Pokémon Go’s “Choose Your Path” timed quest is live for a week. Here’s how Explore, Catch, and Battle compare and which fits you best.
A branching timed quest in Pokémon Go is giving players a rare chance to tailor their weekly grind, and the choice you make early can shape how much XP you pull in.
Misryoum reports that the “Choose Your Path Timed Research” is a test run for a new kind of content. meant to run during quieter weeks alongside regular bonuses.. It lasts until Tuesday. May 12 at 8pm local time. and the core hook is simple: after the first step. you pick one of three paths—Explore. Catch. or Battle—then you unlock a weekly bonus themed around that element.
The key detail is that the quest is branching. Once you commit to a path, you cannot switch it later, so it’s worth thinking about what you actually do most in Pokémon Go—spin stops, land strong throws, or raid frequently—before you lock in your selection.
This is one of those moments where routine matters more than strategy. Your “best” choice is the one that matches your habits, because you’ll complete more tasks naturally and earn more from the bonus that powers your week.
**Explore path: XP from spinning**
Choosing Explore boosts XP tied to spinning PokéStops (including a higher payout for both standard and new stops).. The second-step challenges lean into distance and stop activity—walking 5km and spinning a large number of PokéStops—then the path pays out with Pinap Berries and Rare Candies after completion.
**Catch path: XP from better throws**
Choosing Catch shifts the focus to throwing quality.. Misryoum notes that this path is paired with a higher XP multiplier for Nice Throws or better. alongside tasks that require Excellent Throws and Curveball accuracy.. Like Explore, it also rewards Pinap Berries and Rare Candies—while directly reinforcing the catching loop the game revolves around.
This path tends to feel most “forgiving” for day-to-day play: even casual sessions can produce measurable XP as long as you’re consistently aiming for Nice or better throws.
**Battle path: XP from raids**
Choosing Battle ties the weekly bonus to raid completion. with tasks that ask you to win raids and use super-effective charged attacks.. The payout includes Pinap Berries and Rare Candies as well. but the usefulness of the weekly raid bonus largely depends on whether you’re planning to hit raids throughout the week.
**So. what’s the best choice?**
Misryoum’s take is that both Catch and Explore stand out. with Catch often looking like the top pick if you want steady XP because catching is a constant activity for most players.. Explore can be especially effective in areas with plenty of PokéStops or if you’re traveling. while Battle fits best if you genuinely expect to do a lot of raids.. Whatever you choose. Misryoum suggests using the boost opportunities available to you—like keeping an eye on XP multipliers—so your weekly progress stacks up.
In the end, this quest isn’t just about completing a timed checklist. It’s a decision about how you want your week to feel in Pokémon Go: throw-focused, stop-focused, or raid-heavy—and that alignment often matters more than the raw reward.