Should You Choose Spark or Sierra in the Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Research?

In every Pokémon GO branching research quest, trainers face a critical decision. This time, the Holiday Part 1 event offers limited guidance on whether aiding Spark or Sierra aligns best with event goals.

Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1 Branching Research Dates:

The official Niantic announcement surprisingly omits the free event research, focusing solely on Field Research and paid Timed Research. However, a free research path, "Holiday Part 1," runs from December 17th to December 22nd at 9:59 AM local time. This three-part research culminates in a choice: assist Team Instinct's Spark or confront Team GO Rocket's Sierra.

Choosing Spark or Sierra in Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1:

The core difference lies in the Pokémon types: Ice (Spark) or Fire (Sierra). Your selection hinges on preferred Pokémon and reward encounters.

Spark's Research: Ice-Type Focus

Pokémon GO Spark

Image via Niantic

Spark's research tasks center on 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 wild Pokémon	20 Poké Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks	500 Stardust
Complete All Three Tasks	Alolan Vulpix encounter, 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 Encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust

Note: Part 3 rewards remain consistent regardless of Spark or Sierra selection.

Sierra's Research: Fire-Type Focus

Pokémon GO Rocket Leaders

Image via Niantic

Sierra's research emphasizes Fire-type Pokémon, culminating in a Shadow Vulpix encounter in Part 2.

Part 2 Tasks & Rewards:

Research Task	Reward
Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokémon	10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokémon	20 Poké Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks	500 Stardust
Complete All Three Tasks	Shadow Vulpix encounter, 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 Encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust

The decision ultimately rests on your desired Vulpix variant and preferred Pokémon type for the Holiday Part 1 event.

Pokémon GO is currently available.