Pokemon GO Winter Wishes choose a path, Catching or Stardust?
If you're wondering whether to choose the Catching Pokemon or Collecting Stardust path in the Pokemon GO Winter Wishes Timed Research, we're here to help.
The Pokemon GO Winter Wishes Timed Research asks you to 'choose a path' between Catching Pokemon or Collecting Stardust, but which one is best? Let's find out!
Every now and then, Pokemon GO events feature Timed Research with a branching path. When these appear, you'll need to choose between multiple options - and once you've picked, you can't change your mind!
Your choice will usually affect the tasks you need to complete and the bonuses you'll get to enjoy throughout the event, so here's what you need to know about the new Winter Wishes 'choose a path' outcomes.
Should you choose Catching Pokemon or Collecting Stardust?
I would recommend that you choose the Catching Pokemon path. It gets increasingly harder to level up as you reach the upper limits in Pokemon GO, and choosing this path will give you a 2x Catch XP bonus for the remainder of the event as well as a Lucky Egg which should help you on your way to levelling up.
On the other hand, if you're more focused on the GO Battle League than levelling up, you might be better off choosing the Collecting Stardust path. With a 2x Catch Stardust bonus and Star Piece reward, you should have a hefty chunk of Stardust by the end of the event to power up your Pokemon.
Other than the bonuses and rewards mentioned above, the rest of the rewards you'll get for completing this set of Timed Research will be the same regardless of which path you choose. The only other difference is a single task in Step 2: You'll either need to earn 25,000 XP or earn 7,500 Stardust.
Pokemon GO Winter Wishes Timed Research tasks and rewards
Here are all of the tasks and rewards in the Winter Wishes Timed Research:
Step 1 of 2
| Task | Reward |
| Catch 5 Pokemon | 1 Glacial Lure Module |
| Spin 3 PokeStops or Gyms | Pikachu wearing holiday attire |
| Power up Pokemon 5 times | 2 Silver Pinap Berries |
Completion rewards: 500 Stardust & 500 XP
At this point, you'll be asked to 'choose a path' between Catching Pokemon or Collecting Stardust. Remember to check the differences above before deciding!
Step 2 of 2 (Catching Pokemon path)
| Task | Reward |
| Catch 10 Pokemon | Spheal wearing a holiday scarf |
| Catch 25 Pokemon | Eevee wearing a holiday hat |
| Catch 40 Ice-type Pokemon | Lapras |
| Catch 8 different species of Ice-type Pokemon | Stantler wearing a holiday outfit |
| Earn 25,000 XP | Cetoddle |
| Send 25 Gifts to Friends | Pikachu wearing holiday attire |
Completion rewards: Galarian Mr Mime and a Lucky Egg
Step 2 of 2 (Collecting Stardust path)
| Task | Reward |
| Catch 10 Pokemon | Spheal wearing a holiday scarf |
| Catch 25 Pokemon | Eevee wearing a holiday hat |
| Catch 40 Ice-type Pokemon | Lapras |
| Catch 8 different species of Ice-type Pokemon | Stantler wearing a holiday outfit |
| Earn 7,500 Stardust | Cetoddle |
| Send 25 Gifts to Friends | Pikachu wearing holiday attire |
Completion rewards: Galarian Mr Mime and a Star Piece
I went with the 'Catching Pokemon' path because I'm currently trying to hit Level 40 as fast as possible. I'm also pretty happy with my GO Battle League teams at the moment so Stardust isn't as valuable to me.
Ultimately, though, the path you choose is down to your personal preference! Hopefully, you've got a better idea of which option to go with now.
That's everything you need to know about the Winter Wishes Timed Research. Visit our Pokemon homepage for more guides like the best Great League team, the upcoming Spotlight Hours, and the current Raid Bosses.
About The Author
Daniel Megarry
Daniel is GGRecon’s Deputy Guides Editor. He graduated from university with a degree in Journalism & English Language before covering video games and LGBTQ+ culture at publications including Gay Times and Dexerto. His favourite games include Pokemon, Kingdom Hearts, Resident Evil, and anything Nintendo. You can reach him on daniel.megarry@ggrecon.com.
