Welcome to the Kanto region, aspiring Pokémon Trainer! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran revisiting this classic adventure or a newcomer eager to experience where it all began, this Pokémon Fire Red Pokémon guide is your ultimate resource. We’ll journey together through every route, town, and battle, ensuring you become the very best, like no one ever was!
Pallet Town: Begin Your Pokémon Adventure
Your journey starts in the tranquil Pallet Town, a small, peaceful village and surprisingly, the home of the renowned Professor Oak.
First things first, interact with the PC in your room, access ‘Item Storage,’ and withdraw the Potion. Head downstairs to greet your mom. She’ll offer words of encouragement, fully supporting your dream to become a Pokémon Trainer. Pallet Town might be small, but it’s the launching pad for your grand adventure.
Step outside and you might encounter a resident marveling at the START menu sign – a testament to how even the simplest features can be intriguing in the Pokémon world. Your rival’s house is to the right, but his sister will only mention he’s at Professor Oak’s lab.
The lab is located at the bottom of town. Upon arrival, your rival will inform you of Professor Oak’s absence. Venture towards the north exit of Pallet Town, and Professor Oak will dramatically appear, cautioning about the dangers of venturing into the tall grass without a Pokémon. He’ll then escort you to his lab, where your Pokémon journey truly begins.
Choosing Your First Pokémon
Professor Oak will present you with three Pokémon, each eager to become your partner:
- Bulbasaur: A Grass/Poison type Pokémon. A reliable choice with good early game matchups.
- Squirtle: A Water type Pokémon. A solid and balanced option, known for its defensive capabilities.
- Charmander: A Fire type Pokémon. A popular choice for its offensive power and iconic evolutions.
Choose wisely, Trainer! This decision sets the stage for your initial battles and your team composition. Take a moment to select the Pokémon that resonates with you most. For those seeking specific genders or natures, now’s the time for a soft reset if desired!
Rival Battle: Pallet Town
As you step outside the lab with your new partner, your rival will challenge you to your first Pokémon battle. Professor Oak will briefly explain the fundamentals of Pokémon battling before your encounter begins.
Battle: Rival
- Pokémon: Bulbasaur (if you chose Charmander), Charmander (if you chose Squirtle), or Squirtle (if you chose Bulbasaur) – Level 5
Your rival will always select the Pokémon with a type advantage over yours, adding a touch of early game challenge. However, at this stage, neither Pokémon knows a type-specific attack. Focus on using Tackle and Growl effectively. Victory earns you 80 Pokédollars, and congratulations from Professor Oak. Now, Route 1 awaits!
Route 1: Path to Viridian City
- Pokémon Encounters: Rattata, Pidgey
Route 1, connecting Pallet Town and Viridian City, is a beginner-friendly path with relatively simple encounters. The music here is upbeat and cheerful, setting a positive tone for your journey.
Navigate through the first patch of tall grass and head left. You might encounter wild Pokémon like Rattata or Pidgey. Speak to the friendly hiker in the apron to receive a Potion. Continue right through the rectangle-shaped patch of grass, then left and up through the gap in the ledge. Turn right again, proceed upwards through two more grass patches, and slightly left to reach the road leading to Viridian City.
Viridian City: The Eternally Green Paradise
Viridian City lives up to its name, with lush greenery and a welcoming atmosphere. The music here is more developed than in Pallet Town, yet retains a familiar and comforting feel.
Upon entering Viridian City, visit the Pokémon Center to heal your Pokémon. You’ll notice an elderly man blocking the path north – seemingly due to a lack of coffee! Enter the Poké Mart, and the clerk will recognize you immediately. He’ll entrust you with Oak’s Parcel, requesting you deliver it back to Professor Oak. Unfortunately, he can’t sell you anything until you complete this delivery, so it’s time to backtrack to Pallet Town.
Route 1: Pallet Town Revisited
- Pokémon Encounters: Rattata, Pidgey
For your return trip to Pallet Town, take advantage of the ledges for a quick shortcut. Jump down the ledges to bypass much of the tall grass, swiftly making your way back to your hometown.
Pallet Town: Pokédex and Poké Balls
Back in Pallet Town, if your Pokémon sustained any damage, allow your mom to heal them. Otherwise, proceed directly to Professor Oak’s lab. Speak with him, and he will commend your talent. You will automatically deliver Oak’s Parcel. Your rival will then burst in, just as Professor Oak was about to present you both with Pokédexes!
Professor Oak explains his ambition to document all Pokémon in the Kanto region and entrusts this task to you and your rival. He provides you with a Pokédex and, generously, five Poké Balls to begin your catching journey.
Your rival, ever competitive, mentions getting a Town Map from his sister. Visit his house to the right, and as predicted, his sister will indeed give you a Town Map. Now, it’s time for a proper journey back through Route 1, this time equipped to catch Pokémon!
