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 gameplay. The event, running December 17th–22nd (9:59 AM local time), features a free research path with three stages. After the initial tasks, you'll choose your allegiance.
The Spark vs. Sierra Dilemma
The core difference lies in the Pokémon types you'll focus on and the reward encounters. Both paths offer similar rewards in the final stage, but the journey differs.
Spark's Ice-Type Adventure
Choosing Spark directs your efforts towards Ice-type Pokémon. Your reward for completing Part 2 is an Alolan Vulpix encounter.
Spark's 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 |
Spark's Part 3:
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 25 Ice-Type Pokémon | 10 Ultra Balls |
| Power Up Ice-Type Pokémon 10x | 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 Challenge
Opting for Sierra focuses your efforts on Fire-type Pokémon. The Part 2 reward is a Shadow Vulpix encounter.
Sierra's 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 |
Sierra's Part 3:
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 25 Fire-Type Pokémon | 10 Ultra Balls |
| Power Up Fire-Type Pokémon 10x | 1 Golden Razz Berry |
| Collect MP from 3 Power Spots | 100 Max Particles |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Sandygast |
| 3000 XP | |
| 2000 Stardust |
The Verdict
The ultimate choice hinges on your desired Vulpix variant (Alolan or Shadow) and preferred Pokémon type to catch during the event. Pokémon GO is available now.
