Spark or Sierra: Which path should you choose in Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Timed Research?

The Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Timed Research has two branches that you must choose from: Spark or Sierra. The former focuses on Ice-type creatures, while the latter prioritizes Fire-types. You must start the quest before the event ends on December 22, 2024, and complete the tasks and collect the rewards before 8 pm local time on December 27, 2024.

There is only one difference between the rewards of the Spark and Sierra tracks in the Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Timed Research. Choosing Spark nets you the more relevant reward — one that you can use in the game while the event is still running.

This guide covers the differences in tasks and suggests which the better path is, based on your needs.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

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Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Timed Research: Tasks and rewards

The following tasks are available once you make the choice in Holiday Part 1 Timed Research in Pokemon GO:

Spark path Stage 2

• Catch 10 Ice-type Pokemon - Pinap Berry ×10
• Take snapshots of 5 different wild Pokemon - Poke Ball ×20
• Complete 5 Field Research tasks - Stardust ×500
• End of set rewards: Alolan Vulpix [shiny encounter possible] and 2,000 XP

Spark path Stage 3

• Catch 25 Ice-type Pokemon - Ultra Ball ×10
• Power up Ice-type Pokemon 10 times - Golden Razz Berry ×1
• Collect MP from 3 Power Spots - Max Particle ×100
• End of set rewards: Sandygast [shiny encounter possible], 3,000 XP, and 2,000 Stardust

Sierra path Stage 2

• Catch 10 Fire-type Pokemon - Pinap Berry ×10
• Take snapshots of 5 different wild Pokemon - Poke Ball ×20
• Complete 5 Field Research tasks - Stardust ×500
• End of set rewards: Shadow Vulpix and 2,000 XP

Sierra path Stage 3

• Catch 25 Fire-type Pokemon - Ultra Ball ×10
• Power up Fire-type Pokemon 10 times - Golden Razz Berry ×1
• Collect MP from 3 Power Spots - Max Particle ×100
• End of set rewards: Sandygast [shiny encounter possible], 3,000 XP, and 2,000 Stardust

You can check out the whole questline in our Holiday Part 1 Timed Research: Shore Thing Tasks and Rewards guide.

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Conclusion: Which path is the better choice in Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Timed Research?

The only difference between the two tracks of the Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Timed Research is that you focus on Ice-type critters and get an Alolan Vulpix encounter if you choose Spark. Whereas, if you choose Sierra, you focus on Fire-type critters and get a Shadow Vulpix encounter.

Both Alolan Vulpix and Shadow Vulpix are common creatures. If you don't have the former, this is an excellent chance to get one for the Little Holiday Cup in Pokemon GO.

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Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters
• Team GO Rocket Grunts
• Evolution Calculator
• Pokemon Type Calculator