In Pokemon GO's Holiday Part 1 branching research, trainers face a crucial decision: aid Team Instinct's Spark or Team GO Rocket's Sierra. This guide clarifies the choices, helping you optimize your Holiday Part 1 progress. The event, running from December 17th to December 22nd at 9:59 AM local time, presents a free research path with three parts. After completing the initial tasks, the choice between Spark and Sierra arises.

Choosing Your Path: Spark or Sierra?

The core difference lies in the Pokémon types and reward encounters. The selection boils down to your preferred Pokémon type and desired encounter.

Spark's Research: An Ice-Type Focus

Opting for Spark directs your efforts towards Ice-type Pokémon. Completing Part 2 rewards you with an Alolan Vulpix encounter.

Spark's Part 2 Tasks & Rewards

Spark's Part 3 Tasks & Rewards

Note that the Part 3 rewards, including the Sandygast encounter, remain consistent regardless of your choice.

Sierra's Research: Embracing Fire-Type Pokémon

Choosing Sierra shifts the focus to Fire-type Pokémon. The Part 2 reward here is a Shadow Vulpix encounter.

Sierra's Part 2 Tasks & Rewards

Sierra's Part 3 Tasks & Rewards

Your ultimate decision hinges on your desired Vulpix variant (Alolan or Shadow) and preferred Pokémon type to catch throughout the event. Pokemon GO is available now.