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Spark or Sierra: Holiday Research Guide

by Mia Jan 05,2025

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 17th-22nd (9:59 AM local time). This three-part research culminates in a decision to help Team Instinct's Spark or Team GO Rocket's Sierra. The rewards differ slightly, making the choice depend on preferred Pokémon types and encounter rewards.

Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1 Branching Research Dates: December 17th - December 22nd (9:59 AM local time)

Choosing Spark or Sierra:

The core difference lies in the Pokémon types: Ice (Spark) or Fire (Sierra). The final reward (Sandygast) is the same for both paths.

Spark's Research: Ice-Type Focus

Pokémon GO Spark

Image via Niantic

Spark's research tasks center on Ice-type Pokémon. Completing Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.

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

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

Sierra's Research: Fire-Type Focus

Pokémon GO Rocket Leaders

Image via Niantic

Sierra's research emphasizes Fire-type Pokémon, with a Shadow Vulpix encounter as the Part 2 reward.

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

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