Home News Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 Research: Spark or Sierra?

Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 Research: Spark or Sierra?

Jan 21,2025 Author: Benjamin

In every Pokémon GO branching research quest, trainers face a crucial decision. This Holiday Part 1 event presents a choice between assisting Spark or Sierra, with limited guidance on which path aligns best with event goals.

Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1 Branching Research Timing

Surprisingly, Niantic's official announcement omits the free event research, focusing solely on Field Research and the paid Timed Research. However, a free research path, "Holiday Part 1," runs from December 17th to December 22nd, 9:59 AM local time, comprising three stages. After the initial tasks, players must choose between aiding Team Instinct's Spark or confronting Team GO Rocket's Sierra. Which path should you select?

Choosing Spark or Sierra in Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1

The differences between these paths are subtle. Your decision hinges on your preferred Pokémon type and desired reward encounter. Let's analyze each option.

Spark's Research: Ice-Type Focus

Pokémon GO Spark

Image via Niantic
Selecting Spark directs your efforts towards Ice-type Pokémon. Completing Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.

Part 2 Tasks & Rewards

Research TaskReward
Catch 10 Ice-Type Pokémon10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokémon20 Poké Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks500 Stardust
Complete All Three TasksAlolan Vulpix encounter, 2000 XP

Part 3 Tasks & Rewards

Research TaskReward
Catch 25 Ice-Type Pokémon10 Ultra Balls
Power Up Ice-Type Pokémon 10 Times1 Golden Razz Berry
Collect MP from 3 Power Spots100 Max Particles
Complete All Three TasksSandygast encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust

Note that Part 3 rewards remain consistent regardless of your choice.

Sierra's Research: Fire-Type Focus

Pokémon GO Rocket Leaders

Image via Niantic
Choosing Sierra shifts the focus to Fire-type Pokémon, with a Shadow Vulpix encounter awaiting in Part 2.

Part 2 Tasks & Rewards

Research TaskReward
Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokémon10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokémon20 Poké Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks500 Stardust
Complete All Three TasksShadow Vulpix encounter, 2000 XP

Part 3 Tasks & Rewards

Research TaskReward
Catch 25 Fire-Type Pokémon10 Ultra Balls
Power Up Fire-Type Pokémon 10 Times1 Golden Razz Berry
Collect MP from 3 Power Spots100 Max Particles
Complete All Three TasksSandygast encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust

Your decision ultimately rests on your desired Vulpix variant and preferred Pokémon type to focus on during the Holiday Part 1 event.

Pokémon GO is currently available.

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