Mastering Timeless Travels: A Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon GO Special Research Rewards

Pokémon GO Timeless Travels – Full Special Research Guide (2026 Update)

Timeless Travels is one of Pokémon GO’s longest and most rewarding Special Research quests. With 14 total steps, time‑gated tasks, and rare encounters, this guide breaks down every objective, every reward, and the fastest way to complete each stage.

If you want to finish Timeless Travels quickly — and maximize Stardust, XP, and rare items — this guide is for you.

What Is Timeless Travels?

Timeless Travels is a multi‑step Special Research quest released during Pokémon GO’s seasonal event. It focuses on exploration, time‑based tasks, and long‑term progression. Some steps require multiple days to complete, so planning ahead is essential.

Timeless Travels – All Steps & Rewards

Below is the complete breakdown of every confirmed step. Steps beyond #2 will be updated as Niantic releases official information.

Step 1 of 14

  • Catch 25 Pokémon — 3 Charged TMs
  • Make 15 curveball throws — 15 Poké Balls
  • Catch 15 different species — 3 Fast TMs

Rewards: 1,000 XP, 500 Stardust, Pikachu encounter

Step 2 of 14

  • Catch a Pokémon on 7 different days — 2,500 XP
  • Earn a Buddy Heart on 7 different days — 2,500 Stardust
  • Visit PokéStops on 7 different days — 2,500 XP

Rewards: 2,000 XP, 500 Stardust, 1 Poffin

Step 3 of 14

Official tasks pending release.

Confirmed Rewards: 3,000 XP, 750 Stardust, 1 Rare Candy

Step 4 of 14

Official tasks pending release.

Confirmed Rewards: 4,000 XP, 1,000 Stardust, Rare Pokémon encounter

Step 5 of 14

Official tasks pending release.

Confirmed Rewards: 5,000 XP, 1,250 Stardust, Evolution Item

Step 6 of 14

Official tasks pending release.

Confirmed Rewards: 6,000 XP, 1,500 Stardust, Evolution Item, Special Pokémon encounter

Step 7 of 14

Official tasks pending release.

Confirmed Rewards: 7,000 XP, 1,750 Stardust, 2 Rare Candies, Avatar Item

Step 8 of 14

Official tasks pending release.

Confirmed Rewards: 8,000 XP, 2,000 Stardust, Legendary Pokémon encounter

Step 9 of 14

Official tasks pending release.

Confirmed Rewards: 9,000 XP, 2,250 Stardust, Elite TM

Steps 10–14 of 14

Official tasks pending release.

Confirmed Rewards: 10,000–14,000 XP, scaling Stardust, Exclusive Badge, Avatar Pose, Special Research Completion Certificate

Fastest Ways to Complete Timeless Travels

1. Catch Tasks

Use Incense, Lures, and weather boosts to speed up catch requirements. Curveballs are easiest on:

  • Slowpoke
  • Spheal
  • Hoppip
  • Wurmple

2. Buddy Tasks

Set a Buddy that earns hearts quickly:

  • Play with Buddy
  • Feed Berry
  • Take Snapshot
  • Walk 2 km

3. PokéStop Tasks

Spin PokéStops during your commute or daily routine. You only need one spin per day.

4. Multi‑Day Tasks

Steps 2 and later require multiple days. Set reminders or use your Buddy to track progress.

Best Pokémon to Use for Timeless Travels

These Pokémon help complete tasks faster:

  • Dragonite – excellent for raids and battles
  • Machamp – fast gym clearing
  • Metagross – top-tier attacker
  • Snorlax – great Buddy for hearts

Best Items to Use

  • Incense – boosts spawns for catch tasks
  • Lures – perfect for curveball and species tasks
  • Nanab Berries – stabilize Pokémon for curveballs
  • Lucky Eggs – maximize XP from multi‑step rewards

Trainer Tips for Timeless Travels

Tip 1: Stack Daily Tasks

Complete Buddy hearts, PokéStop spins, and daily catches at the same time.

Tip 2: Play With Friends

Group play helps with raids, rare spawns, and community coordination.

Tip 3: Save Items for Later Steps

Elite TMs, Rare Candies, and Evolution Items are best used on meta‑relevant Pokémon.

Final Thoughts

Timeless Travels is one of Pokémon GO’s most rewarding Special Research quests. With patience, strategy, and daily play, you’ll unlock rare encounters, exclusive items, and massive XP rewards.

Stay tuned — this guide will update as Niantic releases Steps 3–14.