Home News > Spark vs. Sierra: Best Choice in Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Research

Spark vs. Sierra: Best Choice in Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Research

by Mila May 20,2025

In the world of Pokemon GO, players are often faced with branching research paths that require a decision. The Holiday Part 1 event presents a choice between aiding Team Instinct's Spark with his Pokemon Research or tracking down Team GO Rocket's Sierra. The event, which runs from December 17 to December 22 at 9:59 AM local time, offers a free research story that unfolds in three sections. While the official Niantic post highlights Field Research and Paid Timed Research, it's the free research path that captivates trainers with its unique tasks and rewards.

Related: Best Pokemon GO Holiday Cup Little Edition Teams

Choosing between Spark and Sierra isn't a decision to be taken lightly. Both paths offer distinct experiences, with the primary difference lying in the type of Pokemon you'll focus on and the reward encounters you'll receive.

Spark Research Tasks & Rewards

Pokemon GO SparkImage via Niantic

Opting for Spark means you'll delve into the world of Ice-type Pokemon. Here's what you can expect:

Part 2

Research TaskReward
Catch 10 Ice-Type Pokemon10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokemon20 Poke Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks500 Stardust
Complete All Three TasksAlolan Vulpix encounter
2000 XP

Part 3

Research TaskReward
Catch 25 Ice-Type Pokemon10 Ultra Balls
Power Up Ice-Type Pokemon 10 Times1 Golden Razz Berry
Collect MP from 3 Power Spots100 Max Particles
Complete All Three TasksSandygast Encounter
3000 XP
2000 Stardust

Sierra Research Tasks & Rewards

Pokemon GO Rocket LeadersImage via Niantic

Choosing Sierra shifts your focus to Fire-type Pokemon. Here are the tasks and rewards for this path:

Part 2

Research TaskReward
Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokemon10 Pinap Berries
Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokemon20 Poke Balls
Complete 5 Field Research Tasks500 Stardust
Complete All Three TasksShadow Vulpix encounter
2000 XP

Part 3

Research TaskReward
Catch 25 Fire-Type Pokemon10 Ultra Balls
Power Up Fire-Type Pokemon 10 Times1 Golden Razz Berry
Collect MP from 3 Power Spots100 Max Particles
Complete All Three TasksSandygast Encounter
3000 XP
2000 Stardust

Your choice between Spark and Sierra hinges on two main factors: the type of Vulpix encounter you prefer (Alolan Vulpix with Spark or Shadow Vulpix with Sierra) and the type of Pokemon you wish to focus on catching during the Holiday Part 1 event. Whether you choose the frosty allure of Ice-types or the fiery excitement of Fire-types, both paths lead to unique and rewarding experiences.

Pokemon GO is available to play now.