Might And Mastery Pokemon GO - Complete Guide 2026

Might and Mastery is the Season 18 special research quest in Pokemon GO that introduces Dynamax Kubfu and the powerful Urshifu evolutions. This comprehensive guide covers all steps to help you master this challenging quest and unlock Max Moves.

Quick Summary: Might and Mastery is a seasonal special research featuring Dynamax Kubfu. Complete multiple steps to encounter Kubfu, unlock Max Moves, and evolve it into either Single Strike Style or Rapid Strike Style Urshifu!

Availability and Access

The Might and Mastery special research was available during a specific timeframe:

  • Claim Period: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM to Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 9:59 AM local time
  • Unlock Requirement: Must have opened Pokemon GO between March 5 at 10:00 AM and March 10, 2025 at 8:00 PM local time
  • Completion Time: No deadline - complete at your own pace after claiming
  • Cost: Free for all trainers

Important: If you didn’t log in during the claim period (March 5-10, 2025), you won’t be able to access this special research. Make sure to log in during future seasonal research periods!

About Kubfu and Urshifu

Kubfu is a Fighting-type Legendary Pokemon from Generation VIII (Galar region) that can evolve into one of two powerful forms:

Kubfu

  • Type: Fighting
  • Origin: Generation VIII (Galar region)
  • Pokedex Number: #891
  • Special Feature: Can Dynamax in Pokemon GO

Urshifu Forms

Single Strike Style Urshifu:

  • Type: Fighting/Dark
  • Focus: Powerful single strikes
  • Best for aggressive playstyles

Rapid Strike Style Urshifu:

  • Type: Fighting/Water
  • Focus: Multiple rapid strikes
  • Better type coverage in PvP

Step 1 of 5: Meet Kubfu

The first step introduces you to Team GO Rocket battles and rewards you with Dynamax Kubfu.

Tasks

  • Explore 3 km
  • Defeat 3 Team GO Rocket members
  • Use a supereffective Charged Attack

Rewards

  • 891 XP
  • Dynamax Kubfu encounter
  • 15 Poke Balls
  • 5 Revives
  • 1 Charged TM

Congratulations! After Step 1, you’ll encounter your very own Dynamax Kubfu. This Pokemon can participate in Max Battles and use Max Moves!

Step 2 of 5: Building Strength

This step focuses on raids, exploration, and powering up your Pokemon.

Tasks

  • Win 3 raids
  • Spin 30 PokeStops or Gyms
  • Power up Pokemon 10 times
  • Earn 25,000 XP

Rewards

  • 891 XP
  • 12,000 Stardust (3,000 per task)
  • 2 Rare Candies
  • 25 Kubfu Candy

Pro Tip: Power up low-cost Pokemon or use this opportunity to power up your Kubfu! Save Rare Candies for Legendary Pokemon or Kubfu itself.

Step 3 of 5: Unlocking Max Moves

This critical step requires you to unlock a Max Move, introducing you to the Dynamax battle system.

Tasks

  • Catch 30 Fighting-type Pokemon
  • Hatch 3 Eggs
  • Complete 20 Field Research tasks
  • Unlock a Max Move

Rewards

  • 891 XP
  • 10 Great Balls
  • Machop encounter
  • 15 Pinap Berries
  • 1 Fast TM
  • 50 Kubfu Candy

How to Unlock a Max Move

Dynamax Pokemon start with Max Strike at level 1. To unlock Max Guard or Max Spirit:

  1. Collect 400 Max Particles from Power Spots
  2. Gather 50 Candy of the Dynamax Pokemon (e.g., 50 Kubfu Candy)
  3. Go to your Dynamax Pokemon’s page
  4. Tap on Max Moves
  5. Select the move to unlock (Max Guard or Max Spirit)
  6. Confirm the unlock using Max Particles and Candy

See our complete Max Move guide for detailed instructions!

Step 4 of 5: Max Battle Mastery

This step requires mastering Max Battles and leveling up your Max Moves.

Tasks

  • Win 5 raids
  • Win 5 Max Battles
  • Level up a Max Move 3 times
  • Earn 50,000 XP

Rewards

  • 891 XP
  • Silcoon encounter
  • Cascoon encounter
  • 5,000 Stardust
  • 2 Golden Razz Berries
  • 50 Kubfu Candy

Challenge Alert: Max Battles can be difficult solo. Join Max Battle groups through Pokemon GO Campfire or coordinate with local trainers!

Step 5 of 5: Final Mastery

The final step pushes you to complete advanced tasks and rewards you with evolution materials.

