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

Author : Audrey Jan 08,2025

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 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:

Pokémon GO Spark

Image via Niantic

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:

Pokémon GO Rocket Leaders

Image via Niantic

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.