Pokemon GO players have been asking for a more substantial quest system since the early days of the game and it sounds like Niantic is finally ready to deliver on that request. The mobile AR game's next major update is all set to release a research feature that gives trainers daily goals to achieve and rewards to unlock.

The upcoming research mechanic was announced in a Pokemon GO press release this morning and confirms that two variations of quests will be coming to the mobile game in the next big update. Field Research tasks can be collected at Pokestops, while Special Research tasks are story-driven and offered by Professor Willow... Remember him?

Here are a few details from the official announcement...

"Pokémon GO’s new research feature will provide Trainers with unique activities called Field Research and Special Research. Field Research tasks can be collected by spinning nearby PokéStops, and they include a wide range of Pokémon-related activities. Special Research tasks are story-driven activities that may be requested by Professor Willow himself, and they will unfold as the Trainer completes more objectives.

"Trainers can complete multiple Field Research tasks each day, with more challenging tasks offering greater rewards. Trainers can also earn one stamp per day by completing at least one Field Research task. When Trainers collect seven stamps, they can achieve a Research Breakthrough to receive even greater rewards—perhaps even an encounter with a Legendary Pokémon!"

Examples of Research Tasks in the screenshots include catching a dragon-type, winning three gym battles, or winning three raids. Some of the rewards looked like they would be rare candy, healing potions, or a TM. Rewarding players for completing tasks that they likely already do on a regular basis seems like a smart move and should motivate players to get out and playing even more.

Obviously, the most exciting potential reward is the mention of special pokemon encounters. It looks like the seven day streak for research could offer stardust, a special item, and a surprise pokemon encounter. There's no confirmation about which pokemon could should up for that encounter, but the press release definitely hints that Mew may be one of the options.

We'll post more details and guides when the update arrives, so be sure to check back for updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!

Pokemon GO is available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.