Route 1: Catching Pokémon on the Way Back to Viridian
- Pokémon Encounters: Rattata, Pidgey
This third trek through Route 1 is where the real fun begins – catching Pokémon! Engage with the wild Pokémon you encounter and use your Poké Balls to capture them. Rattata and Pidgey are common here, and catching a variety of Pokémon is key to filling your Pokédex and building a diverse team.
Viridian City: Pokémon Catching Tutorial and Teachy TV
Back in Viridian City, heal your Pokémon at the Pokémon Center and consider purchasing more Poké Balls at the Poké Mart. The old man who was blocking the path earlier is now awake and standing near the northern exit. He’s had his coffee!
He will now provide a helpful tutorial on how to catch Pokémon, using a Weedle as an example. After the demonstration, he’ll gift you the Teachy TV, a useful item for learning more about Pokémon game mechanics. Explore the lessons – they are beneficial for new trainers and even offer a few laughs for experienced players with the “Poké Dude” hosting.
To find a hidden item, head west, then north at the first opportunity. Follow the narrow path leading to what appears to be a Poké Ball on the ground. It’s actually a Potion cleverly disguised! Return to the main path and continue west towards Route 22.
Route 22: Exploring West of Viridian City
- Pokémon Encounters: Rattata, Mankey, Spearow
Route 22, located west of Viridian City, is an optional route outside the main storyline. The music here is a memorable remix of the original theme. This route leads to a dead end for now, but offers valuable training and a chance to catch new Pokémon.
Consider catching a Mankey in the first patch of grass here. Mankey’s Fighting-type can be advantageous in upcoming battles. Train your Pokémon a bit in this route, then proceed north, taking the upper path (the lower path leads nowhere at this point). Save your game before heading west – a challenging encounter awaits!
Rival Battle: Route 22
As you venture west on Route 22, your rival will appear for another battle.
Battle: Rival
- Pokémon: Pidgey Level 9, Bulbasaur (if you chose Squirtle), Charmander (if you chose Bulbasaur), or Squirtle (if you chose Charmander) Level 9
This battle is noticeably tougher than your first encounter. Your rival’s Pidgey can use Sand-Attack to lower your Pokémon’s accuracy, which can be frustrating. Focus your attacks on Pidgey first, then deal with your rival’s starter Pokémon. Winning this battle requires some strategic thinking and perhaps a bit of luck. Afterward, return east to Viridian City to heal your Pokémon.
Viridian City: Preparing for Pewter City
- Heal and Restock: Visit the Pokémon Center to heal your team after the rival battle. Stock up on Poké Balls and Potions at the Poké Mart if needed.
- Gym Locked: You can explore the Viridian City Gym to the right, but it’s currently locked. Your next destination lies north, through Route 2 and Viridian Forest, towards Pewter City.
Route 2: Path to Viridian Forest
- Pokémon Encounters: Rattata, Pidgey, Caterpie, Weedle
Route 2, north of Viridian City, features the same music as Route 1. It’s a short route with a single patch of grass and a few cuttable trees that you can’t yet interact with.
Simply head north and enter the large building at the end of the route – a gatehouse leading to Viridian Forest.
Viridian Forest: A Bug-Catcher’s Paradise
- Pokémon Encounters: Weedle, Caterpie, Kakuna, Metapod, Pikachu
Viridian Forest is a classic Pokémon location, known for its mysterious, slightly eerie music and its maze-like layout. The forest offers your first taste of 1st-person perspective views, showcasing sunlight filtering through the trees. Getting through Viridian Forest can feel like a true maze on your first visit!
From the entrance, walk north and interact with the left side of the large tree where the Youngster is standing to find an Antidote. Take the left path and then turn north to find an item on the ground – another Potion. Return to the main path (either south or east) and take the east path from the forest entrance. Collect the item in the grass patch to the far right (a Poké Ball), then head north.
Choose either the left or right path based on whether you want to encounter more wild Pokémon. These paths will eventually converge. Continue onward, turning right. Go north there, then left, and battle the Bug Catcher. Keep walking, go south, ignore the right path for now, continue south, then left, north, left, and battle another Bug Catcher. Head south, then east, collect the item (Potion), left, north, and battle the final Bug Catcher.
Press ‘A’ on the grass tile next to the trees directly opposite the last Bug Catcher to find a hidden Potion. Continue north, and you’ll emerge from Viridian Forest into the second part of Route 2.
Route 2: Approaching Pewter City
- Pokémon Encounters: Rattata, Pidgey, Caterpie, Weedle
This second section of Route 2 is extremely short. Turn slightly east and walk directly north. Pewter City is just ahead!
Pewter City: The Stone Gray City
Pewter City shares its music with Viridian City, but possesses a different, more grounded atmosphere. The houses are white with gray roofs, and trees are plentiful. The city is home to a museum, and most importantly, the Pewter City Gym, led by Brock, the Rock-Solid Pokémon Trainer and your first Gym challenge.
