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The latestPokémon GOseason, Max Out, has finally arrived, and to mark the occasion, there’s a new Galar Calling Special Research story that requires players to"choose a path"between three different options. The path you select will decide which starter Pokémon from the Galar region you’ll adventure with, whether that’s the Grass-type Grookey, the Fire-type Scorbunny, or the Water-type Sobble.
Just like in thePokémon Sword & Shieldgames on Nintendo Switch, you’ll start the Galar Calling Special Research story by choosing your favorite starter Pokémon. Although it’s possible to catch all of them in the wild, the starter you choose will impact the tasks and rewards you’ll get throughout the Galar Calling story, and will also change the background ofyour Postcard Book, so it’s good to know what you’re getting yourself in for.
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Should You Adventure With Grookey, Scorbunny, Or Sobble?
One Of These Galar-Region Starters Has Potential
While this decision mostly comes down to personal preference, if you’re looking for a solid answer, the best path is toadventure with Grookey. This adorable Grass-type Pokémon might look cute now, but when it reaches its final evolution, Rillaboom, it becomes a fearsome fighter withfuture potential in thePokémon GOBattle League.
Rillaboom has much better bulk than the other Galar-region starter evolutions, and its Attack stat is very impressive, too. All it needs to reach its full potential is a better moveset, which should come when Grookey eventually headlines aCommunity Day eventand gets access to Frenzy Plant. Until then, it’s worth having a solid Rillaboom with good IVs ready in your collection.
Pokémon caught as rewards for completing Special Research tasks generally have better IVs than those caught in the wild, so this is another good reason to choose Grookey as your starter Pokémon in the Galar Calling story.
Having said that, it could be a long time until Grookey gets its own Community Day event, and until that day, none of the Galar-region starters have much potential in thePokémon GOBattle League or even asRaid attackers. For this reason, it might be best totrust your gut instinct and choose the Pokémon you like the most, especially as you’ll be learning about them for the rest of the Galar Calling Special Research story.
Do you always choose the Fire-type starter in Pokémon games? Go with Scorbunny. Do you relate to Sobble’s constant emotional state? Choose that little cutie instead. If you’re eager to get a 4-Star Rillaboom ready for the future, go with Grookey. I’ll be choosing Sobble, as that’s the one I chose inPokémon Scarlet & Violeton Nintendo Switch.
Galar Calling: Grookey Path Explained
Get Extra Encounters With This Grass-Type Monkey
If you choose toadventure with Grookey, your Galar Calling Special Research story will be influenced by this Grass-type monkey. As well as some of the tasks requiring you to evolve Grookey into Thwackey and then Rillaboom, there will also be opportunities toearn extra Grookey Candy and get more Grookey encountersas rewards. As a fun bonus, your Postcard Book will get a Grookey-inspired background for the Max Out season.
Galar Calling: Scorbunny Path Explained
Get Extra Encounters With This Fire-Type Rabbit
If you choose to adventure with Scorbunny, your Galar Calling Special Research story will be influenced by this Fire-type rabbit. The tasks you need to complete will include evolving Scorbunny into Raboot and Cinderace, while the rewards will includeextra opportunities to catch Scorbunny as well as plenty of Scorbunny Candyto help you evolve it. You’ll also get a Scorbunny-themed background for your Postcard Book.
Galar Calling: Sobble Path Explained
Get Extra Encounters With This Water-Type Reptile
If you choose to adventure with Sobble, your Galar Calling Special Research story will be influenced by this Water-type reptile. Some of the tasks you get will require you to evolve Sobble into Drizzile and Inteleon, while the rewards on offer will includeextra opportunities to catch Sobble, as well as Sobble Candyto help you complete its evolution process. Your Postcard Book will also get a Sobble-themed background.
Whichever path you choose, you’ll be able to encounter the other two Galar-region starter Pokémon in the wild or by hatching 5km Eggs throughout the Max Out season, which ends on July 20, 2025, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch the whole Galar gang inPokémon GO.
