The January 2022 Research Breakthrough Rewards in Pokemon GO, as originally announced, weren’t quite the return to Legendary encounters that some players have been hoping for, but they did include a pretty exciting and different reward. The original plans for the Breakthrough rewards included both a Steelix encounter and Steelix Mega Energy. Plans have since changed, but there will still be a way to claim that precious Energy.
Mega Energy is a pretty important and powerful resource in Pokemon GO that allows players to temporarily evolve a Pokemon into its Mega form. Usually the Energy can only be obtained by participating in Mega Raid battles or through special event Research. Including Mega Candy in the Research Breakthroughs is a very interesting idea that benefits players who aren’t able to Raid as often, but it seems like it won’t be working out that way this month.
An “unforeseen issue” squashed that reward, but the Steelix Mega Energy is still up for grabs through a very easy to finish Timed Research chain that just about any player should be able to complete just by logging into the game and catching Pokemon throughout this month. Mega Energy isn't exactly a required resource for powering through Pokemon GO, but having access to Mega Evolutions defintely opens up some of the most powerful and exciting counters when it comes to Battle Raids. Some completionists may also just want to check the Mega Steelix evolution off of their list, even if it's not for meta game reasons.
Update: Due to an unforeseen issue, Research Breakthroughs in January will not be rewarding Steelix Mega Energy. Instead, Timed Research will be available from Saturday, January 1, 2022, at 12:00 a.m. to Monday, January 31, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. local time that will reward a total of 200 Steelix Mega Energy.
Limited Research 1/4
Task - Catch 7 Pokémon
Task Reward - 25 Steelix Mega Energy
Stage Reward - 25 Steelix Mega Energy
Limited Research 2/4
Task - Catch 7 Pokémon
Task Reward - 25 Steelix Mega Energy
Stage Reward - 25 Steelix Mega Energy
Limited Research 3/4
Task - Catch 7 Pokémon
Task Reward - 25 Steelix Mega Energy
Stage Reward - 25 Steelix Mega Energy
Limited Research 4/4
Task - Catch 7 Pokémon
Task Reward - 25 Steelix Mega Energy
Stage Reward - 25 Steelix Mega Energy
Catching seven pokemon four times is about as simple as a Timed Research chain of quests can get, so it’s clear Niantic wants these rewards to be easily obtainable by any player who is interested in them. The only real limiting factor is that players need to finish the chain before the end of January. Be sure to look for the Timed Research in the app and claim each reward to progress towards the next step until the series is complete and all 200 Steelix Mega Energy has been claimed.
In the coming weeks, we should learn more about what other events will be arriving during the early days of the Season of Heritage. Be sure to check back in the near future for more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!
Pokemon GO is available on Android and iOS.