Ticketed players in Osaka, Jersey City, Paris, and the global event will have access to the Pokemon GO Fest 2025 Special Research, titled Hero's Journey. It has two branches: Crowned Sword and Crowned Shield. In this six-part quest, choosing the former gives you Zacian-themed rewards, while the latter gives you Zamazenta-themed ones.Your choice ultimately comes down to the Crowned Sword Zacian vs Crowned Shield Zamazenta in Pokemon GO debate. The global event also allows you to collect Sword and Shield energy via raids. However, the path you choose in the Hero's Journey Special Research in Pokemon GO will determine which one you get more easilyPokemon GO Fest Global Special Research (Hero's Journey): Differences in the rewardsCrowned Sword track30 x Zacian Candy (5 in stage 2 and 25 in stage 4)Zacian encounter1,000 Crowned Sword Energy6 x Zacian Candy XL (5 in stage 4 and 1 in stage 6)Crowned Shield track30 x Zamazenta Candy (5 in stage 2 and 25 in stage 4)Zamazenta encounter1,000 Crowned Sword Energy6 x Zamazenta Candy XL (5 in stage 4 and 1 in stage 6)The choice you make in this Research will determine which Gen VIII legendary you will get early access to.Also read: How to beat Gigantamax Cinderace Max Battles in Pokemon GOConclusion: Which path is the better choice in Pokemon GO Fest Global Special Research (Hero's Journey)?For better or for worse, there is no direct answer to which path is better for this Research. Crowned Sword Zacian is the best at cutting through enemies with its phenomenal attack stat and access to Behemoth Blade. On the other hand, Crowned Sword Zamazenta with Behemoth Bash is a much more versatile pick, which can generate excellent results in both PvP and PvE.If you do not plan on participating in GO Fest Global, where Crowned Sword and Crowned Shield Energy will be available from raids, choose the latter path in the GO Fest Global Special Research.Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:Ditto disguisesBuddy Evolution Adventure Together guideBest Fast Attacks in Pokemon GOSierra countersCliff countersArlo countersGiovanni countersTeam GO Rocket Grunts