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In Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: assist Spark or Sierra. This guide clarifies the choices, helping you optimize your holiday gameplay.
Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1 Research: Dates & 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 completing the first, you'll choose between aiding Team Instinct's Spark or Team GO Rocket's Sierra.
Should You Choose Spark or Sierra?
The core difference lies in the Pokémon type focus: Ice-type for Spark, Fire-type for Sierra. Your choice depends on your preferred Pokémon and desired reward encounter.
Spark's Research: Ice-Type Focus
Spark's research tasks center on catching 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 Pokémon | 20 Poké Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research Tasks | 500 Stardust |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Alolan Vulpix, 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, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust |
Sierra's Research: Fire-Type Focus
Sierra's research focuses on 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 Pokémon | 20 Poké Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research Tasks | 500 Stardust |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Shadow Vulpix, 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, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust |
Note that Part 3 rewards (including the Sandygast encounter) are identical regardless of your choice. The decision boils down to your preferred Vulpix variant and desired Pokémon type focus.
Pokémon GO is available now.
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