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
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
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.