Heal your Pokémon at the Pokémon Center first. If you’re interested in fossils and Pokémon history, visit the Pewter City Museum of Science and pay the 50P entrance fee to see exhibits on Kabutops and Aerodactyl fossils. Otherwise, it’s time to train your Pokémon in preparation for Brock.
When ready, head north past the Pokémon Center, turn west, then south, and finally east. You’ve arrived at the Pewter City Gym.
Gym Challenge: Pewter City Gym
The Pewter Gym is a Rock-type Gym, meaning Water and Grass type moves will be super effective. If you chose Charmander, this Gym will present a significant challenge.
Battle: Camper Liam (Gym Trainer)
- Pokémon: Geodude Level 10, Sandshrew Level 11
If you followed the advice and caught a Mankey in Route 22, its Low Kick move will be highly effective against Geodude. Use other Pokémon to handle Sandshrew, avoiding Electric-types as they are ineffective against Ground-types. Winning this battle indicates you are ready to face Brock. Remember to heal your Pokémon before challenging the Gym Leader!
Battle: Gym Leader Brock
- Pokémon: Geodude Level 12, Onix Level 14
Brock is a significant step up in difficulty. If you chose Squirtle or Bulbasaur, your starter Pokémon will have a type advantage and should be able to handle Brock’s Pokémon relatively easily with Water Gun or Vine Whip. Charmander trainers, and those seeking a more strategic approach, will need to utilize strategy and perhaps some over-leveling.
Consider using Growl to lower Geodude’s Attack while it uses Defense Curl, then attack. Mankey’s Low Kick is incredibly effective against Onix due to Onix’s heavy weight. Defeating Brock earns you the Boulder Badge, proof of your victory and allows your Pokémon up to level 20 to obey you. Brock also awards you TM39 Rock Tomb.
Heal your Pokémon and head east out of Pewter City. Professor Oak’s Aide will stop you and deliver Running Shoes from your mom, allowing you to run by holding the ‘B’ button. Route 3 and Mt. Moon are your next destinations!
Route 3: Path to Mt. Moon
- Pokémon Encounters: Pidgey, Spearow, Mankey, Jigglypuff, Nidoran♂, Nidoran♀
Route 3 is packed with trainers, making it an excellent location for gaining experience and leveling up your Pokémon. Be sure to battle every trainer you encounter.
Pay special attention to the Youngster trainer facing south just after the Bug Catcher who mentions meeting you in Viridian Forest. This is the iconic “Shorts are comfy!” guy, a memorable quote for Pokémon fans. Continue east past the trainers. A Lass will say “Eek! Did you touch me?”, regardless of your character’s gender. There’s a patch of grass you can skip if you prefer. Continue east until you reach another grass patch and a Youngster. The grass patch is a dead end, and the Youngster is not a trainer. Turn north.
Route 4: Entrance to Mt. Moon
- Pokémon Encounters: No wild Pokémon in this section
This section of Route 4 is sandy and rocky, featuring a Pokémon Center near the entrance to Mt. Moon. No wild Pokémon are found in this area.
Simply head north until you reach the Pokémon Center. Heal your Pokémon, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can buy a Magikarp from the Magikarp salesman inside for 500P. While initially weak, Magikarp evolves into the powerful Gyarados, which can be a worthwhile investment later in the game. Enter Mt. Moon through the tunnel entrance to the north.
Mt. Moon: Cave of Lunar Mystery
- Pokémon Encounters: Geodude, Zubat, Paras, Clefairy
Mt. Moon’s music is atmospheric and “lonely,” fitting its cave setting and rumored connection to space. The cave is filled with wild Pokémon, trainers, Team Rocket members, items, and even fossils.
Head north and then west. TM09 Bullet Seed is located down a path on the right side. Further west and slightly north, you’ll find a Parlyz Heal. Battle the Bug Catcher to the right (with Weedle and Kakuna at level 11). Continue east and battle the Lass with a Clefairy (watch out for Encore). Head north, then east, then south (avoid the stairs for now), and battle the Super Nerd. A Potion is slightly to his left. Head east, pick up the Rare Candy, north, and slightly west to battle another Bug Catcher. Return south and east, then head directly north to find an Escape Rope. Continue north, then west, and battle the Lass running in circles.
Now, take the staircase just below her. Go through the tunnel and take the stairs on the other side to battle your first Team Rocket Grunt! Defeat him, then head east and north to pick up a Star Piece. Return west and take the stairs north again. Go through the tunnel and back. Now head east, then west past the Lass running in circles, then south, and down the stairs. Go west through the short tunnel, then down the next set of stairs. Battle the Rocket Grunt, and press ‘A’ on the rock to the right to find a hidden Ether. Head north and collect TM46 Thief, then return through the tunnel.
