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Pokémon Go - The Higher They Fly… quest tasks and rewards explained

Team Go Rocket returns!

The Higher They Fly… is the latest instalment in the Team Go Rocket invasion storyline in Pokémon Go which began back in July 2019 with A Troubling Situation.

There has been a break in this quest series, with the last - An Inter-egg-sting Development - being released in October 2020 - but we're back to helping Doctor Willow investigate Team Go Rocket's nefarious activities.

During this quest, you'll find yourself battling the three Team Go Rocket Leaders - Cliff, Arlo and Sierra - and the crime lord himself, Giovanni.

You'll also be rewarded with experience and a range of items, including Mega Evolution Candy, for every quest steps you complete.

On this page:

Cover image for YouTube videoPokémon Go Mysterious Components Gameplay - How to create a Rocket Radar
Pokémon Go Mysterious Components Gameplay - How to create a Rocket Radar

How 'The Higher They Fly…' works in Pokémon Go

The Higher They Fly, which appeared in March 2021 at the start of the Season of Legends, is the latest in the line of Team Go Rocket quests.

To access this research quest, you must first complete the 'tutorial' quest, A Troubling Situation, and complete any previous Team Go Rocket quest you might have already collected, such as An Inter-egg-sting Development and The Shadowy Threat Grows.

Don't worry if you're far behind in the Team Go Rocket lineup, because, once you've completed your current Rocket quest, you'll automatically jump to The Higher They Fly…

Each Team Go Rocket quest is based around defeating the crime organisation grunts and purifying Shadow Pokémon, which can be found at invaded PokéStops around the world. You'll also need to battle the Leaders Arlo, Cliff and Sierra and, eventually, Giovanni.

Aside from these specific tasks, The Higher They Fly… works exactly the same as the other research quests, which challenge you to complete a number of objectives in a specific order.

There is no time limit for The Higher They Fly… and, after completing it, you'll automatically start the next Team Go Rocket research quest upon its release.

'The Higher They Fly…' quest tasks and rewards in Pokémon Go explained

Below you'll find all six quest steps, including each individual challenges and reward, for The Higher They Fly… in Pokémon Go.

Remember - you need to have completed your previous Team Go Rocket research quest, which may be An Inter-egg-sting Development, to access this quest.

Thank you to Amiibofan101 from reddit for the help with this information!

'The Higher They Fly…' Step 1 of 6

Rewards: 10 Pinap Berries, 10 Nanab Berries and 10 Razz Berries

'The Higher They Fly…' Step 2 of 6

Rewards: 1500 XP, 500 Stardust and 10 Mega Pidgeot Candy

'The Higher They Fly…' Step 3 of 6

  • Purify 5 Shadow Pokémon - 30 Mega Pidgeot Candy
  • Defeat 5 Team Go Rocket Grunts - 30 Mega Pidgeot Candy
  • Earn 3 Candies walking with your buddy - 30 Mega Pidgeot Candy

Rewards: 2000 XP, 1 Rocket Radar and a Pidgeot Candy

'The Higher They Fly…' Step 4 of 6

  • Defeat Team Go Rocket Leader Arlo - 1250 XP
  • Defeat Team Go Rocket Leader Cliff - 1250 XP
  • Defeat Team Go Rocket Leader Sierra - 1250 XP

Rewards: 2500 XP, 1000 XP and 1 Super Rocket Radar

'The Higher They Fly…' Step 5 of 6

  • Find the Team Go Rocket Boss - 5 Max Potions
  • Battle the Team Go Rocket Boss - 20 Ultra Balls
  • Defeat the Team Go Rocket Boss - 5 Max Revives

Rewards: 3000 XP, 1 Fast TM and 1 Charged TM

'The Higher They Fly…' Step 6 of 6

  • Claim Reward - 2000 XP
  • Claim Reward - 2000 XP
  • Claim Reward - 2000 XP

Rewards: 2 Golden Razz Berries, 2 Silver Pinap Berries and 1 Premium Battle Pass


The World of Wonders season has come to Pokémon Go, giving you the chance to catch Poipole. The World of Wonders: Taken Over event is currently running, bringing the It's a Rocket World special research quest with it. Don't forget to try out Routes, Gift Exchange and Party Play while you're hunting down rare Pokémon, fighting in the Go Battle League or competing in PokéStop Showcases.


Tips for completing 'The Higher They Fly…' in Pokémon Go

Here are some tips which will help you complete The Higher They Fly in Pokémon Go:

  • Don't forget to use Pinap Berries when catching Shadow Pokémon to ensure you gather enough Candy to purify the Pokémon once it's yours.
  • Before battling the three Team Go Rocket Leaders and Giovanni, make sure you check the possibilities for their lineups, so that you can plan an effective team of counters.
  • Since both the Leaders and Giovanni have a selection of Pokémon they can use, it's a good idea to investigate their team before properly defeating them. You can do this by using a Pokémon which is guaranteed to defeat their first Pokémon, which will always be the same, and, once you know what they're second choice is, you can plan accordingly. Just remember that their lineup may change if you move to a different PokéStop.
  • If you're having trouble securing three Nice Throws in row, try finding a Pokémon with a large catch radius like Mr. Mime.
  • Remember - you can now use a Remote Raid pass to partake in battles from the comfort of your own home.

Good luck completing the latest Team Go Rocket research quest!