In Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a choice: aid Spark or Sierra. While Niantic's official announcement omits the free research, it runs December 17-22 (9:59 AM local time). This three-part quest culminates in a choice between assisting Team Instinct's Spark or Team GO Rocket's Sierra.
Choosing Spark or Sierra: The Key Differences
The core difference lies in the Pokémon types and reward encounters. The decision hinges on your preferred Pokémon type and desired encounter.
Choosing Spark directs you towards Ice-type Pokémon. Completing Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.
Spark - Part 2:
| 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 |
Spark - 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 encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust |
Selecting Sierra focuses your efforts on Fire-type Pokémon, with a Shadow Vulpix encounter as the Part 2 reward.
Sierra - Part 2:
| 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 |
Sierra - 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 encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust |
Note that Part 3 rewards (including the Sandygast encounter) are identical regardless of your choice. The ultimate decision rests on your desired Vulpix variant and preferred Pokémon type for catching during the event.
Pokémon GO is currently available.
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