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

In Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: aid Spark or Sierra? This guide clarifies the choices, helping you optimize your holiday gameplay.

Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1 Research: Dates & Details

While the official Niantic announcement omitted the free event research, it's available from December 17th to December 22nd, 9:59 AM local time. This "Holiday Part 1" research features three stages. After the first, you'll choose between assisting Team Instinct's Spark or Team GO Rocket's Sierra.

Should You Choose Spark or Sierra?

The core difference lies in the Pokémon types: Ice (Spark) or Fire (Sierra). The reward encounters also vary. Let's examine each path:

Spark's Research: Ice-Type Focus

Spark's research tasks revolve around Ice-type Pokémon. Completing Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.

Part 2 Tasks & Rewards

Part 3 Tasks & Rewards

Sierra's Research: Fire-Type Focus

Sierra's path emphasizes Fire-type Pokémon, culminating in a Shadow Vulpix encounter in Part 2. Part 3 rewards are identical to Spark's.

Part 2 Tasks & Rewards

Part 3 Tasks & Rewards (Same as Spark)

The decision hinges on your preferred Vulpix variant and desired Pokémon type focus for the Holiday Part 1 event. Pokémon GO is available now.