Pokemon GO players are currently busy working through a brand new Team GO Rocket-themed Special Research Challenge and constructing a Radar that will help them track down enemy HQ and defeat the evil organization. In an interesting turn of events, dataminers spotted a new, related Special Research storyline added to the game code the same day that Looming in the Shadows went live.
As hinted by the Pokemon GO Badge for defeating Giovanni, it appears that players are going to be able to battle and take down the evil boss multiple times. It appears that this is where a second Special Research story called A Challenging Development will come into play in future months.
Niantic has yet to confirm any details about A Challenging Development, but dataminers were able to do some digging and at least teardown the placeholder story text. Gamers who want to avoid spoilers should stop reading here, but otherwise carry on to find out what the Special Research is all about...
Stage 1 of 6
Hey there, %PLAYERNAME%. Thanks for your help in holding back Team GO Rocket’s forces, it is good to know I can rely on you. However, something tells me we’re in it for the long haul and Team GO Rocket won’t be going away anytime soon.
We need to start thinking long-term about our strategy when it comes to Team GO Rocket.
I hope to equip only the most prepared Trainers with Super Rocket Radars to take on Giovanni. I know you are an accomplished Trainer, but let’s make sure you’re up for the challenge.
Stage 2 of 6
Astounding work, %PLAYERNAME%. Did you know that purifying Shadow Pokémon makes them stronger due to the gratitude they feel towards you for saving them? Maybe one of the Pokémon you purify will become a trusted partner in our efforts to fight against Team GO Rocket’s invasion.
We need to continue saving and purifying these Pokémon. Remember this: a good Trainer is strong, but a great Trainer is caring and kind.
Stage 3 of 6
Fantastic! Good work purifying all of those Pokémon, %PLAYERNAME%. They’re practically glowing with gratitude towards you.
You can tell Shadow and Purified Pokémon apart because of the auras that surround them.
One of my favorite sights is a Purified Pokémon standing proud atop their Trainer’s team’s Gym. It’s truly a sight to behold!
Now it’s time to take your new friends and train alongside them. A difficult challenge awaits you next, so prepare for battle, %PLAYERNAME%.
Stage 4 of 6
You should feel proud of your progress, %PLAYERNAME%. I know myself and the team leaders are proud of how much you have grown as a trainer. There is one final task before you can be trusted to take on an opponent like Giovanni.
If you can show me that you can defeat the Team GO Rocket Leaders, then I’ll know that you are the trainer for the job.
Stage 5 of 6
Your skills are impressive. I think it is time for you to take the Super Rocket Radar and see if we can track down the boss himself. %PLAYERNAME%, I believe you are ready to take on Giovanni, again.
You’ve proven your strength in battle, but also your compassion through saving and purifying Shadow Pokémon. Confront Giovanni with your lessons and Pokémon in hand and I believe nothing can stop you.
Good luck, %PLAYERNAME%!
Stage 6 of 6
Fantastic work, %PLAYERNAME%! Enjoy your victory, but soon we will need to face everything we have discovered over the past month. While you were completing your tasks, I was doing some reconnaissance myself. I have to admit, it has been quite thrilling!
As you might have guessed, there are many more hideouts and headquarters out there that the Team GO Rocket Leaders and Giovanni could be hiding at. We’ve secured the world of Pokémon GO for now, but know that they will come back. When they do, be sure you’re ready for the challenge!
Although these details haven't been confirmed yet, it seems likely that A Challenging Development will be the repeatable monthly Special Research storyline that allows players to encounter Giovanni multiple times. This is an exciting development for players who enjoy battling and should be a nice distraction from the usual task of catching the most powerful Unova Pokemon in the game so far.
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 now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.
Source: Pokemon GO Hub