Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The free Blanche-versus-Cliff Timed Research in Pokémon GO’s Steeled Resolve event has expired. When it was available, Blanche’s branch offered Marill and Steelix; Cliff’s offered Shadow Machop and Marowak. Choose based on which encounters you preferred—neither branch is established as universally better.
What did each path offer?
The choice was part of the January 2025 Steeled Resolve event. The task requirements and most listed rewards were shared between the branches; the encounters were the main difference.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pokémon GO Plus + | $144.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Pokémon GO Plus + | $124.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Pokemon Go Plus + | $149.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Silicone Case for Poke Go Plus + (2023), Go Plus Plus Cover Case with Strap, Soft Protective Case... | $12.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Pokemon Go Plus + (Renewed) | Buy on Amazon |
| Path | Branch-specific encounters | Shared tasks and listed rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Blanche | Marill and Steelix | Use five supereffective Charged Attacks, power up Pokémon five times, and battle in the GO Battle League five times. Listed rewards included Stardust, two Fast TMs, two Charged TMs, and 2,000 XP. The final step required catching 25 Pokémon, powering up Pokémon 10 times, and winning a Trainer Battle in the GO Battle League; listed rewards included Ultra Balls, a Silver Pinap Berry, 3,000 XP, and 2,000 Stardust. |
| Cliff | Shadow Machop and Marowak | Use five supereffective Charged Attacks, power up Pokémon five times, and battle in the GO Battle League five times. Listed rewards included Stardust, two Fast TMs, two Charged TMs, and 2,000 XP. The final step required catching 25 Pokémon, powering up Pokémon 10 times, and winning a Trainer Battle in the GO Battle League; listed rewards included Ultra Balls, a Silver Pinap Berry, 3,000 XP, and 2,000 Stardust. |
Both paths also began with the same step: catch 15 Pokémon, spin five PokéStops or Gyms, and explore 2 km. Listed rewards included Ultra Balls, Bunnelby and Paldean Wooper encounters, Stardust, and XP. The archived Leek Duck Steeled Resolve guide lists the tasks and branch encounters.
Which path should you pick?
Choose Blanche for Marill and Steelix
Blanche was the preference-based choice if you wanted the Marill and Steelix encounters listed for her branch.
#1 Best Overall
- The packaging is Japanese, but item works the same as the US version.
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
Choose Cliff for Shadow Machop and Marowak
Cliff was the preference-based choice if Shadow Machop and Marowak were the encounters you wanted.
The available branch information does not establish that either option is stronger, rarer, or more useful overall, so there is no evidence-based universal winner.
Rank #2
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Could you change your choice later?
Niantic Help’s general research guidance says a selected path cannot be reversed or updated after selection. Its guidance is general rather than specific to this event: Niantic Help: Special Research tasks.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When did Steeled Resolve Timed Research expire?
The event ran from January 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. through January 26, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time. The free Timed Research had to be completed and its rewards claimed by January 26, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. local time. That deadline has passed; the choice is no longer available. Niantic’s Steeled Resolve announcement states that Timed Research expires.
Rank #3
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
The event also had a separate paid ticket. It was not the free Blanche-or-Cliff branch: Niantic listed its own event Timed Research and rewards, including 5,000 XP, 20,000 Stardust, an Elite Charged TM, and encounters such as Galarian Weezing, Azumarill, Diggersby, and Clodsire. That offer is historical too, not a currently available purchase. See the official event announcement for the ticket details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Rank #4
- Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
- Premium Silicone Material for Comfort & Safety: Crafted from high-quality silicone, this case delivers a soft, pleasant touch while shielding your Poke GO Plus+ from scratches, dirt, and daily wear.
- Portable Design with Wrist Strap: The built-in hand strap allows you to wear the case on your wrist, ensuring easy portability and hands-free convenience during outdoor adventures.
- Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
- Package: Silicone Case x1; Hand strap x1. If you need any support please feel free to contact us.
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.
