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: assist Spark or Sierra. While Niantic's official announcement omits details on this free event research (available December 17th-22nd, 9:59 AM local time), the choice impacts the Pokémon you'll encounter and catch.
Choosing Your Path: Spark vs. Sierra
The core difference lies in the Pokémon type focus. Your selection determines whether you'll prioritize Ice-type (Spark) or Fire-type (Sierra) Pokémon. The rewards, however, show less divergence.
Spark's Ice-Type Challenge:
Spark's research tasks revolve around 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 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:
Sierra's path centers on Fire-type Pokémon, culminating in a Shadow Vulpix encounter in Part 2. Part 3 rewards remain consistent with Spark's path.
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: (Identical to Spark's 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 preferred Vulpix variant (Alolan or Shadow) and the Pokémon type you wish to focus on catching during the Holiday Part 1 event. Pokémon GO is currently available.



