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 research, available December 17th-22nd (9:59 AM local time), the choice impacts Pokémon encounters and catching priorities.
Choosing Spark or Sierra: A Comparative Analysis
The core difference lies in the Pokémon types: Ice-type for Spark, Fire-type for Sierra. The final reward (Sandygast) remains consistent, but the path's intermediate rewards differ.
Spark's Research: An Icy Path
Spark's research tasks revolve 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 wild Pokémon | 20 Poké Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research Tasks | 500 Stardust |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Alolan Vulpix |
| 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 |
| 3000 XP | |
| 2000 Stardust |
Sierra's Research: A Fiery Pursuit
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 wild Pokémon | 20 Poké Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research Tasks | 500 Stardust |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Shadow Vulpix |
| 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 |
| 3000 XP | |
| 2000 Stardust |
The Verdict:
The optimal choice hinges on your desired Vulpix variant (Alolan or Shadow) and preferred Pokémon type for catching during the event. Pokémon GO is currently available.
