In every Pokemon GO branching research path, players face a pivotal decision. The Holiday Part 1 event, running from December 17 to December 22 at 9:59 AM local time, presents a choice between aiding Team Instinct's Spark with his Pokemon research or pursuing Team GO Rocket's Sierra. While Niantic's official post highlights Field Research and Paid Timed Research, it's worth noting that this event includes a free research path for all trainers, divided into three sections.
Related: Best Pokemon GO Holiday Cup Little Edition Teams
Deciding between Spark and Sierra in the Holiday Part 1 event research hinges on your preferences for Pokemon types and specific reward encounters. Let's delve into the options to help you make an informed choice.
Spark Research Tasks & Rewards
Image via Niantic
Choosing Spark directs your focus toward catching Ice-type Pokemon. Upon completing the second set of tasks, you'll encounter the Ice-type Alolan Vulpix. Here's what you'll be working on:
Part 2
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Ice-Type Pokemon | 10 Pinap Berries |
| Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokemon | 20 Poke Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research Tasks | 500 Stardust |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Alolan Vulpix encounter 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 Encounter 3000 XP 2000 Stardust |
Although the Pokemon type and tasks vary, the rewards for completing Part 3 remain consistent, including the Sandygast encounter.
Sierra Research Tasks & Rewards
Image via Niantic
Opting for Sierra shifts your focus to Fire-type Pokemon, fitting the event's fire and ice theme. Completing Part 2 rewards you with a Shadow Vulpix encounter. Here's the breakdown:
Part 2
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokemon | 10 Pinap Berries |
| Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokemon | 20 Poke Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research Tasks | 500 Stardust |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Shadow Vulpix encounter 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 Encounter 3000 XP 2000 Stardust |
Your decision between Spark and Sierra boils down to whether you prefer an encounter with Alolan Vulpix or Shadow Vulpix, and whether you want to engage more with Ice-type or Fire-type Pokemon during the Holiday Part 1 event.
Pokemon GO is available to play now.
