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Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1: Spark or Sierra?

Author:Kristen Update:Jan 26,2025

In Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a choice: aid Spark or Sierra. While Niantic's official announcement omits this free research, it runs December 17th-22nd (9:59 AM local time). This three-part quest culminates in a choice between assisting Team Instinct's Spark or Team GO Rocket's Sierra.

Choosing Spark or Sierra: A Comparative Analysis

The core difference lies in the Pokémon type focus and reward encounters. The choice isn't drastically impactful, but it influences your catching strategy and desired reward.

Spark's Research: An Ice-Type Focus

Pokémon GO Spark

Image via Niantic

Spark's path emphasizes 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 different Pokémon 20 Poké Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks 500 Stardust
Complete All Three Tasks Alolan Vulpix encounter, 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 encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust

Sierra's Research: A Fire-Type Focus

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 (Sandygast encounter).

Part 2 Tasks & Rewards

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 encounter, 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 encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust

The Verdict: Your choice hinges on your preferred Vulpix variant (Alolan or Shadow) and the Pokémon type you wish to prioritize catching during the event. Pokémon GO is available now.