Catch Zeraora in Pokémon GO: How to Get the Mythical Pokémon

"Is there any current way to get Zeraora in-game? I'm recently getting back into the game, and I was really hoping to get it since it's my favorite Pokémon."

- From Reddit

Zeraora has finally made its debut in Pokémon GO as one of the most anticipated Mythical Pokémon. Unlike Pokémon that appear in the wild or can be encountered through raids, Zeraora is not available through regular encounters. Instead, players need to participate in Pokémon GO Fest: Global 2026 and complete the Special Research quest "A Thunderous Discovery" to unlock a guaranteed Zeraora encounter.

In this guide, we'll explain how to catch Zeraora in Pokémon GO, how to unlock and complete the Special Research, and everything you need to know before adding this Mythical Electric-type Pokémon to your collection.

Part 1. Is It Possible to Get Zeraora in Pokémon GO?

Yes, Zeraora is available in Pokémon GO, but it cannot be found through wild encounters, raids, or normal gameplay. As part of Pokémon GO Fest: Global 2026, Zeraora was introduced as a reward from the free "A Thunderous Discovery" Special Research. Players who logged in during the event period (July 11 - 12, 2026) were able to claim the research and work toward a Zeraora encounter.

Once claimed, the Special Research does not expire, allowing players to complete the quest steps at their own pace and eventually encounter Zeraora.

Part 2. How to Catch Zeraora in Pokémon GO

The main way to catch Zeraora in Pokémon GO is by completing the "A Thunderous Discovery" Special Research. The research contains eight steps in total, but you only need to complete the first six steps to encounter Zeraora. After finishing Step 6, you will receive a Zeraora encounter along with additional rewards, including Zeraora Candy.

Below are all the A Thunderous Discovery quest steps, tasks, and rewards.

A Thunderous Discovery Step 1 of 8: Tasks and Rewards

The first step focuses on basic Pokémon GO activities, including spinning PokéStops, using Incense, and catching Pokémon.

Tasks:

• Spin 8 PokéStops or Gyms (Reward: 1 Incense)
• Use an Incense (Reward: 26 Poké Balls)
• Catch 7 Pokémon (Reward: 1 Lucky Egg)

Step completion rewards:

• 1 Star Piece
• 6 Nanab Berries
• 1 Lure Module

A Thunderous Discovery Step 2 of 8: Tasks and Rewards

The second step requires exploration and catching different Pokémon species. You will need to walk, use Berries, and expand your Pokémon collection.

Tasks:

• Explore 1 km (Reward: 26 Poké Balls)
• Use 10 Berries to help catch Pokémon (Reward: Pawmi encounter)
• Catch 15 different species of Pokémon (Reward: 2026 Stardust)

Step completion rewards:

• 1 Incense
• Tynamo encounter
• 2026 Stardust

A Thunderous Discovery Step 3 of 8: Tasks and Rewards

This step focuses on Electric-type Pokémon, which matches Zeraora's typing. You will need to complete Field Research, catch Electric-type Pokémon, and power up Pokémon.

Tasks:

• Complete 3 Field Research tasks (Reward: Pikachu wearing a Team Instinct Hat encounter)
• Catch 3 Electric-type Pokémon (Reward: Pikachu wearing a Team Mystic Hat encounter)
• Power up Electric-type Pokémon 10 times (Reward: Pikachu wearing a Team Valor Hat encounter)

Step completion rewards:

• 6 Mewtwo Stickers
• 1 Incubator
• 2026 XP

A Thunderous Discovery Step 4 of 8: Tasks and Rewards

Step 4 focuses on catching skills and requires different types of throws. These tasks help players improve their accuracy while progressing through the Special Research.

Tasks:

• Explore 2 km (Reward: Electrode encounter)
• Make 8 Great Throws (Reward: Ninjask encounter)
• Make 5 Great Curveball Throws (Reward: Aerodactyl encounter)

Step completion rewards:

• 2026 XP
• 26 Ultra Balls
• 2 Premium Battle Passes

A Thunderous Discovery Step 5 of 8: Tasks and Rewards

Before reaching the Zeraora encounter, Step 5 introduces Raid-related tasks and requires players to catch a variety of Pokémon species.

Tasks:

• Battle in 3 Raids (Reward: 3 Max Revives)
• Win a Raid (Reward: 3 Max Potions)
• Catch 20 different species of Pokémon (Reward: 3 Golden Razz Berries)

Step completion rewards:

• 2026 XP
• 2 Super Incubators
• 2026 Stardust

A Thunderous Discovery Step 6 of 8: Zeraora Encounter

Step 6 is the most important part of A Thunderous Discovery because completing it unlocks the chance to catch Zeraora in Pokémon GO.

