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Pokémon GO Adds 'Research' Feature, Teases Mew

Niantic announced on Monday that it will add a new "Research" feature its Pokémon GO smartphone game on March 30. The announcement confirms that Mew will be added to the game.

Players will be able to get "Field Research" tasks at PokéStops. These will consist of tasks such as catching specific types of Pokémon or battling. In-game character Professor Willow will also present story-based "Special Research" tasks. Players will receive rewards and stamps for completing these tasks — they may complete as many tasks as they would like, but may only earn one stamp a day. Seven stamps will unlock a "Research Breakthrough," which leads to more rewards and "maybe even an encounter with a Legendary Pokémon."

While the announcement says Legendary Pokémon, it also teases that Pokémon research will allow players to discover the "mystery behind Mew." (Mew is a Mythical Pokémon, not a Legendary Pokémon.)

The Pokémon GO app launched in select countries including the United States in July 2016.

Update: Niantic confirmed that Mew is obtainable through "Research" and began streaming a promotional video for the feature on March 30.