Home News Which to Choose: Spark or Sierra in Holiday Research?

Which to Choose: Spark or Sierra in Holiday Research?

by Logan Jan 19,2025

In every Pokémon GO branching research path, a choice must be made. This time, the game offers little guidance on whether assisting Spark or Sierra best aligns with Holiday Part 1 objectives.

Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1 Branching Research Dates

Surprisingly, Niantic's official announcement omits the free event research, mentioning only Field Research and the paid Timed Research. However, a free research path is available to all trainers, running from December 17th to December 22nd at 9:59 AM local time.

This "Holiday Part 1" research features three sections. After completing the first, players choose between aiding Team Instinct's Spark or pursuing Team GO Rocket's Sierra. Which path should you select?

Related: Optimal Pokémon GO Holiday Cup Little Edition Teams

Spark or Sierra in Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1 Event Research?

The differences between the choices are subtle. Your decision hinges on preferred Pokémon types and reward encounters. Let's compare Spark and Sierra to aid your decision.

Spark's Research Tasks & Rewards

Pokémon GO Spark

Image via Niantic

Choosing Spark focuses your tasks on Ice-type Pokémon. Completing the second section rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter. Here's the breakdown:

Part 2

Research Task	Reward
Catch 10 Ice-Type Pokémon	10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokémon	20 Poké Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks	500 Stardust
Complete All Three Tasks	Alolan Vulpix encounter, 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 encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust

Note: Part 3 Pokémon types and power-up tasks vary depending on your choice (Spark or Sierra), but rewards remain consistent, including the Sandygast encounter.

Sierra's Research Tasks & Rewards

Pokémon GO Rocket Leaders

Image via Niantic

Selecting Sierra focuses on the Fire-type aspect of this fire-and-ice event. Tasks involve catching Fire-type Pokémon, with a Shadow Vulpix encounter as the Part 2 reward.

Part 2

Research Task	Reward
Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokémon	10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokémon	20 Poké Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks	500 Stardust
Complete All Three Tasks	Shadow Vulpix encounter, 2000 XP

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 encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust

Your decision ultimately depends on your preferred Vulpix encounter and desired Pokémon type focus during the Holiday Part 1 event.

Pokémon GO is currently available.

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