Tasks:

• Explore 2 km (Reward: Pikachu Visor Bulbasaur encounter)
• Make 8 Excellent Throws (Reward: Pikachu Visor Charmander encounter)
• Make 3 Great Throws in a Row (Reward: Pikachu Visor Squirtle encounter)

Step completion rewards:

• 6 Zeraora Stickers
• 26 Zeraora Candy
• Zeraora encounter

After completing Step 6, you can encounter and catch Zeraora. You do not need to complete the remaining two steps if your main goal is only to obtain this Mythical Pokémon.

A Thunderous Discovery Step 7 of 8: Tasks and Rewards

After obtaining Zeraora, you can continue the Special Research to earn additional rewards. These tasks focus on interacting with Zeraora as your buddy.

Tasks:

• Take a Snapshot of Zeraora (Reward: 1 Poffin)
• Earn Candy while exploring with Zeraora as your buddy (Reward: 3 Rare Candy)
• Earn 6 Hearts with Zeraora (Reward: 3 Silver Pinap Berries)

Step completion rewards:

• 6 Pokémon GO Fest Stickers
• Zeraora Shirt
• 2 Super Incubators

A Thunderous Discovery Step 8 of 8: Tasks and Rewards

The final step includes regular Pokémon GO activities, such as catching Pokémon, hatching Eggs, and sending Gifts to friends.

Tasks:

• Catch a Pokémon on 7 different days (Reward: 2026 XP)
• Hatch 2 Eggs (Reward: 2026 Stardust)
• Send a Gift to a friend (Reward: 2026 XP)

Step completion rewards:

• 6 Rare Candy
• Poke Ball Shades
• 6 Zeraora XL Candy

Part 3. How to Explore Pokémon GO Locations Without Walking

Catching Zeraora requires completing Special Research, but Pokémon GO is also built around exploring different locations and discovering new Pokémon. However, traveling to new places is not always possible due to time, distance, or other limitations.

For players who want more flexibility when exploring Pokémon GO locations, Location Changer provides a convenient way to change GPS locations and simulate movement on iPhone and Android devices. With this location changer, you can explore different areas virtually while staying at home.

Key features of Location Changer:

• Change your device location to anywhere in the world with a single click.
• Simulate different movement styles, including walking, cycling, and driving, with adjustable speeds.
• Create customized routes with multiple stops for more realistic movement.
• Import GPX files and follow saved routes directly.
• Work with the latest iOS and Android devices.
• Support Pokémon GO and other location-based applications.
• No jailbreak or root access is required.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Follow these steps to play Pokémon GO without moving:

FAQs on Zeraora in Pokémon GO

1. Where does Zeraora spawn?

Zeraora does not have a spawn location in Pokémon GO. Unlike regular Pokémon that appear in specific areas or habitats, this Mythical Pokémon is obtained through a Special Research encounter rather than map exploration.

To get the encounter, players need to progress through the "A Thunderous Discovery" Special Research and reach the required step.

2. Will Zeraora be free in Pokémon GO?

Yes. Zeraora was available as a free Special Research reward during Pokémon GO Fest: Global 2026. Players who logged in during the event period (July 11 - 12, 2026) could claim the "A Thunderous Discovery" Special Research and complete the quest to unlock their Zeraora encounter.

3. Can you get more than one Zeraora in Pokémon GO?

Currently, Zeraora is tied to the "A Thunderous Discovery" Special Research encounter. Whether players can obtain additional Zeraora in the future depends on future Pokémon GO events or special distributions.

Final Thoughts

Zeraora is finally available in Pokémon GO, but it cannot be obtained through wild encounters or raids. To add this Mythical Pokémon to your collection, you need to claim the "A Thunderous Discovery" Special Research during Pokémon GO Fest: Global 2026 and complete the required tasks.

Beyond completing Special Research, exploring new locations is also an important part of the Pokémon GO experience. If you want more flexibility when discovering different areas in the game, Location Changer can help you change your GPS location and explore Pokémon GO locations more conveniently. Whether you are working on research tasks or simply enjoying location-based gameplay, it provides an easier way to experience the game from different places.

Related Articles:

How to Walk in Pokémon GO Without Walking? [Top 4 Ways]

Most Reliable Pokémon GO Auto Catcher App on iOS and Android

Regional Pokémon Info & How to Get Regional Pokémon Without Traveling

[2026] Top 10 Pokémon GO Coordinates You Should Know