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

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

by Zoe Feb 27,2025

In Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a choice: aid Spark or Sierra. This guide clarifies the differences to help you decide. The event, running December 17th-22nd (9:59 AM local time), features a free research path with three sections. After the first, you'll choose your path.

Pokémon GO Spark

Image via Niantic

Spark's Path: An Ice-Type Focus

Choosing Spark directs your efforts towards Ice-type Pokémon.

Part 2:

Research Task	Reward
Catch 10 Ice-Type Pokémon	10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of wild Pokémon	20 Poké Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks	500 Stardust
Complete All Three Tasks	Alolan Vulpix

Part 3:

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

Sierra's Path: A Fire-Type Focus

Selecting Sierra shifts the focus to Fire-type Pokémon.

Pokémon GO Rocket Leaders

Image via Niantic

Part 2:

Research Task	Reward
Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokémon	10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of wild Pokémon	20 Poké Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks	500 Stardust
Complete All Three Tasks	Shadow Vulpix

Part 3:

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

Note that Part 3 rewards (including the Sandygast encounter) remain consistent regardless of your choice. Your decision hinges on your preferred Vulpix variant (Alolan or Shadow) and the Pokémon type you wish to prioritize catching. Pokémon GO is available now.

Latest Apps