Legendary Heroes Timed Research quest steps and best Choose Path choice for Sword or Shield in Pokémon Go

Legendary Heroes Timed Research is an exciting branching quest that takes place during the Pokémon Go Legendary Heroes event. Players will be faced with a choice between two distinct paths: Sword or Shield. This choice significantly impacts the rewards, Collection Challenges, and Incense encounters available throughout the event, making it essential to decide on the best path before diving in.

To assist you in making your decision, we have detailed all the Legendary Heroes quest steps, along with the associated rewards for each path.

Legendary Heroes Timed Research quest steps

The Legendary Heroes Timed Research is a time-sensitive quest that must be completed before the event concludes. It is essential to finish this quest if you wish to collect all the available rewards.

As a reminder, this quest features branching choices, allowing players to select either the Sword or Shield path. Each choice will influence the rewards and encounters you experience during the event. Once you choose your path, you cannot change it, so take your time to consider which option best aligns with your goals.

Below are the steps for the initial segment of the Legendary Heroes quest before you make your path choice. Be cautious, as there may be spoilers ahead!

Step 1 of 3

• Catch 8 Pokémon – Skwovet encounter

Rewards: 800 XP, 800 Stardust, and 8 Poké Balls

‘Sword’ path quest steps for Legendary Heroes Timed Research

Choosing the Sword path unlocks specific challenges and rewards that differ from the Shield path. Remember, once you select this path, it cannot be altered. Here are the challenges and rewards for the Sword path:

Step 2 of 3

• Use 8 Berries to help catch Pokémon – 1 Incense
• Power up Pokémon 8 times – Koffing encounter
• Catch 8 Pokémon – 8 Great Balls

Rewards: 800 XP, 800 Stardust, and a Galarian Darumaka encounter.

Step 3 of 3

• Explore 3km – 8 Razz Berries
• Use an Incense – Deino encounter
• Catch 8 Pokémon – 8 Ultra Balls

Rewards: 800 XP, 800 Stardust, and a Rufflet encounter.

‘Shield’ path quest steps for Legendary Heroes Timed Research

If you select the Shield path, you will encounter different challenges and rewards. Your choice here will also determine the Collection Challenges and Incense encounters available to you. Below are the specifics for the Shield path:

Step 2 of 3

• Use 8 Berries to help catch Pokémon – 1 Incense
• Power up Pokémon 8 times – Koffing encounter
• Catch 8 Pokémon – 8 Great Balls

Rewards: 800 XP, 800 Stardust, and a Galarian Ponyta encounter.

Step 3 of 3

• Explore 3km – 8 Razz Berries
• Use an Incense – Larvitar encounter
• Catch 8 Pokémon – 8 Ultra Balls

Rewards: 800 XP, 800 Stardust, and a Vullaby encounter.

Sword or Shield: Best Choose Path choice for Legendary Heroes Timed Research

Deciding between the Sword or Shield path for the Legendary Heroes Timed Research quest is a subjective choice that depends on your individual goals and Pokémon collection. Consider the encounter rewards associated with each path. The Sword path provides encounters with Galarian Darumaka and Rufflet, while the Shield path grants you Galarian Ponyta and Vullaby encounters. If you’re missing any of these Pokémon, choose the path that offers the Pokémon you need, as they cannot flee from research quest rewards.

If you already have all four Pokémon in your Pokédex, you might want to evaluate their potential in battles. Galarian Darumaka is particularly noteworthy as it evolves into Galarian Darmanitan, a formidable Ice-type Pokémon that can be advantageous in five-star raids. Since Pokémon obtained from research encounters typically possess high IV levels, this presents an excellent opportunity to strengthen your team.

Beyond the immediate rewards from the quest, consider the additional unlocks each path offers during the event. This includes the Collection Challenges and Incense encounters, which differ based on your chosen path. Notably, the Dragon-type Pokémon available via Incense also varies: the Sword path features Deino, while the Shield path allows for encounters with Larvitar. Although both evolve into powerful Dragon-types, Tyranitar, Larvitar’s final evolution, is often regarded as the stronger choice, making the Shield path potentially more appealing for some players.

Finally, if you have friends who also play Pokémon Go, take into account the trading requirements for the Collection Challenges. Choosing the opposite path as your friends can facilitate completing the challenges through trading.

Enjoy the Legendary Heroes Timed Research quest and good luck in your Pokémon adventures!