The Choose Your Path: Fossil Fun event runs from June 17 at 10:00 a.m. to June 22, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. local time. Its free Timed Research asks Trainers to select one of three paths:
- Explore Path
- Catch Path
- Battle Path
All three paths lead to encounters with Tyrunt and Amaura, plus rewards that include Rare Candy XL and a Super Incubator. The tasks differ, so the best choice is the one that fits how you will actually play during the five-day window.
Event schedule
| Event | Local time |
|---|---|
| Starts | June 17 at 10:00 a.m. |
| Ends | June 22 at 8:00 p.m. |
| Research type | Free Timed Research |
| Featured encounters | Tyrunt and Amaura |
Check the official Pokémon GO news page and the in-game announcement for the full task and reward list once it is live.
Explore Path: best for walkers
Choose Explore if you already plan to walk, visit PokéStops, or use Routes. It is the safest choice for a weekend outing in an area with dependable map density.
Best for:
- Players with a walkable park or downtown loop
- Trainers working on Eggs or Adventure Sync
- Players who prefer steady tasks over battles
Avoid it if severe weather, mobility limits, or a low-density area will make distance and PokéStop tasks difficult.
Catch Path: best for spawn-dense areas
Choose Catch if you have enough Poké Balls and access to consistent spawns. This path is likely to pair naturally with Incense, Lure Modules, and event encounters.
Best for:
- Shiny hunters
- Players with large Poké Ball supplies
- Trainers near parks or PokéStop clusters
- Anyone who wants extra Tyrunt and Amaura candy
Before selecting it, clear Pokémon Storage and restock Balls. A catch path becomes frustrating when every few minutes are spent deleting items or transferring Pokémon.
Battle Path: best for prepared teams
Choose Battle if you enjoy raids, GO Battle League, Gym battles, or Team GO Rocket encounters and already have usable teams.
Best for:
- Raid-focused players
- Trainers with healing items
- PvP players who can complete battle tasks quickly
- Players in areas with active Gyms and Rocket stops
Avoid this path if you have very few Potions, Revives, or battle-ready Pokémon.
Which path should you choose?
Use this quick decision:
| Your situation | Recommended path |
|---|---|
| You will walk several kilometers | Explore |
| You have dense spawns and lots of Balls | Catch |
| You have strong teams and active Gyms | Battle |
| Weather may keep you indoors | Catch or Battle, depending on local access |
| You are a new player | Catch is usually the simplest |
Rewards may be similar, but incomplete Timed Research gives no value. Choose for completion probability, not for the path name that sounds most exciting.
Tyrunt and Amaura priorities
Both fossil Pokémon are useful collection targets, and their evolutions have different battle roles. Use Pinap Berries when catches are comfortable and stronger Balls when you do not want to risk a flee.
Keep:
- High-IV candidates
- PvP IV candidates after checking current rankings
- Shiny examples
- Trade copies
- Enough candy for evolutions
Route planning and location note
Explore tasks are easier on a short loop with several PokéStops. Catch tasks benefit from the same density, while Battle tasks need nearby Gyms or Rocket activity.
iAnyMove can help preview Android routes for legitimate trip planning and location testing. Mock location can violate third-party service terms, including game rules, so use it only where authorized and never to bypass fair-play systems.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change paths later?
Branching research choices are usually permanent for that research line. Read the confirmation screen before selecting.
Is the research free?
The event includes free Timed Research. Optional paid items or tickets may also appear in the shop.
What happens if I do not finish?
Timed Research expires. Complete the tasks and claim every reward before June 22 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Final advice
Pick the path that matches your real schedule. Explore is ideal for a planned walk, Catch rewards dense spawn access, and Battle suits prepared teams. Whichever path you choose, start early and claim rewards before the deadline.
Information checked on June 15, 2026. Event details are subject to change.
