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

Author : Joshua

Feb 22,2025

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 the Pokemon you'll encounter and catch.

Choosing Your Path: Spark or Sierra?

The core difference lies in the Pokemon types: Ice (Spark) or Fire (Sierra). The final reward (Sandygast) remains consistent, but the path's rewards differ.

Spark's Icy Challenge

Pokemon GO Spark

Image via Niantic

Spark's research focuses on Ice-type Pokemon. Completing Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.

Spark - 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

Spark - 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 Fiery Pursuit

Pokemon GO Rocket Leaders

Image via Niantic

Sierra's research centers around Fire-type Pokemon, rewarding a Shadow Vulpix encounter in Part 2.

Sierra - 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

Sierra - 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: Your choice hinges on whether you prefer an Alolan Vulpix or Shadow Vulpix, and which Pokemon type aligns with your current catching strategy. Pokemon GO is available now.