Pokémon Go is celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary with one of its most meaningful Special Research lines to date. The Pressure Rising Special Research, released as part of the Memories in Motion season, gives every trainer a chance to catch the Mythical Pokémon Volcanion—a creature previously locked behind GO Fest 2025’s ticketed access. Now, it’s free, permanent, and available to anyone who completes the six‑step questline.
If you’re looking for a clean, complete guide to every task and every reward, this is the definitive breakdown.
How to Unlock the Pressure Rising Special Research
Before you can start Pokémon Go Pressure Rising, you must complete the Glitz and Glam Special Research, which originally centered on Diancie. Only after finishing that questline will Pressure Rising appear in your Special Research tab.
Once unlocked, the research does not expire. You can complete it at your own pace, even after the Memories in Motion season ends.
How Many Steps Are There?
Pressure Rising contains six total steps, each with multiple objectives and rewards. Completing all six steps guarantees a Volcanion encounter.
All Pokémon Go Pressure Rising Special Research Tasks & Rewards
Below is a structured breakdown of every step, compiled from IGN, Eurogamer, and Serebii’s confirmed task lists.
Step 1
- Spin 12 PokéStops or Gyms
- Use an Incense
- Catch 12 Pokémon
Rewards:
- 1× Incense
- 20× Poké Ball
- 1× Lucky Egg
- Bonus set reward: 1× Star Piece, 2025 Stardust, 2025 XP
Step 2
- Make 10 Nice Throws
- Explore 2 km
- Complete 6 Field Research tasks
Rewards:
- 1× Incense
- 20× Great Ball
- Magneton encounter
- Bonus set reward: 20× Ultra Ball, 2025 Stardust, 2025 XP
Step 3
- Catch 30 different species of Pokémon
- Power up Water‑type Pokémon 20 times
- Evolve 5 Water‑type Pokémon
Rewards:
- Popplio encounter
- 25× Popplio Candy
- Additional XP and items depending on timing
- Bonus set reward: 2025 Stardust, 2025 XP
Step 4
(Tasks vary slightly by source, but all confirm Water‑type and evolution‑focused objectives.)
Common objectives include:
- Win Raids
- Catch Water‑type Pokémon
- Evolve additional Pokémon
Rewards:
- Charged TM
- Water‑type encounter
- XP and Stardust
Step 5
- Complete Field Research
- Walk a set distance
- Catch Pokémon with weather boosts
Rewards:
- Volcanion Candy
- Volcanion Candy XL
- High‑tier encounter
Step 6 (Final Step)
- Claim reward
- Claim reward
- Claim reward
Final Rewards:
- Volcanion Encounter (guaranteed)
- Additional items depending on bonuses active during completion
Eurogamer confirms that this is the same Volcanion originally exclusive to GO Fest 2025, now made globally available through this Special Research.
Why This Research Matters
Pokémon Go Pressure Rising isn’t just another seasonal questline—it’s a major accessibility win for Pokémon Go players. Volcanion, a Mythical Pokémon from Kalos, was previously locked behind a paid event. Now, every trainer can add it to their Pokédex for free simply by completing the tasks.
It also fits perfectly into the 30th Anniversary celebration, which highlights nostalgia, accessibility, and giving players meaningful rewards without paywalls. The fact that this research is permanent means new and returning players won’t miss out.
Final Thoughts
The Pressure Rising Special Research is one of the most rewarding additions to Pokémon Go in years. It’s approachable, permanent, and capped with a Mythical encounter that was previously locked behind GO Fest. Whether you’re a veteran trainer or someone returning for the anniversary festivities, this questline is absolutely worth completing.
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