Pokemon Go choose a path: Should you pick Spearow, Doduo, Hoothoot, Taillow, or Rufflet?

Ezequiel Leis
Rufflet in Pokemon Go

A new Pokemon Go event is making trainers choose a path to complete a branched Timed Research. Here’s everything you need to know about the Flock Together Research Day, including all tasks, rewards, and what Pokemon to choose.

The Pokemon Go Flock Together Research Day is rolling out, and players are met with a difficult choice. A new Timed Research features popular Flying-type Pokemon, and you can get numerous encounters on May 11.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose between Spearow, Doduo, Hoothoot, Taillow, or Rufflet in the Pokemon Go Flock Together branched Timed Research.

Spearow, Doduo, Hoothoot, Taillow, or Rufflet: Which path to choose in Pokemon Go?

When tackling the Pokemon Go Flock Together Timed Research, you should pick either Hoothoot or Rufflet. Hoothoot’s evolution, Noctowl, is the only one on the list with some potential for PvP viability. While Rufflet is a very rare spawn in the mobile game, so you should take advantage of any chance you get to catch it.

Ultimately, the best path to choose in this Timed Research is entirely up to you, as none of the featured Pokemon have much use in PvP or PvE activities. The choice will unlock Step 2 of the Research, giving you the chance to complete more tasks to get additional encounters with the Pokemon you picked.

The decision should be based on the Pokemon that’s missing from your Pokedex or the one you’re looking to power up the most among the five. Or maybe you’re still looking for a shiny one of these species and this is your best chance to do so, as all the featured species here can be shiny in Pokemon Go.

These five species don’t have boosted spawns in the wild, so the only way to get them during the event is through the Timed Research.

Pokemon Go Flock Together Research Day promo image
Flock Together Research Day runs from 2 PM to 5 PM (local time) on May 11, 2024.

How to get Flock Together Timed Research in Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go players can purchase the Flock Together Timed Research for USD $1 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency) through the in-game Item Shop.

You must complete the Timed Research and claim all its rewards before Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 5 PM (local time).

It’s worth noting that players can also spin PokeStops during the Flock Together Research Day to get event-themed Field Research tasks. These tasks also grant encounters with Spearow, Doduo, Hoothoot, Taillow, or Rufflet, so keep that in mind.

Pokemon Go Flock Together Timed Research tasks & rewards

Here are all the tasks and rewards in the Pokemon Go Flock Together Timed Research:

Flock Together Timed Research Stage 1/2

  • Complete a Field Research Task – Spearow encounter
  • Complete a Field Research Task – Doduo encounter
  • Complete a Field Research Task – Taillow encounter
  • Complete a Field Research Task – Hoothoot encounter
  • Complete a Field Research Task – Rufflet encounter

You’ll get 2,500 XP and 1000 Stardust for completing this stage.

Flock Together Timed Research Stage 2/2: Spearow

  • Complete 1 Field Research Task – Spearow encounter
  • Complete 2 Field Research Tasks – Spearow encounter
  • Complete 3 Field Research Tasks – Spearow encounter
  • Complete 4 Field Research Tasks – Spearow encounter
  • Complete 5 Field Research Tasks – Spearow encounter
  • Complete 6 Field Research Tasks – Spearow encounter
  • Complete 7 Field Research Tasks – Spearow encounter
  • Complete 8 Field Research Tasks – Spearow encounter
  • Complete 9 Field Research Tasks – Spearow encounter
  • Complete 10 Field Research Tasks – Spearow encounter

Completing this stage will grant you an additional Spearow encounter.

Flock Together Timed Research Stage 2/2: Doduo

  • Complete 1 Field Research Task – Doduo encounter
  • Complete 2 Field Research Tasks – Doduo encounter
  • Complete 3 Field Research Tasks – Doduo encounter
  • Complete 4 Field Research Tasks – Doduo encounter
  • Complete 5 Field Research Tasks – Doduo encounter
  • Complete 6 Field Research Tasks – Doduo encounter
  • Complete 7 Field Research Tasks – Doduo encounter
  • Complete 8 Field Research Tasks – Doduo encounter
  • Complete 9 Field Research Tasks – Doduo encounter
  • Complete 10 Field Research Tasks – Doduo encounter

Clearing this stage will grant you an additional Doduo encounter.

Flock Together Timed Research Stage 2/2: Hoothoot

  • Complete 1 Field Research Task – Hoothoot encounter
  • Complete 2 Field Research Tasks – Hoothoot encounter
  • Complete 3 Field Research Tasks – Hoothoot encounter
  • Complete 4 Field Research Tasks – Hoothoot encounter
  • Complete 5 Field Research Tasks – Hoothoot encounter
  • Complete 6 Field Research Tasks – Hoothoot encounter
  • Complete 7 Field Research Tasks – Hoothoot encounter
  • Complete 8 Field Research Tasks – Hoothoot encounter
  • Complete 9 Field Research Tasks – Hoothoot encounter
  • Complete 10 Field Research Tasks – Hoothoot encounter

You’ll get one more Hoothoot encounter after completing this Research stage.

Flock Together Timed Research Stage 2/2: Taillow

  • Complete 1 Field Research Task – Taillow encounter
  • Complete 2 Field Research Tasks – Taillow encounter
  • Complete 3 Field Research Tasks – Taillow encounter
  • Complete 4 Field Research Tasks – Taillow encounter
  • Complete 5 Field Research Tasks – Taillow encounter
  • Complete 6 Field Research Tasks – Taillow encounter
  • Complete 7 Field Research Tasks – Taillow encounter
  • Complete 8 Field Research Tasks – Taillow encounter
  • Complete 9 Field Research Tasks – Taillow encounter
  • Complete 10 Field Research Tasks – Taillow encounter

Clearing this stage will grant you an additional Taillow encounter.

Flock Together Timed Research Stage 2/2: Rufflet

  • Complete 1 Field Research Task – Rufflet encounter
  • Complete 2 Field Research Tasks – Rufflet encounter
  • Complete 3 Field Research Tasks – Rufflet encounter
  • Complete 4 Field Research Tasks – Rufflet encounter
  • Complete 5 Field Research Tasks – Rufflet encounter
  • Complete 6 Field Research Tasks – Rufflet encounter
  • Complete 7 Field Research Tasks – Rufflet encounter
  • Complete 8 Field Research Tasks – Rufflet encounter
  • Complete 9 Field Research Tasks – Rufflet encounter
  • Complete 10 Field Research Tasks – Rufflet encounter

Completing this stage will grant you an additional Rufflet encounter.

That’s everything you need to know to pick a path in the Flock Together Timed Research. For more Pokemon Go content, check out some of our other guides:

How to beat Pokemon Go Tapu Fini Raid | How to beat Pokemon Go Regirock Raid | Pokemon Go Spotlight Hour schedule | How to get Poipole in Pokemon Go | Pokemon Go server status | What are Routes in Pokemon Go | How to get the Master Ball in Pokemon Go | What are Adventure Effects in Pokemon Go? | How to beat Giovanni in Pokemon Go | How to get Kecleon in Pokemon Go | How to get more Shundos in Pokemon Go