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

In Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: aid Spark or Sierra. This guide clarifies the choice, focusing on reward encounters and Pokémon types. The event, running December 17-22 (9:59 AM local time), features a free research path with three stages. After the first, players select their allegiance.

Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1 Branching Research: Spark vs. Sierra

The core difference lies in the Pokémon types emphasized and the resulting reward encounters. The final reward (Sandygast) remains consistent regardless of choice.

Spark's Research:

Focus: Ice-type Pokémon. Part 2 Reward: Alolan Vulpix encounter. Part 2 Tasks: Catch 10 Ice-type Pokémon (Reward: 10 Pinap Berries), Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokémon (Reward: 20 Poké Balls), Complete 5 Field Research Tasks (Reward: 500 Stardust). Completing all three unlocks the Alolan Vulpix and 2000 XP. Part 3 Tasks: Catch 25 Ice-type Pokémon (Reward: 10 Ultra Balls), Power Up Ice-type Pokémon 10 Times (Reward: 1 Golden Razz Berry), Collect MP from 3 Power Spots (Reward: 100 Max Particles). Completing all three yields a Sandygast encounter, 3000 XP, and 2000 Stardust.

Sierra's Research:

Focus: Fire-type Pokémon. Part 2 Reward: Shadow Vulpix encounter. Part 2 Tasks: Catch 10 Fire-type Pokémon (Reward: 10 Pinap Berries), Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokémon (Reward: 20 Poké Balls), Complete 5 Field Research Tasks (Reward: 500 Stardust). Completing all three unlocks the Shadow Vulpix and 2000 XP. Part 3 Tasks: Catch 25 Fire-type Pokémon (Reward: 10 Ultra Balls), Power Up Fire-type Pokémon 10 Times (Reward: 1 Golden Razz Berry), Collect MP from 3 Power Spots (Reward: 100 Max Particles). Completing all three yields a Sandygast encounter, 3000 XP, and 2000 Stardust.

The Decision:

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.