In the world of *Pokemon GO*, players often face branching research paths that require a choice, and the Holiday Part 1 event is no exception. This time, trainers must decide whether to assist Spark from Team Instinct with his Pokemon research or to pursue Sierra from Team GO Rocket. Niantic's official announcement for the Holiday Part 1 event didn't mention the free event research story, focusing instead on Field Research and the Paid Timed Research. However, the event does include a free research path for all trainers, running from December 17 to December 22 at 9:59 AM local time.
The Holiday Part 1 research path consists of three sections. After completing the first set of tasks, players must choose between helping Spark or tracking down Sierra. This decision isn't drastically different, but it does affect the type of Pokemon you'll focus on catching and the reward encounters you'll receive.
Should You Pick Spark or Sierra in Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Event Research?
The choice between Spark and Sierra hinges on two main factors: the type of Vulpix encounter you prefer and the type of Pokemon you want to focus on during the event.
Spark Research Tasks & Rewards
Choosing Spark means your tasks in Parts 2 and 3 will center around catching Ice-type Pokemon. Your reward for completing the second set of tasks will be an encounter with the Ice-type Alolan Vulpix. Here are the tasks 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 |
While the type of Pokemon you catch and power up in Part 3 varies based on your choice, the rewards remain consistent, including the Sandygast encounter.
Sierra Research Tasks & Rewards
Opting for Sierra shifts your focus to the Fire-type aspect of the event. Your tasks will involve catching Fire-type Pokemon, and your reward for Part 2 will be 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 will depend on whether you prefer an encounter with Alolan Vulpix or Shadow Vulpix, and which type of Pokemon you want to focus on during the Holiday Part 1 event.
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