Head slightly south, then west, and battle the Youngster. Go further west, then north, and battle the Hiker (remember Low Kick is effective against Onix). Continue north and collect the Moon Stone in the top left corner of the room. Take the stairs south. Follow the tunnel and take the stairs at the end. Head north from there to find a Revive. Return south and turn east. Go south and east to battle another Rocket Grunt. Go east, then north, then east and south. A few steps west, then further south, west, north, and battle another Rocket Grunt. North and east into a small dead end, press ‘A’ on the rock to find another Moon Stone. Return west out of the dead end and approach the Super Nerd. He’ll challenge you, claiming the fossils are his.
After defeating the Super Nerd, you get to choose one fossil: Helix Fossil (for Omanyte) or Dome Fossil (for Kabuto). Choose your preferred fossil, head west, and take the stairs south. Collect the Antidote and take the stairs north. Go through the small tunnel, take the stairs north again, and you’ll emerge into daylight – you’ve exited Mt. Moon!
Route 4: Approaching Cerulean City
- Pokémon Encounters: Rattata, Spearow, Mankey, Ekans (FireRed only), Sandshrew (LeafGreen only)
This second part of Route 4 is bumpy and grassy and features the first Move Tutors in the game.
Head east from the cave exit and north towards the two karate trainers. They are Move Tutors, not trainers. The left one teaches Mega Punch, and the right one teaches Mega Kick. Jump down from the ledge and head east. Go north when you reach the trees, then a few steps west and north to get TM05 Roar. Head east, jump down onto the road leading to Cerulean City. You are now locked on this path until you obtain Fly. If you want to train, the grass patch south and west contains wild Pokémon from Route 4. Otherwise, proceed directly into Cerulean City.
Cerulean City: The Azure Metropolis
Cerulean City, known for its blue aura, is a significant location in your journey. It is home to Misty’s Gym, Nugget Bridge, and various points of interest.
Heal your Pokémon at the Pokémon Center. In Cerulean City, you can find:
- Bike Shop: Offers a “BIKE 1,000,000” or “NO THANKS” option – a humorous touch.
- House Trade: A man will trade you a Jynx for a Poliwhirl.
- Robbed House: An officer stands guard outside a robbed house.
- Berry Crush House: A new feature for Berry Crushing.
Prepare your Pokémon, as your next challenge, Nugget Bridge, is just north of Cerulean City.
Rival Battle: Cerulean City
Before heading to Nugget Bridge, your rival will intercept you in Cerulean City for another battle.
Battle: Rival
- Pokémon: Pidgeotto Level 17, Abra Level 16, Bulbasaur (if you chose Squirtle), Charmander (if you chose Bulbasaur), or Squirtle (if you chose Charmander) Level 18, Rattata Level 15
This is a challenging battle, especially with Pidgeotto, which can be quite powerful. After the battle, your rival will give you a Fame Checker. Heal your Pokémon before proceeding north to Nugget Bridge.
Route 24: Nugget Bridge Challenge
- Pokémon Encounters: Abra, Oddish (FireRed only), Bellsprout (LeafGreen only), Caterpie, Kakuna, Pidgey, Weedle, Metapod
Route 24, also known as Nugget Bridge, is not strictly part of the main storyline but is a popular challenge. The music is a remix of the game’s intro theme. Nugget Bridge itself is visually enhanced in FireRed and LeafGreen.
Nugget Bridge is a series of trainer battles. Defeat all five trainers in a row to earn a prize.
Trainer Battles: Nugget Bridge
- Bug Catcher Cale: Caterpie lv. 10, Weedle lv. 10, Metapod lv. 10, Kakuna lv. 10
- Lass Ali: Pidgey lv. 12, Oddish lv. 12, Bellsprout lv. 12
- Youngster Timmy: Sandshrew lv. 14, Ekans lv. 14
- Lass Reli: Nidoran♂ lv. 16, Nidoran♀ lv. 16
- Camper Ethan: Mankey lv. 18
After defeating all five trainers, the last trainer will offer you a Nugget as a prize and casually invite you to join Team Rocket. He will try to convince you to join even after you decline. He’ll then challenge you to a battle.
Battle: Team Rocket Grunt
- Pokémon: Ekans Level 15, Zubat Level 15
This Rocket Grunt is relatively weak. Zubat’s Supersonic can be annoying, but otherwise, this battle should be straightforward. Heal your Pokémon if necessary.
After Nugget Bridge, head west and battle the trainer hiding in the tall grass. If you plan to catch an Abra, simply throw a Poké Ball without weakening it, as Abras are difficult to catch otherwise.
Collect TM45 Attract, located north of Nugget Bridge. Then head east towards Route 25.
