage of the raid bonuses.
The value proposition hinges on the candy rewards, the cosmetic item, and the raid bonuses, as the free passes obtained are worth less then the pass’s cost in PokéCoins.

‘Road to Unova: Raids’ (Premium) Step 1 of 1

  • Win a raid (5 Terrakion Candy XL)
  • Win 2 raids (5 Cobalion Candy XL)
  • Win 3 raids (5 Virizion Candy XL)
  • Win 4 raids (5 Tornadus [Therian forme] Candy XL)
  • Win 5 raids (5 Thundurus [Therian forme] Candy XL)
  • Win 6 raids (5 Landorus [Therian forme] Candy XL)
  • Win 7 raids (5 Genesect Candy XL)
  • Win 8 raids (5 Genesect Candy XL)
  • Win 9 raids (5 Genesect Candy XL)
  • win 10 raids (5 Genesect Candy XL)
  • Win 11 raids (5 Genesect Candy XL)

Rewards: 10 Reshiram Candy, 10 Zekrom Candy, Black and White Joggers cosmetic

‘Road to Unova: Hatch’ Premium Timed Research and Rewards

The “Road to Unova: Hatch” research is another paid option, priced at $5. This research focuses on hatching eggs to obtain regional Pokémon, specifically maractus, Bouffalant, and Sigilyph. Players will also receive egg-related bonuses, including doubled hatch XP, doubled hatch candy, and doubled hatch Stardust.

Pokémon GO Road to Unova Hatch Premium Timed Research
A black and white hoodie cosmetic next to Maractus, Bouffalant, and Sigilyph in Pokémon GO.

‘Road to Unova: Hatch’ (Premium) Step 1 of 1

  • Hatch an Egg (maractus encounter)