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

In Pokemon GO's Holiday Part 1 event, trainers face a crucial decision: assist Spark or Sierra in their respective research tasks. This branching research path, active from December 17th to December 22nd at 9:59 AM local time, presents a choice impacting the type of Pokémon encountered and caught. While the official Niantic announcement omits details on this free research, its presence is undeniable.

Choosing Your Path: Spark or Sierra?

The core difference lies in the Pokémon types: Ice (Spark) or Fire (Sierra). The final reward, a Sandygast encounter, remains consistent regardless of choice. The key differentiator is the reward Pokémon encountered in Part 2.

Spark's Ice-Type Focus:

Choosing Spark directs you towards Ice-type Pokémon. Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter. Tasks involve catching Ice-type Pokémon, taking snapshots, and completing Field Research. Part 3 requires catching more Ice-types, powering up Ice-types, and collecting MP from Power Spots, culminating in a Sandygast encounter.

Part 2 (Spark):

Part 3 (Spark):

Sierra's Fire-Type Focus:

Selecting Sierra shifts the focus to Fire-type Pokémon. Part 2 rewards a Shadow Vulpix encounter. Similar tasks to Spark's path are presented, but with a Fire-type emphasis. Part 3 mirrors Spark's structure, but with Fire-type Pokémon. The Sandygast encounter remains the final reward.

Part 2 (Sierra):

Part 3 (Sierra):

Your decision hinges on your preferred Vulpix variant (Alolan or Shadow) and the type of Pokémon you wish to prioritize catching during the event. Pokemon GO is available now.