Tasks

  • Defeat 10 Team GO Rocket members
  • Power up Pokemon 20 times
  • Evolve 3 Fighting-type Pokemon
  • Earn 100,000 XP

Rewards

  • 803 XP
  • 2 Mysterious Components
  • Mienfoo encounter
  • 7,500 Stardust
  • Jangmo-o encounter
  • 100 Kubfu Candy
  • Special Charcadet Background

Quest Complete! You’ve mastered the Might and Mastery research! You now have enough Kubfu Candy to evolve it into Urshifu.

How to Evolve Kubfu into Urshifu

After completing the research, you’ll have enough candy to evolve Kubfu. Choose your evolution style wisely:

Evolution Process

  1. Open your Kubfu’s Pokemon page
  2. Tap the “Evolve” button
  3. Choose between:
    • Single Strike Style (Fighting/Dark) - More offensive
    • Rapid Strike Style (Fighting/Water) - Better coverage
  4. Confirm your choice (this is permanent!)

Important Decision: You cannot change Urshifu’s style after evolving! Choose carefully based on your battle strategy and team composition.

Which Urshifu Form Should You Choose?

Single Strike Style (Fighting/Dark)

Strengths:

  • Strong against Psychic and Ghost-types
  • Higher attack power in most scenarios
  • Better for raiding Dark and Psychic-type bosses
  • Signature move: Wicked Blow

Weaknesses:

  • Weak to Fighting, Flying, and Fairy-types
  • 4x weak to Fairy-type moves

Rapid Strike Style (Fighting/Water)

Strengths:

  • Better type coverage in PvP battles
  • Resists Fire, Water, Ice, Bug, Rock, Dark, and Steel
  • Strong against Fire, Ground, and Rock-types
  • Signature move: Surging Strikes

Weaknesses:

  • Weak to Flying, Psychic, Fairy, Electric, and Grass
  • More vulnerabilities overall

Recommendation: Most trainers prefer Rapid Strike Style for PvP due to better resistances and coverage. Choose Single Strike Style if you focus more on raids and prefer offensive power.

Tips for Completing Might and Mastery

Expert strategies to help you complete this special research efficiently:

  • Collect Max Particles Daily: Visit Power Spots daily to collect up to 800 Max Particles per day
  • Join Max Battle Communities: Use Pokemon GO Campfire to find Max Battle groups
  • Save Kubfu Candy: You need 50 candy to evolve Kubfu, and the quest gives you 225 total
  • Use Lucky Eggs: Pop Lucky Eggs when completing tasks for the 50,000 and 100,000 XP objectives
  • Fight Team GO Rocket Regularly: Balloons spawn at 12 AM, 6 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM local time
  • Stack Field Research: Complete easy field research tasks from multiple PokeStops
  • Coordinate Raids: Join local Discord or Telegram groups for raid invites
  • Power Up Strategically: Power up cheap Pokemon or your Kubfu to complete power-up tasks

Understanding Max Moves and Dynamax

This research introduces the Dynamax mechanic to Pokemon GO. Here’s what you need to know:

Max Move Types

  • Max Strike/Max Attack: Offensive move based on the Pokemon’s Fast Attack type
  • Max Guard: Defensive move that blocks incoming damage
  • Max Spirit: Healing move that restores HP to you and allies

Power Spots

  • Special locations where you can battle Dynamax Pokemon
  • Visit daily to collect Max Particles (100 per Power Spot, 20 for first visit)
  • Daily cap: 800 Max Particles, total cap: 1,000

Leveling Max Moves

  • Max Moves can be leveled from 1 to 3 (or 4 with Adventure Effects)
  • Requires Max Particles, Candy, and Candy XL
  • Higher levels = more damage, better defense, or more healing

For complete details, check our How to Unlock a Max Move guide!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get Might and Mastery if I didn’t claim it during March 2025?

Unfortunately, no. The research could only be claimed if you logged in between March 5-10, 2025. Watch for future seasonal research opportunities!

Can I get both Urshifu forms?

From this research, you can only get one form. However, you may encounter additional Kubfu from Max Battles or future events.

Is Urshifu good in Pokemon GO?

Yes! Both forms are strong in PvP and PvE. Rapid Strike Style is generally preferred for PvP, while Single Strike has higher damage output for raids.

Do I need to complete the research before June 3, 2025?

No, you only needed to claim it before June 3, 2025. Once claimed, you can complete it at any time.

How do I find Power Spots?

Power Spots appear on your map as special POIs. They’re typically at popular PokeStop or Gym locations. Check your local area or use Pokemon GO Campfire.

Can Kubfu be shiny?

Shiny Kubfu was not available during the initial Might and Mastery research. It may become available in future events.

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