Route 25: Path to Bill’s Sea Cottage
- Pokémon Encounters: Abra, Oddish (FireRed only), Bellsprout (LeafGreen only), Caterpie, Kakuna, Pidgey, Weedle, Metapod
Route 25 is similar to Route 24, with the same wild Pokémon encounters and general layout.
Continue east, battling trainers along the way. When you reach a trainer and a cuttable bush blocking an item, ensure the trainer walks far enough north so you can reach the item after the battle. The item is TM43 Secret Power. Continue east to reach the Sea Cottage, home of Bill, the Pokémaniac.
Bill’s Sea Cottage and the S.S. Ticket
Enter the Sea Cottage. You’ll find a Clefairy on the floor. Talking to it reveals it’s actually Bill, who has accidentally transformed himself due to a failed experiment. He asks for your help to revert back to human form.
Say “Yes” to help him (you need to for story progression). Bill will step into the Teleporter. Go to the computer and interact with it to run the Cell Separator program. After some flashy lights, Bill will emerge from the Teleporter, back in human form! Talk to him again. As thanks for your help, Bill will give you an S.S. Ticket, allowing you to board the S.S. Anne in Vermilion City. Exit the Sea Cottage and head directly south, taking the lower path back to Cerulean City. You will pass through Route 24 again on your way back.
Cerulean City: Misty and the Robbed House
Back in Cerulean City, it’s time to challenge Misty at the Cerulean City Gym. Heal your Pokémon and enter the Gym to the east.
Misty’s two junior trainers are relatively easy to defeat, one with a Horsea and the other with a Goldeen.
Gym Leader Misty
Battle: Gym Leader Misty
- Pokémon: Staryu Level 18, Starmie Level 21
Misty’s Gym is a Water-type Gym. While she claims to focus on an “all-out offensive” strategy, her Starmie is quite defensive, knowing Recover and equipped with a Super Potion. Poison-type moves can be surprisingly effective against Misty’s Pokémon due to the AI’s behavior. Grass and Electric types are super effective against Water types.
Defeating Misty earns you the Cascade Badge, which allows Pokémon up to level 30 to obey you and allows the use of Cut outside of battle. Misty also gives you TM03 Water Pulse.
The Robbed House and Team Rocket
After exiting the Gym and healing your Pokémon, you’ll notice the girl with the Slowbro and the police officer are gone from the robbed house. Enter the house.
The interior is ransacked, with footprints leading to a hole in the wall. Go through the hole and talk to the shady character outside. He claims to be an innocent bystander, but the “suspicious guy” music plays, revealing his true nature. He’s a Team Rocket Grunt!
Battle: Team Rocket Grunt
- Pokémon: Machop Level 17, Drowzee Level 17
This Rocket Grunt shouldn’t be too difficult. Be cautious of Drowzee’s Hypnosis. Defeating him earns you TM28 Dig, which he stole. He will “blast off” in defeat. The original owner of the house won’t take back TM28, so you get to keep it!
Take the path south from the house’s backyard. A cuttable bush is to the east, but you can’t access it yet without Cut. Head south and then west. You can jump down the ledge into the grass, or take either the left or right road south.
Route 5: Underground Path to Vermilion City
- Pokémon Encounters: Pidgey, Meowth, Oddish (FireRed only), Bellsprout (LeafGreen only)
Route 5 offers two paths: a bumpy, grassy path and a direct road. The grassy path allows you to catch Meowth, a Normal-type Pokémon with the Pickup ability, which can be useful for finding items after battles.
At the end of the grassy path is a Day-Care, but it only accommodates one Pokémon at this point. The road to Saffron City is blocked by a thirsty guard. Enter the building to the east – the Underground Path to Vermilion City. Inside, a little girl will offer to trade version-exclusive Nidoran Pokémon: Nidoran♀ for Nidoran♂ in FireRed, and Nidoran♂ for Nidoran♀ in LeafGreen.
Descend the stairs, traverse the underground tunnel, and emerge on the other side. Exit the building, and you’ll be on Route 6.
Route 6: Approaching Vermilion City
- Pokémon Encounters: Pidgey, Meowth, Oddish (FireRed only), Bellsprout (LeafGreen only)
Route 6 features the same wild Pokémon as Route 5.
Head west and battle the Bug Catcher (with Weedle and Caterpie, as usual). Go south and follow the road. Battle the two trainers, then east and south to battle a Bug Catcher with a Butterfree (level 20!). Be cautious of its higher level. Head west and south, battle two more trainers, and you’ll arrive in Vermilion City!
Vermilion City: Port of Exquisite Sunsets
Vermilion City, a bustling port city, is known for its beautiful sunsets and is a major hub in your Pokémon journey.
Heal your Pokémon first. Talk to the woman near the Pokémon Center counter to receive the VS. Seeker, an item that allows you to rematch trainers. Visit the house west of the Pokémon Center – the Fishing Guru’s house. He will give you an Old Rod if you say you like fishing. East of the Pokémon Center, past the Pokémon Fan Club, is a kid who trades a Farfetch’d for a Spearow.
