In Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: aid Spark or Sierra? This guide clarifies the choices and helps you select the best path for your goals.
Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1 Research: Dates and Details
While the official Niantic announcement omits 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 sections. After the initial tasks, you choose between assisting Team Instinct's Spark or Team GO Rocket's Sierra.
Related: Optimal Pokémon GO Holiday Cup Little Edition Teams
Spark vs. Sierra: Which Path to Choose?
The core difference lies in the Pokémon types: Ice (Spark) or Fire (Sierra). Your decision depends on your preferred Pokémon and desired reward encounter.
Spark's Research: Ice-Type Focus
Spark's research tasks center around 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 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 are identical regardless of your choice.
Sierra's Research: Fire-Type Focus
Sierra's research focuses on 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 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 final decision hinges on your preferred Vulpix variant and desired Pokémon type focus during the Holiday Part 1 event.
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