In Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a choice: aid Spark or Sierra. While Niantic's official announcement omits this free research, available December 17th-22nd (9:59 AM local time), it's a crucial decision impacting your rewards.
Choosing Your Path: Spark or Sierra?
The core difference lies in the Pokémon type focus and reward encounters. The choice isn't drastically impactful, but aligns with your preferred catching and encounter preferences.
Opting for Spark directs your efforts towards Ice-type Pokémon. Completing Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.
| 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 |
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 25 Ice-Type Pokémon | 10 Ultra Balls |
| Power Up Ice-Type Pokémon 10x | 1 Golden Razz Berry |
| Collect MP from 3 Power Spots | 100 Max Particles |
| Complete All Three Tasks | Sandygast encounter, 3000 XP, 2000 Stardust |
Choosing Sierra focuses your efforts on Fire-type Pokémon, culminating in a Shadow Vulpix encounter in 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 |
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 25 Fire-Type Pokémon | 10 Ultra Balls |
| Power Up Fire-Type Pokémon 10x | 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, remain consistent regardless of your choice. The decision ultimately hinges on your desired Vulpix variant and preferred Pokémon type for catching during the event.
Pokémon GO is available now.
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