Pokémon Go Fest 2025: Zacian or Zamazenta? Full ‘A Hero’s Journey’ Path Guide & Which Legendary to Choose

Ready for a legendary adventure in Pokémon Go? If you grabbed the $14.99 Go Fest 2025 ticket, the exclusive “A Hero’s Journey” Special Research is waiting for you! But there’s a twist — you’ll have to choose between two iconic Legendary dogs: Zacian or Zamazenta. Which one should you power up? Let’s break it all down so you can make the best pick and get the most out of this epic event.

Full breakdown of the “A Hero’s Journey” Special Research quest steps
What happens when you pick Zacian or Zamazenta
Which Legendary is better for raids and PvP
Details on exclusive rewards and bonuses
Links to helpful resources and guides

How to Start “A Hero’s Journey” in Pokémon Go

First things first: to unlock this Special Research, you need to both buy the Go Fest 2025 ticket and log in during the event (June 28 or 29, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. local time). Once you start, there’s no rush — you can finish it anytime, but playing during the event will make things a lot easier thanks to special bonuses!

Step-by-Step: “A Hero’s Journey” Quest Guide

Step 1 of 6

Power up Pokémon 10 times (1 Fast TM)
Use a Fast TM (1 Charged TM)
Use a Charged TM (3 Potions)

Rewards: 2,025 Stardust, 3 Super Potions, 2,025 XP

After this, you’ll face the big choice: Crowned Sword Journey (Zacian) or Crowned Shield Journey (Zamazenta). The quest steps are almost identical, but your rewards will focus on the Legendary you select. Pick Zacian for Zacian Candy and Crowned Sword Energy, or Zamazenta for Zamazenta Candy and Crowned Shield Energy.

Important: You won’t get the Legendary itself from the quest — just the resources to power up the one you choose. You can still raid for the other, so you’re not locked out!

Step 2 of 6

Make 5 nice throws (5 Zacian/Zamazenta Candy)
Power up fairy- or fighting-type moves 5 times (1,000 Stardust)
Earn 5,000 Stardust (3 Pinap Berries)

Rewards: 2 Premium Battle Passes, Frigibax encounter, 3 Silver Pinap Berries

Step 3 of 6

Catch 3 steel-type Pokémon (3 Hyper Potions)
Battle in 2 raids (3 Max Revives)
Earn 10,000 XP (1,000 Stardust)

Rewards: 25 Zacian/Zamazenta Candy, 5 Zacian/Zamazenta Candy XL, 2 Premium Battle Passes

Step 4 of 6

Win 2 raids (3 Rare Candy)
Power up steel-type Pokémon 10 times (3 Max Potions)
Use 5 supereffective charged attacks (3 Razz Berries)

Rewards: 500 Crowned Sword/Shield Energy, Skiddo encounter, 1 Max Mushroom

Step 5 of 6

Earn 2 candies exploring with a fairy- or fighting-type buddy (500 Crowned Sword/Shield Energy)
Change Zacian/Zamazenta’s form (1 Max Particle Pack)
Win 2 Max Battles (1,000 Stardust)

Rewards: 2,025 Stardust, 5 Zacian/Zamazenta Stickers, 2,025 XP

Step 6 of 6

Claim reward! (2,025 XP)
Claim reward! (2,025 Stardust)
Claim reward! (2,025 XP)

Rewards: 5 Zacian/Zamazenta Candy XL, Go Fest 2025 pose, 25 Zacian/Zamazenta Candy

Which Path: Zacian or Zamazenta?

This is the big question! Picking Zacian or Zamazenta only affects the type of candy and energy you get. You’ll still be able to raid for the other Legendary later, so don’t stress too much. But which one is better?

Crowned Sword Zacian is considered the top all-rounder. According to PvPoke, it’s a Master League PvP king and one of the best raid attackers (see full Zacian PvP rankings here). Zacian is #2 among both fairy- and steel-type attackers. Zamazenta, on the other hand, is the #1 steel-type attacker but gets outclassed as a fighting-type. Zamazenta is still a solid pick, especially if you like its design or used it in Pokémon Shield!

Both have unique Adventure Effects:

Zacian’s Behemoth Blade: Boosts your team’s attack in raids and Max Battles for 6 minutes.
Zamazenta’s Behemoth Bash: Boosts your team’s defense in raids and Max Battles for 6 minutes.

But keep in mind — activating these buffs costs 5,000 Stardust and 5 candy for each 6-minute window.

So, what’s the verdict? Zacian is more versatile and probably the “meta” pick, but honestly — pick whichever Legendary you like more! “Do you think Zamazenta is the cuter dog of the two? Then pick that one! Did you play Pokémon Sword so you have an allegiance to Zacian? That’s a good enough reason for me! Pick with your heart.”

More Pokémon Go Fest 2025 Guides

Not done yet? There’s a lot more to explore during Go Fest 2025! Check the rotating habitat schedule to know when to hunt for your favorites. Need help with Zacian or Zamazenta raids, Crowned form mechanics, or want free codes for Crown Energy? There are dedicated guides for all of that — plus a full explainer for the Volcanion Special Research if you’ve got the Go Fest ticket!

For step-by-step quest details and more, check out this Leek Duck event guide.