In Pokemon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: assist Spark or Sierra. While Niantic's official announcement omits details on this free research, available December 17th-22nd (9:59 AM local time), the choice impacts your Pokemon catching focus and reward encounters.
Choosing Spark or Sierra: A Comparative Analysis
The core difference lies in the Pokemon type you'll prioritize: Ice-type (Spark) or Fire-type (Sierra). The final reward (Sandygast) remains consistent regardless of your choice. The key distinction is the Part 2 reward encounter: Alolan Vulpix (Spark) or Shadow Vulpix (Sierra).
Spark's Research: An Ice-Type Focus
Spark's research tasks center on Ice-type Pokemon. Completing his tasks rewards you with an Alolan Vulpix encounter.
Part 2:
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Ice-Type Pokemon | 10 Pinap Berries |
| Take 5 snapshots of wild Pokemon | 20 Poke Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research Tasks | 500 Stardust |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Alolan Vulpix & 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, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust |
Sierra's Research: A Fire-Type Focus
Sierra's research focuses on Fire-type Pokemon, culminating in a Shadow Vulpix encounter.
Part 2:
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokemon | 10 Pinap Berries |
| Take 5 snapshots of wild Pokemon | 20 Poke Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research Tasks | 500 Stardust |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Shadow Vulpix & 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, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust |
The Verdict: The optimal choice hinges on your preferred Vulpix variant (Alolan or Shadow) and the Pokemon type you wish to prioritize catching during the Holiday Part 1 event. Pokemon GO is currently available.
