In *Pokemon GO*, players often face intriguing choices in branching research paths, and the Holiday Part 1 event is no exception. This time, you're tasked with deciding whether to assist Spark of Team Instinct or to pursue Sierra from Team GO Rocket. While Niantic's official announcement for the Holiday Part 1 event focuses on Field Research and a Paid Timed Research option, it's worth noting that there's also a free event research story available to all trainers. This research path, aptly named Holiday Part 1, kicks off on December 17 and wraps up on December 22 at 9:59 AM local time, offering three sections to complete.
After tackling the first set of tasks, you'll be faced with a pivotal decision: help Spark with his Pokemon Research or track down Sierra. So, which path should you take?
Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Branching Research Dates
The Holiday Part 1 event runs from December 17 to December 22 at 9:59 AM local time. Don't miss out on this window to participate in the free event research story!
Should You Pick Spark or Sierra in Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Event Research?
Choosing between Spark and Sierra isn't a decision to take lightly, but fortunately, the differences aren't drastic. Your choice will hinge on the type of Pokemon you prefer to catch and the specific reward encounter that appeals to you. Let's delve into what each option entails to help you make an informed decision.
Spark Research Tasks & Rewards
Opting for Spark means your focus in Parts 2 and 3 will be on catching Ice-type Pokemon. Your reward for completing the second set of tasks will be an encounter with the Ice-type Alolan Vulpix. Here's what the tasks look like for this path:
Part 2
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Ice-Type Pokemon | 10 Pinap Berries |
| Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokemon | 20 Poke 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 Pokemon | 10 Ultra Balls |
| Power Up Ice-Type Pokemon 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 |
Note that while the type of Pokemon you catch and power up in Part 3 varies depending on your choice, the rewards, including the Sandygast encounter, remain the same.
Sierra Research Tasks & Rewards
Choosing to pursue Sierra shifts your focus to the Fire-type aspect of this fire and ice-themed event. Your tasks will involve catching Fire-type Pokemon, and completing Part 2 will grant you an encounter with a Shadow Vulpix. Here are the tasks for the Sierra branch:
Part 2
| Research Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokemon | 10 Pinap Berries |
| Take 5 snapshots of different wild Pokemon | 20 Poke 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 Pokemon | 10 Ultra Balls |
| Power Up Fire-Type Pokemon 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 |
Ultimately, your decision between Spark and Sierra boils down to two key factors: which Vulpix encounter you desire and which type of Pokemon you want to focus on during the Holiday Part 1 event.
*Pokemon GO is available to play now*.