In the Pokémon Fan Club, located east of the Pokémon Center, talk to the Chairman on the top sofa. Say “yes” to hear about his Pokémon. After his bragging session, he’ll give you a Bike Voucher, redeemable for a free Bicycle in Cerulean City. Now you can head east towards Route 11.
Route 11: Path to Lavender Town
- Pokémon Encounters: Ekans (FireRed only), Sandshrew (LeafGreen only), Spearow, Drowzee
Route 11 is packed with trainers, making it another excellent spot for gaining experience. The former “Gamblers” are now “Gamers”, but “Engineers” remain unchanged. Battle all the trainers on this route.
Find an Escape Rope by pressing ‘A’ on the tree in the top right corner. An Awakening is in the top left corner, and an X Defend is visible in the middle. Below the guardhouse, find a hidden path leading to a Great Ball.
After battling all trainers, reach the guardhouse to the east. Upstairs, find a version-exclusive Pokémon trade (Nidorina for Nidorino in FireRed, Nidorino for Nidorina in LeafGreen), Professor Oak’s Aide who gives an Itemfinder if you have 30 Pokémon in your Pokédex, and binoculars overlooking Rock Tunnel. Snorlax blocks the path east, so return to Vermilion City.
Vermilion City: S.S. Anne Adventure
Back in Vermilion City, heal your Pokémon and head to the harbor on the far east side of the city. Use Bill’s S.S. Ticket to board the S.S. Anne.
S.S. Anne Exploration
The S.S. Anne is a luxury liner filled with trainers, items, and secrets.
Start by exploring all cabins on the left side, from top to bottom, then right side, battling trainers and collecting items. A woman in a cabin on the right side (straight below the entrance on the right) will heal your Pokémon. Descend the stairs there. The trash can below the stairs contains a Hyper Potion. Battle trainers in cabins here too. Return upstairs.
Go west again, then south. The kitchen is located here. Find a Great Ball in the bottom left corner and Berries in the trash cans to the right. Exit the kitchen and take the stairs north. Battle trainers on this floor, but DO NOT go up the stairs on the right side yet. After clearing this floor, take the stairs in the bottom left corner. Go west through the corridor to reach the deck. Battle all trainers on deck.
Heal your Pokémon (woman in cabin). Save your game, then proceed up the stairs on the right side of the third floor to encounter your rival.
Rival Battle: S.S. Anne
Battle: Rival
- Pokémon: Pidgeotto Level 19, Raticate Level 16, Kadabra Level 18, Ivysaur (if you chose Charmander), Wartortle (if you chose Bulbasaur), or Charmeleon (if you chose Squirtle) Level 20
Despite your rival’s Pokémon levels increasing slightly, your team should be significantly stronger by now. After the battle, continue north and interact with the Captain. You’ll “cure” his seasickness by rubbing his back, and he’ll reward you with HM01 Cut. Don’t inspect his trash can!
Descend, exit the ship, and the S.S. Anne will set sail, leaving Vermilion City.
Vermilion City: Lt. Surge and the Electric Gym
Back in Vermilion City, teach Cut to a Pokémon. Head south to the Vermilion Gym, which is now accessible by cutting the small tree blocking the entrance.
Vermilion Gym Puzzle and Lt. Surge
The Vermilion Gym is an Electric-type Gym with a trash can puzzle. You must find two hidden switches in trash cans to open the door to Gym Leader Lt. Surge.
Start by interacting with the top left trash can in the rectangle formation. If it reveals a switch, randomly choose a direction (left, right, up, down) and check the adjacent trash can in that direction. Continue this process, maintaining the same direction until you find the second switch. If you choose correctly, the door to Lt. Surge will open. This puzzle is based on luck and can be frustrating.
Gym Leader Lt. Surge
Battle: Gym Leader Lt. Surge
- Pokémon: Voltorb Level 21, Pikachu Level 18, Raichu Level 24
Lt. Surge’s Electric-type Pokémon can be challenging. Ground-type Pokémon are immune to Electric attacks. Diglett’s Cave on Route 11 is a good place to catch Diglett or Dugtrio, which are Ground-types and effective against Electric types.
Defeating Lt. Surge earns you the Thunder Badge, which allows Pokémon up to level 40 to obey you and allows the use of Fly outside of battle. Lt. Surge also gives you TM24 Thunderbolt.
Diglett’s Cave and Route 2 Revisited
Professor Oak’s Aide will be standing east of Vermilion City’s entrance, near Diglett’s Cave. He mentions another Aide waiting on Route 2. The path to Route 2 is through Diglett’s Cave.
