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 Part 1 experience. The event, running from December 17th to December 22nd at 9:59 AM local time, features a free research path with three sections. After the initial tasks, players select their allegiance.
Choosing Your Path: Spark or Sierra?
The core difference lies in the Pokémon types and reward encounters. The choice isn't drastically impactful, but it significantly influences your in-game focus.
Spark's Ice-Type Challenge
Opting for Spark directs your efforts towards Ice-type Pokémon. Completing Part 2 rewards you with an Alolan Vulpix encounter.
Spark - Part 2:
| 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, 2000 XP |
Spark - 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 Pursuit
Choosing Sierra shifts the focus to Fire-type Pokémon, culminating in a Shadow Vulpix encounter in Part 2.
Sierra - Part 2:
| 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, 2000 XP |
Sierra - 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 |
Note that the Part 3 reward, a Sandygast encounter, remains consistent regardless of your choice. The decision ultimately hinges on your preferred Vulpix variant and the Pokémon type you wish to prioritize catching during the event. Pokémon GO is available now.
