Home News Spark or Sierra? Holiday Research Choice

Spark or Sierra? Holiday Research Choice

Author : Anthony Jan 23,2025

In Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: assist Spark or Sierra. This guide clarifies the choice, focusing on reward encounters and Pokémon types. The event runs from December 17th to December 22nd, 9:59 AM local time. Niantic's official announcement surprisingly omits this free research.

Choosing Spark or Sierra: A Comparative Analysis

The core difference lies in the Pokémon types and reward encounters. The task difficulty is relatively similar for both paths.

Spark's Research: An Ice-Type Focus

Pokémon GO Spark

Image via Niantic

Choosing Spark directs your efforts toward Ice-type Pokémon. Completing Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.

Part 2 Tasks & Rewards

Research Task	Reward
Catch 10 Ice-Type Pokémon	10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of different Pokémon	20 Poké Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks	500 Stardust
Complete All Three Tasks	Alolan Vulpix & 2000 XP

Part 3 Tasks & Rewards

Research Task	Reward
Catch 25 Ice-Type Pokémon	10 Ultra Balls
Power Up Ice-Type Pokémon 10 Times	1 Golden Razz Berry
Collect MP from 3 Power Spots	100 Max Particles
Complete All Three Tasks	Sandygast, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust

Sierra's Research: A Fire-Type Focus

Pokémon GO Rocket Leaders

Image via Niantic

Opting for Sierra shifts the focus to Fire-type Pokémon, with a Shadow Vulpix encounter as the Part 2 reward.

Part 2 Tasks & Rewards

Research Task	Reward
Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokémon	10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of different Pokémon	20 Poké Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks	500 Stardust
Complete All Three Tasks	Shadow Vulpix & 2000 XP

Part 3 Tasks & Rewards

Research Task	Reward
Catch 25 Fire-Type Pokémon	10 Ultra Balls
Power Up Fire-Type Pokémon 10 Times	1 Golden Razz Berry
Collect MP from 3 Power Spots	100 Max Particles
Complete All Three Tasks	Sandygast, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust

Note that Part 3 rewards, including the Sandygast encounter, remain consistent regardless of your choice. The decision ultimately hinges on your preferred Vulpix variant and desired Pokémon type for catching.

Pokémon GO is available now.

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