Diglett’s Cave: Vermilion to Viridian
- Pokémon Encounters: Diglett, Dugtrio
Diglett’s Cave is a straightforward tunnel connecting Route 11 near Vermilion City back to Route 2 near Viridian City. It’s the only place to catch Diglett and Dugtrio. These Pokémon are Ground-types and can be valuable for Electric-type Gyms and beyond.
Follow the path through the cave. At the Viridian City exit, find a house. Inside, a kid will trade an Abra for a Mr. Mime. South of the house, cut the tree and proceed south to the gatehouse. Professor Oak’s other Aide inside the gatehouse will give you HM05 Flash if you have 10 Pokémon in your Pokédex (which you likely do). Flash is useful for illuminating dark caves like Rock Tunnel.
Continue south to Viridian City. West of the Pokémon Center, past the pond, cut the tree to find a Move Tutor who teaches Dream Eater. Return north, cut another tree to access Diglett’s Cave again, and go back through to Vermilion City.
Vermilion City: Route 9 and Rock Tunnel
Heal your Pokémon in Vermilion City’s Pokémon Center. Head east through Route 6 and the Underground Path back to Cerulean City. Take the path east from Cerulean City to Route 9.
Route 9: Path to Rock Tunnel
- Pokémon Encounters: Spearow, Rattata, Ekans (FireRed only), Sandshrew (LeafGreen only)
On Route 9, cut the tree blocking your path and head east. Battle the Picnicker. Jump down the ledge and collect TM40 Aerial Ace. Battle the Hiker. Head east and north, and battle the Camper. North and west, battle the Bug Catcher (with two Beedrill). Continue west into the grass. This area provides the only path back to Cerulean City to heal if needed.
Return east, past the Camper, take the lower path east, and battle the Hiker and collect the Burn Heal. Return west and take the upper path this time. Head north when you reach a small gap. Battle the Bug Catcher. Continue west and battle the Camper. Another grass patch is here. Head east to the Bug Catcher again, and turn north to battle the Hiker. Head east and jump down the ledge. Battle the Picnicker and head east towards Route 10 and Rock Tunnel.
Route 10: Approaching Rock Tunnel
- Pokémon Encounters: Ekans (FireRed only), Sandshrew (LeafGreen only), Spearow, Voltorb
On Route 10, head east and catch a Voltorb in the grass if desired. Head south towards the Pokémon Center. Heal your Pokémon and talk to Professor Oak’s Aide by the table. He gives you an Everstone if you have 20 Pokémon in your Pokédex. The Everstone prevents Pokémon from evolving.
Exit the Pokémon Center and head south. West and battle the Picnicker, then north into Rock Tunnel.
Rock Tunnel: The Dark Detour
- Pokémon Encounters: Onix, Mankey, Zubat, Machop, Geodude
Rock Tunnel is a dark cave requiring HM05 Flash to navigate effectively. Use Flash to illuminate the cave.
Head east. Collect the item at the end (a Repel). Return west and south down the path where the Pokémaniac is located. Continue south and east, then north when you reach a wall. Take the stairs south. Head south from there and west. Battle the Pokémaniac. Head west to collect the Revive. Return east and north to battle the Picnicker. Turn east, then north when past her, battle the Pokémaniac, turn east, north when reaching the wall, battle both Hikers above and to the west, and take the stairs in the top left corner of that room.
Head south and battle the Hiker to the east. South and battle the Hiker to the west. Head east to get the Escape Rope. Return west, battle the next Hiker, and take the stairs south. Head west, ignore the north path, and go south. West and battle the Picnicker. Going south and west leads to a move tutor who teaches Rock Slide.
If you don’t want Rock Slide now, head north. Take the east path when you see a Hiker for a Max Ether, then return south and battle the Hiker. Head west and north, battle the Pokémaniac. Take the stairs north, south and battle the Picnickers, then west. Go north and collect the Pearl. Return south and further west. Battle the Picnicker. Continue west and go south when you see a sign sticking out of the ground. Exit the cave!
Route 10: Lavender Town Beckons
- Pokémon Encounters: No wild Pokémon in this section
If your Pokémon are still able to battle, defeat the Picnicker and Hiker to the west, jump down the ledge, battle the Hiker, then the Pokémaniac to the east. Head east and north to find a Nanab Berry in the grass. Continue south, and you’ll arrive in Lavender Town.
Lavender Town: Town of Mourning Souls
Lavender Town is known for its eerie atmosphere and the Pokémon Tower, a graveyard for Pokémon. The music is melancholic and memorable.
Heal your Pokémon. In the Pokémon Center, learn about Team Rocket’s actions regarding Cubone’s mother. Cubone is in the house in the bottom left corner. Mr. Fuji lives in the house south and east of the Pokémon Center. The Pokémon Tower is the main attraction.
