In Pokemon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: aid Spark or Sierra. This guide clarifies the choices, helping you optimize your Holiday Part 1 experience. The event, running from December 17th to December 22nd at 9:59 AM local time, features a free research path with three sections. After the initial tasks, players select their allegiance.
Choosing Spark or Sierra: A Comparative Analysis
The core difference lies in the Pokemon types and reward encounters. The choice boils down to your preferred Pokemon type and desired Vulpix variant.
Spark's Research: An Ice-Type Focus
Selecting Spark directs your efforts towards Ice-type Pokemon. Completing Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.
Spark's Part 2 Tasks & Rewards:
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Ice-Type Pokemon | 10 Pinap Berries |
| Take 5 snapshots of different Pokemon | 20 Poke Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research Tasks | 500 Stardust |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Alolan Vulpix encounter, 2000 XP |
Spark's Part 3 Tasks & Rewards:
| 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 |
Sierra's Research: A Fiery Pursuit
Choosing Sierra focuses your efforts on Fire-type Pokemon, culminating in a Shadow Vulpix encounter in Part 2.
Sierra's Part 2 Tasks & Rewards:
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokemon | 10 Pinap Berries |
| Take 5 snapshots of different Pokemon | 20 Poke Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research Tasks | 500 Stardust |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Shadow Vulpix encounter, 2000 XP |
Sierra's Part 3 Tasks & Rewards:
| 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 |
Note that the Part 3 rewards (including the Sandygast encounter) are identical regardless of your choice. The decision hinges on your preferred Vulpix and the Pokemon type you wish to prioritize during the event.
Pokemon GO is available now.
