To get access to the Special Research, players will need to either complete the four previous Season of Alola Research Tasks or spend $4.99 on a ticket before June 1. Once unlocked, the Special Research will be available permanently, so there’s no rush for players to complete it before the Season of Alola ends. The Research itself is divided into four steps. The first three will be the same for everyone, but the fourth gives players the choice of an Island Path to follow.

RELATED: How to Transfer Pokemon from GO to Home

Island Paths in Pokemon GO

Once they’ve completed step three of the Alola to Alola Research, players will be given the choice of four Island Paths to complete their Alolan journey. Each Path comes with a set of themed challenges and offers different rewards for completion. This means players should know what they want before committing, and study each path carefully:

Akala Island Path

Walk 7km (1 Incense) Spin 10 PokeStops or Gyms (15 Ultra Balls) Complete 3 Field Research Tasks (1 Star Piece) Take 5 snapshots of wild Pokemon (3 Golden Razz Berries) Hatch 3 eggs (1 Super Incubator)

Completion Rewards: 2 Incubators, 1 P’au Style Oricorio Hat, Alolan Marowak Encounter.

Melemele Island Path

Send 15 gifts to friends (1 Poffin) Take 5 snapshots of wild Pokemon (15 Ultra Balls) Trade Pokemon 3 times (1 Star Piece) Earn 10 hearts with your buddy (3 Golden Razz Berries) Make a new friend (1 Lure Module)

Completion Rewards: 4 Lucky Eggs, 1 Pom-Pom Style Oricorio Hat, Alolan Raichu Encounter

Poni Island Path

Battle in the GO Battle League 10 times (1 Rocket Radar) Defeat 4 Team GO Rocket grunts (15 Ultra Balls) Power up Pokemon 10 times (1 Star Piece) Defeat a Team GO Rocket Leader (3 Golden Razz Berries) Win 3 trainer battles in the GO Battle League (1 Premium Battle Pass)

Completion Rewards: 3 Star Pieces, 1 Sensu Style Oricorio Hat, Alolan Exeggutor Encounter

Ula’ula Island Path

Catch 30 Pokemon (1 Glacial Lure Module) Make 10 curveball throws (15 Ultra Balls) Use 15 berries to help catch Pokemon (1 Star Piece) Make 5 nice curveball throws in a row (3 Golden Razz Berries) Catch 15 different species of Pokemon (1 Magnetic Lure Module)

Completion Rewards: 4 Incense, 1 Baile Style Oricorio Hat, Alolan Vulpix Encounter

Which Island Path to Pick in Pokemon GO

Which Alola Island Path to follow really depends on what a player’s favorite activity is in Pokemon GO, and which rewards they’re most interested in.

Players who like to travel and explore should pick the Akala Island Path, particularly if they’re interested in catching an Alolan Marowak. Alternatively, players who like the social aspects of Pokemon GO should choose the Melemele Island Path, as it involves sending gifts and making new friends.

Players who are all about chucking Pokeballs and expanding their collection of Pokemon should follow the Ula’ula Island Path, though this is one of the most time-consuming to complete.

Finally, players who like to battle with their Pokemon should go for the Poni Island Path, which focuses on defeating Team GO Rocket and players in the GO Battle League.

Pokemon GO is available for mobile devices.

MORE: Pokemon GO - Best Tapu Fini Counters