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Spark or Sierra: Which Pokemon GO Research Option is Best?

by Sebastian Feb 13,2025

In Pokémon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: aid Spark or Sierra. While Niantic's official announcement omits this free research, it runs from December 17th to December 22nd, 9:59 AM local time. This three-part research culminates in a choice between these two paths.

Choosing Spark or Sierra: A Comparative Analysis

The core difference lies in the Pokémon types and reward encounters. The decision hinges on your preferred Pokémon type and desired reward.

Spark's Research: An Ice-Type Focus

Pokémon GO Spark

Image via Niantic

Selecting Spark directs your efforts towards Ice-type Pokémon. Completing Part 2 rewards an Alolan Vulpix encounter.

Spark's Part 2 Tasks & Rewards:

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, 2000 XP

Spark's Part 3 Tasks & Rewards:

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: A Fire-Type Focus

Pokémon GO Rocket Leaders

Image via Niantic

Choosing Sierra shifts the focus to Fire-type Pokémon, with a Shadow Vulpix encounter awaiting in Part 2.

Sierra's Part 2 Tasks & Rewards:

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, 2000 XP

Sierra's Part 3 Tasks & Rewards:

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 the Part 3 rewards, including the Sandygast encounter, remain consistent regardless of your choice. Your decision ultimately depends on your desired Vulpix variant and preferred Pokémon type for catching during the event.

Pokémon GO is available now.