In Pokemon 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.
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 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 Path: A Fiery Challenge
Selecting Sierra focuses your attention on Fire-type Pokémon.
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 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 |
The final Sandygast encounter is the same regardless of your choice. Your decision hinges on whether you prefer an Alolan Vulpix or Shadow Vulpix encounter and which Pokémon type aligns with your current gameplay strategy. Pokemon GO is available now.
