What is the December 2020 Research Breakthrough Pokémon in Pokémon Go?

December is here, and Pokémon Go fans can look forward to a brand new research breakthrough Pokémon to capture. It looks like there are two Pokémon for players to encounter. It will be Lapras or the Unovan Darumaka. Both of these Pokémon are decent options for the Pokémon Go Battle League, and they make excellent Pokémon to use in raids.

You can start catching Lapras or Darumaka starting on December 1 at 1 PM PT. If you want to turn in your final research task token to catch Togetic, you have to do it before this time. Any completed research breakthroughs you make after November 1 will be a Lapras or Darumaka encounter.

Lapras is a Water and Ice-type Pokémon. It has a maximum CP of 2,641, an attack of 165, a defense of 174, and stamina of 277. It does not have an evolved form, but it is a good choice to use in the Great or Ultra League. It’s weak to Electric, Fighting, Grass, and Rock-type moves, but it’s resistant to Ice and Water-type attacks.

For Darumaka, it is purely a Fire-type Pokémon. Players will likely evolve it into Darmanitan, which has a maximum CP of 3,105, an attack of 263, a defense of 114, and stamina of 233. While it has an incredible low defensive threshold, it has a superb attack. It is weak to Ground, Rock, and Water-type moves, but it is resistant to Bug, Fairy, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Steel-type attacks.

Lapras and Darumaka will be available until January 1, 2021, at 1 PM PT. The month-long event should give you a maximum of four chances to encounter and capture it. Each successful research breakthrough capture also yields additional candies to make it stronger.