Spark vs. Sierra: Which to Pick in Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1?

In the thrilling world of *Pokemon GO*, players often face critical decisions that shape their gameplay experience. The Holiday Part 1 event introduces a branching research path where you must decide whether to assist Team Instinct's Spark or track down Team GO Rocket's Sierra. Let's dive into the details to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your Holiday Part 1 goals.

Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Branching Research Dates

The Holiday Part 1 event, which runs from December 17 to December 22 at 9:59 AM local time, offers a free research story alongside Field Research and a Paid Timed Research option. This free research path, named Holiday Part 1, consists of three sections. After completing the first set of tasks, you'll need to decide between helping Spark with his Pokemon Research or pursuing Sierra. Let's explore your options.

Should You Pick Spark or Sierra in Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Event Research?

The choice between Spark and Sierra isn't drastically different, but it hinges on which type of Pokemon you wish to catch and the reward encounter you prefer. Let's break down the paths to help you decide.

Spark Research Tasks & Rewards

Opting for Spark means focusing on Ice-type Pokemon for Parts 2 and 3 of the event research. Your reward for completing Part 2 tasks will be an encounter with the Ice-type Alolan Vulpix. Here are the detailed tasks and rewards:

Part 2

Research Task	Reward
Catch 10 Ice-Type Pokemon	10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokemon	20 Poke 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 Pokemon	10 Ultra Balls
Power Up Ice-Type Pokemon 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

While the Pokemon types you catch and power up in Part 3 vary between Spark and Sierra, the rewards remain consistent, including the Sandygast encounter.

Sierra Research Tasks & Rewards

Choosing Sierra shifts your focus to Fire-type Pokemon, aligning with the fire and ice theme of the event. Your reward for Part 2 will be an encounter with a Shadow Vulpix. Here are the tasks and rewards for the Sierra branch:

Part 2

Research Task	Reward
Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokemon	10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokemon	20 Poke 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 Pokemon	10 Ultra Balls
Power Up Fire-Type Pokemon 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

Ultimately, your decision between Spark and Sierra hinges on two key factors: the type of Vulpix encounter you desire and the Pokemon type you want to focus on during the Holiday Part 1 event.

*Pokemon GO is available to play now*.