Uncover the Optimal Choice: Spark or Sierra for Holiday Part 1 Research

In Pokemon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: aid Spark or Sierra? This guide clarifies the choice, focusing on the rewards and tasks of each path. The event, running December 17th-22nd (9:59 AM local time), features a free research story absent from the official Niantic announcement.

Choosing Your Path: Spark or Sierra?

The core difference lies in the Pokémon type focus and reward encounters. Both paths offer similar overall rewards in Part 3, but the earlier encounters differ significantly.

Spark's Ice-Type Adventure:

Pokemon GO Spark

Image via Niantic

Selecting Spark directs your efforts towards Ice-type Pokémon.

Part 2:

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

Part 3:

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 Fiery Challenge:

Pokemon GO Rocket Leaders

Image via Niantic

Choosing Sierra shifts the focus to Fire-type Pokémon.

Part 2:

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

Part 3:

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

The Verdict:

Your decision hinges on your desired Vulpix (Alolan or Shadow) and preferred Pokémon type for catching throughout the event. Pokemon GO is available now.