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

In Pokemon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: aid Spark or Sierra? This guide clarifies the choices, helping you optimize your holiday gameplay.

Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Research: Dates and Details

While the official Niantic announcement omits the free event research, it's available from December 17th to December 22nd, 9:59 AM local time. This "Holiday Part 1" research features three stages. After the first, you choose: Team Instinct's Spark or Team GO Rocket's Sierra.

Related: Optimal Pokemon GO Holiday Cup Little Edition Teams

Choosing Between Spark and Sierra

The core difference lies in the Pokemon types: Ice (Spark) or Fire (Sierra). Your selection depends on your preferred Pokemon and desired reward encounter.

Spark's Research: Ice-Type Focus

Choosing Spark directs your efforts towards Ice-type Pokemon. Completing Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.

Part 2 Tasks & Rewards

Part 3 Tasks & Rewards

Note: Part 3 rewards are identical regardless of your initial choice.

Sierra's Research: Fire-Type Focus

Selecting Sierra focuses your efforts on Fire-type Pokemon, with a Shadow Vulpix encounter as the Part 2 reward.

Part 2 Tasks & Rewards

Part 3 Tasks & Rewards

The final decision hinges on your preferred Vulpix variant and desired Pokemon type focus during the Holiday Part 1 event.

Pokemon GO is available now.