Choosing Between Spark and Sierra in Pokémon GO
During the Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1 event, players will have the option to assist either Spark or Sierra in a unique Timed Research challenge. While the overall distinctions between these two paths are slight, they revolve around the type of Pokémon each character emphasizes: Spark prioritizes Ice-types, while Sierra centers on Fire-types.
Holiday 2024 Part 1 Timed Research Details
Step 1: Getting Started
Players accessing the game between December 17 at 10:00 AM and December 22 at 9:59 AM (local time) will unlock the “Holiday Part 1” exclusive Timed Research. This initial segment comprises three steps that must be completed sequentially before deciding between Spark and Sierra. Below are the tasks and rewards for Step 1:
| Timed Research Task | Completion Reward |
| Catch 10 Fire- or Ice-Type Pokemon | 10 Great Balls |
| Spin 5 PokeStops or Gyms | Encounters with Bergmite |
| Walk 2 km | Encounters with Sandygast |
Completing all tasks in Step 1 will yield the following rewards:
- 1000 Stardust
- 1000 XP
Depending on your local habitat, you could potentially complete all tasks in one go since many Fire- and Ice-type Pokémon will have boosted encounter rates during the event. Additionally, many of these Pokémon are required for concurrent Collection Challenges.
Increased Encounter Rates for Fire- and Ice-Type Pokémon
The following Pokémon, categorized as either Fire or Ice types, will appear more frequently in the wild throughout the Holiday Part 1 event. They are listed in order from the National Pokédex:
- Alolan Sandshrew
- Swinub
- Delibird (Holiday Costume)
- give name
- Snover
- Darumaka
- Litleo
- Bergmite
As an added bonus, you can catch Cryogonal by completing the “Catch 20 Ice-type Pokémon” Field Research task.
Deciding Between Spark and Sierra
Once Step 1 is finished, you will have the opportunity to choose whether to assist Spark or pursue Sierra. The main contrast in this decision lies in the type of Pokémon you will encounter: Spark’s path offers an Alolan Vulpix, while Sierra’s rewards include a Shadow (Kantonian) Vulpix. Other than this, the subsequent rewards for both options are identical.
Recommendation: Choose Spark
Opting for Spark is advisable, as Alolan Ninetales offers a remarkable advantage in the Pokémon GO Great and Ultra Leagues due to its unique Ice and Fairy typing. In contrast, Kantonian Ninetales often faces stiff competition as a standard Fire-type Pokémon. Moreover, this is an excellent chance to capture Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales if they are missing from your Pokédex. Conversely, if you already possess a formidable 3- or 4-star Alolan Ninetales and seek the Shadow variant, selecting Sierra for the Shadow Vulpix encounter can be worth considering.
Step 2: Continuing the Adventure
As you progress into Step 2 of the Holiday 2024 Timed Research, the tasks and rewards differ slightly based on your choice between Spark and Sierra.
Step 2: Tasks for Spark
The Timed Research tasks and rewards for Spark in Step 2 are as follows:
| Timed Research Task | Completion Reward |
| Catch 10 Ice-Type Pokémon | 10 Pinap Berries |
| Take snapshots of 5 different wild Pokémon (any type) | 20 Poké Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research tasks | 500 Stardust |
The rewards for this step include:
- Encounter with Alolan Vulpix
- 2000 XP
Step 2: Tasks for Sierra
The Timed Research tasks and rewards for Sierra in Step 2 are as follows:
| Timed Research Task | Completion Reward |
| Catch 10 Fire-Type Pokémon | 10 Pinap Berries |
| Take snapshots of 5 different wild Pokémon (any type) | 20 Poké Balls |
| Complete 5 Field Research tasks | 500 Stardust |
The rewards for this step will be:
- Encounter with Shadow (Kantonian) Vulpix
- 2000 XP
Taking Snapshots in Pokémon GO
To capture a snapshot of a Pokémon, simply follow these steps:
- While in encounter mode, tap the camera icon located at the top center of the screen to enter snapshot mode.
- Once ready, tap the circular camera button at the center bottom of the screen to take your snapshot.
If you wish to discard the screenshot, tap the trash can icon on the lower left; this will still count towards your Timed Research tasks. A notification will confirm the snapshot has been taken. Conversely, if you’d like to keep the screenshot, press the checkmark icon located at the lower right once the notification disappears.
Step 3: Final Tasks
In Step 3, similar variations between the tasks will appear depending on whether you chose Spark or Sierra.
Step 3: Tasks for Spark
The Timed Research tasks for Spark in Step 3 are as follows:
| Timed Research Task | Completion 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 |
The rewards for completing these tasks are:
- Encounter with Sandygast
- 3000 XP
- 2000 Stardust
Step 3: Tasks for Sierra
The Timed Research tasks for Sierra in Step 3 are as follows:
| Timed Research Task | Completion 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 |
For Sierra, the task rewards include:
- Encounter with Sandygast
- 3000 XP
- 2000 Stardust
Hidden Step After Step 3
Upon completing Step 3 of the Timed Research, players will unlock a hidden step for both paths featuring a straightforward task: claim your reward of 2500 XP and collect an additional 2500 Stardust.
Event Dates and Timing
The Pokémon GO Holiday Part 1 Timed Research runs from December 17 at 10:00 AM until December 22 at 9:59 AM (local time). Be sure to collect all your rewards before the deadline, as any unclaimed rewards will be forfeited after December 22 at 9:59 AM.
After completing your tasks, while you await the onset of Part 2, consider capturing Vulpix in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet to round out your Pokédex, potentially unlocking shiny Meloetta rewards.
Leave a Reply