Pokemon GO Holiday Part 1 Timed Research's unique concept can be the start of something new

Pokemon GO's recently released Holiday Timed Research ticket has surprised many players due to its interesting concept and choice of characters. This special collection of tasks is one of the few in the game's history to offer a split path. It is also the first instance where players can take an "evil" path in the story.

This event gives players the choice to side with either Team Instinct's Leader, Spark, or one of Team GO Rocket's leaders, Sierra. While this choice ultimately boils down to what version of Vulpix players want, the concept brings some interesting ideas to the game, which may help drive more interest in these paid researches.

Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and solely rely on the writer's opinion.

---

What is Pokemon GO's Holiday Part 1 Timed Research?

Players will have to choose between receiving a Shadow Vulpix or an Alolan Vulpix (Image via Niantic)

This Timed Research ticket in Pokemon GO can be purchased from the shop for $2 USD and is available until December 22, 2024. Users who purchase this ticket have until December 27, 2024, to complete all the tasks before they are deleted forever.

Also check: Pokemon GO Evolution Calculator

After completing the first stage of this research path, players are given the choice of siding with either Spark or Sierra. This will only impact what players are rewarded with after completing the second stage of this research path. Those who choose Spark will be rewarded with an Alolan Vulpix, while those siding with Sierra will be granted an encounter with Shadow Vulpix.

Also check: Pokemon GO CP calculator

While this is just a minor difference in the grand scheme of things, Niantic has shown that they are not scared to incorporate Team GO Rocket into player choices, giving players a bit of fan service by letting them be "evil". This could be something they could revisit during other events like Team Rocket Takeovers.

---

How could Niantic improve event research in Pokemon GO?

Niantic could introduce an interesting take on a Team Rocket Takeover event by splitting users into two teams of good and evil (Image via Niantic)

Niantic experimenting with new story concepts for its events has the potential to make for one of the most memorable Team Rocket Takeover events in the game's history. Giving users a choice to side with the three player team leaders or the three Team GO Rocket leaders could bring the community together for a massive two-team showdown.

Global tasks could track things like the number of raids completed by each of the two new teams, Battle League victories, eggs hatched, and many other statistics. The ultimate goal of this hypothetical Team Rocket Takeover could be similar to Splatfests from the Splatoon franchise, splitting the player base in half for some friendly competition.

Niantic could even introduce a special cup in the Battle League where players who join the "good" team are put against those on the "evil" team. Rewards like special cosmetics and costumed Pokemon could be given to users on the winning team when this event concludes. While Niantic has not confirmed anything of this scale is in the works, it would make for one of the best events in Pokemon GO's lifespan.

---

For more information on the game, check out the articles below:

• Ditto disguises
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters
• Team GO Rocket Grunts