In Pokemon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: aid Team Instinct's Spark or Team GO Rocket's Sierra. While the event's official announcement omits this free research, it runs from December 17th to December 22nd at 9:59 AM local time. This three-part quest culminates in a choice between these two paths.
Choosing Spark or Sierra: A Comparative Analysis
The core difference lies in the Pokémon type focus and reward encounters. The choice isn't drastically impactful, but it influences your catching strategy and desired reward.
Spark's Research: An Ice-Type Adventure
Spark's path emphasizes Ice-type Pokémon. Completing his tasks rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.
Part 2 Tasks & Rewards
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Ice-Type Pokémon | 10 Pinap Berries |
| Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokémon | 20 Poké Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research Tasks | 500 Stardust |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Alolan Vulpix encounter, 2000 XP |
Part 3 Tasks & Rewards
| 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 encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust |
Note: Part 3 rewards remain consistent regardless of your initial choice.
Sierra's Research: A Fiery Challenge
Sierra's path focuses on Fire-type Pokémon, culminating in a Shadow Vulpix encounter.
Part 2 Tasks & Rewards
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokémon | 10 Pinap Berries |
| Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokémon | 20 Poké Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research Tasks | 500 Stardust |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Shadow Vulpix encounter, 2000 XP |
Part 3 Tasks & Rewards
| 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 encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust |
Your decision hinges on your preferred Vulpix variant and the Pokémon type you wish to prioritize catching. Pokemon GO is currently available.
