What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Choose the Galar Calling partner you like best: Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble. Pokémon GO’s official announcement says your choice changes your seasonal Postcard Book background, but shows the same evolution candy costs and launch-period encounter routes for all three. It does not establish that every later research task or reward is identical.
What the Galar Calling choice changes
Galar Calling was branching Partner Special Research introduced during Pokémon GO’s Max Out season. Its original claim window ran from September 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. to December 3, 2024, at 9:59 a.m. local time. That window has passed; the season announcement does not say whether research already claimed remains accessible on an individual account. Pokémon GO’s season announcement confirms that the partner you choose changes your Postcard Book background.
The official page does not describe a strategic benefit tied to that background. It also does not provide a complete, side-by-side account of every task and reward in the branches, so it is not enough to conclude that all downstream research rewards are identical.
How the three partners compare
| Partner | First evolution | Second evolution | Launch-period routes listed in the 2024 announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grookey | Thwackey: 25 Grookey Candy | Rillaboom: 100 additional Grookey Candy | Wild encounters, 5 km Eggs, and Field Research encounters |
| Scorbunny | Raboot: 25 Scorbunny Candy | Cinderace: 100 additional Scorbunny Candy | Wild encounters, 5 km Eggs, and Field Research encounters |
| Sobble | Drizzile: 25 Sobble Candy | Inteleon: 100 additional Sobble Candy | Wild encounters, 5 km Eggs, and Field Research encounters |
The candy costs and encounter routes above are those listed in the 2024 debut announcement, not a guarantee of current availability. The source shows no difference among the starters in these listed mechanics. That does not establish that they perform identically in every battle or game mode.
#1 Best Overall
- KANTO PLUSH: Start your Pokémon journey with the Kanto Region First Partner Plush 3-Pack
- FIRST PARTNERS: Pack feature 8-inch plush of Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur
- SPECIAL MATERIAL: Snuggly Pokémon plush are made with super soft material
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Plush looks like it jumped out of the Pokémon Animated Series
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
Which partner should you pick?
If your decision is about the confirmed seasonal effect, candy cost, or the encounter routes listed at launch, the official announcement gives no reason to favor one starter. Choose the Pokémon you like most, whether for its design, its evolution line, or personal attachment. Treat that as a preference-based recommendation, not a claim that every branch reward or competitive use is the same.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not confuse it with the Sword or Shield event choice
Pokémon GO also offered a separate Sword or Shield Timed Research choice for the 2024 Legendary Heroes event. That was not the Galar Calling partner selection: it affected event-themed Incense encounters and Collection Challenge details. The Legendary Heroes announcement covers that separate event choice.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POKÉMON PLUSH: Choose to cuddle Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon
- SPECIAL MATERIAL: Snuggly 8-inch Pokémon plush is made with super soft material
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Pikachu looks like it jumped out of the Pokémon Animated Series
- TEAM BUILDING: Collect other 8-inch Pokémon plush and build your own unique team
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
Rank #4
- Grow your Squishmallows Squad with this ultrasoft Charmander HugMees plush.
- Squishmallows HugMees have extended arms and are always ready for a hug.
- Official Squishmallows product: look for the official seal and join the Squad!
- Look for other Squishmallows extensions—including FuzzAMallows, Mystery Squad, and Stackables—only by Original Squishmallows.
Rank #3
- POKÉMON PLUSH: Choose to cuddle Eevee, the Evolution Pokémon
- SPECIAL MATERIAL: Snuggly 8-inch Pokémon plush is made with super soft material
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Eevee looks like it jumped right out of the Pokémon Animated Series
- TEAM BUILDING: Collect other 8-inch Pokémon plush and build your own unique team
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
Rank #2
- POKÉMON PLUSH: Choose to cuddle Charizard, the Flame Pokémon
- SPECIAL MATERIAL: Snuggly 12-inch Pokémon plush is made with super soft material
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Charizard looks like it jumped out of the Pokémon Animated Series
- TEAM BUILDING: Collect other 12-inch Pokémon plush and build your own unique team
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
