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

by Emily Jan 22,2025

In Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: assist Spark or Sierra. While Niantic's official announcement omits details on this free research, available December 17th-22nd (9:59 AM local time), the choice impacts subsequent tasks and rewards.

Choosing Your Path: Spark vs. Sierra

The core difference lies in the Pokémon types: Ice (Spark) or Fire (Sierra). The final reward (Sandygast) remains consistent, but the path's intermediate encounter and task types differ significantly.

Spark's Ice-Type Challenge:

Pokémon GO Spark

Image via Niantic

Choosing Spark directs you towards Ice-type Pokémon. Completing Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.

Part 2:

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, 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 Fire-Type Pursuit:

Pokémon GO Rocket Leaders

Image via Niantic

Opting for Sierra focuses on Fire-type Pokémon, with a Shadow Vulpix encounter as the Part 2 reward.

Part 2:

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, 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

Your choice hinges on your preferred Vulpix variant and desired Pokémon type focus during the Holiday Part 1 event. Pokémon GO is currently available.

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