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Spark or Sierra: Which to Choose in Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1 Research?

by Hunter Feb 23,2025

In Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a choice: assist Spark or Sierra. This guide clarifies the differences to help you decide. The event runs from December 17th to December 22nd at 9:59 AM local time. The official Niantic announcement omits this free research, focusing instead on Field Research and paid Timed Research.

Pokémon GO Spark

Image via Niantic

Choosing Spark: This path emphasizes Ice-type Pokémon. Completing Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.

Spark - Part 2:

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, 2000 XP

Spark - 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, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust

Pokémon GO Rocket Leaders

Image via Niantic

Choosing Sierra: This option focuses on Fire-type Pokémon, culminating in a Shadow Vulpix encounter in Part 2.

Sierra - Part 2:

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, 2000 XP

Sierra - 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, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust

Note that Part 3 rewards (including the Sandygast encounter) are identical regardless of your choice. Your decision hinges on your preferred Vulpix variant and desired Pokémon type focus during the event. Pokémon GO is currently available.

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