The Name Rater lives in the house above the south exit. He rates Pokémon nicknames but is often unhelpful. The Poké Mart below Pokémon Tower sells Great Balls for the first time – stock up. Head west to Route 8.
Route 8: Path to Celadon City
- Pokémon Encounters: Meowth, Pidgey, Growlithe (FireRed only), Vulpix (LeafGreen only), Ekans (FireRed only), Sandshrew (LeafGreen only)
On Route 8, battle the Lass to the west, then the Gamer facing south. Head north and battle the Super Nerd. Go west for your first 2-on-2 battle against Twins! After the Twins, continue west and battle four more trainers. South and battle the Biker, west and battle another Biker. North and battle the Super Nerd, then east and battle the Gamer. Enter the Underground Path to Celadon City.
Route 7: Short Path to Celadon
- Pokémon Encounters: Meowth, Pidgey, Growlithe (FireRed only), Vulpix (LeafGreen only), Oddish (FireRed only), Bellsprout (LeafGreen only)
Route 7 is a short route designed primarily to provide a patch of grass outside Celadon City. Head north through the gaps in the ledges and west into Celadon City.
Celadon City: City of Rainbow Dreams
Celadon City is the largest city in Kanto, featuring the Celadon Department Store, Game Corner, Softboiled Move Tutor, Celadon Mansion, Eevee, and Erika’s Gym.
Heal your Pokémon. In the Pokémon Center, an old man speaks of the Poké Flute awakening Pokémon. Take the narrow path east of the Pokémon Center to a gap in the trees. Go north and west to the back entrance of Celadon Mansion. Go to the top floor and find a Poké Ball on a small table – it contains Eevee!
Return outside and head further west to find an Ether. Enter Celadon Mansion from the main entrance. Talk to the woman for Tea to give to Saffron City guards. Meet Game Freak staff on the third floor.
Celadon Department Store
The Celadon Department Store is a multi-story shopping paradise.
- 2nd Floor: Trainer’s Market: TMs, Poké Balls, Potions, Revives, status healing items, Repels.
- 3rd Floor: TV Game Shop: Counter Move Tutor.
- 4th Floor: Wise Man Gifts: Poké Doll, Retro Mail, Fire Stone, Thunderstone, Water Stone, Leaf Stone.
- 5th Floor: Drugstore: Stat-boosting items, X items, Guard Spec., Dire Hit.
- Rooftop Square: Vending Machines: Fresh Water, Soda Pop, Lemonade.
Give each drink (Fresh Water, Soda Pop, Lemonade) to the little girl on the rooftop to receive TM16 Light Screen, TM20 Safeguard, and TM33 Reflect. Exit the store and head west to Route 16.
Route 16: Cycling Road Entrance
- Pokémon Encounters: Doduo, Spearow, Rattata, Raticate
Snorlax blocks the path to Cycling Road, but your goal is elsewhere. Cut the tree and head north. Battle the Young Couple (another 2-on-2 battle). Enter the gatehouse. Go into the building to the west and talk to the woman. She’s a celebrity hiding from the public and will give you HM02 Fly in exchange for your silence. Teach Fly to a Pokémon to enable fast travel to previously visited Pokémon Centers! Return to Celadon City.
Celadon City: Game Corner and Erika’s Gym
Back in Celadon City, heal your Pokémon. Head south and west, entering the first house on the left with a door in the bottom right row of houses. Talk to the man in the top left corner for a Coin Case. Exit and enter the house to the east. A Rocket Grunt warns you not to touch the poster in the Game Corner. He’s lying.
Head east to the Game Corner. Press ‘A’ on the tile in the upper right corner of the passage to find a PP Up. Below the Rocket Grunt, cut the tree. Go through the passage to Erika’s Gym.
Celadon Gym: Grass-Type Challenge
Erika’s Gym is a Grass-type Gym filled with female trainers.
Gym Trainer Battles: Celadon Gym
- Lass Kay: Bellsprout lv. 23, Weepinbell lv. 23
- Beauty Bridget: Oddish lv. 21 (x2), Bellsprout lv. 21 (x2)
- Beauty Tamia: Bellsprout lv. 24 (x2)
- Picnicker Tina: Bulbasaur lv. 24, Ivysaur lv. 24
- Cooltrainer Mary: Bellsprout lv. 22, Oddish lv. 22, Weepinbell lv. 22, Gloom lv. 22, Ivysaur lv. 22
- Beauty Lori: Exeggcute lv. 24
- Lass Lisa: Oddish lv. 23, Gloom lv. 23
Cut the trees to reach Erika.
Gym Leader Erika
- Pokémon: Victreebel Level 29, Tangela Level 24, Vileplume Level 29
Erika’s Pokémon use Grass-type moves like Giga Drain and powders like Sleep Powder. Fire, Flying, Bug, Poison, and Ice types are effective against Grass types. Defeating Erika earns you the Rainbow Badge, allowing Pokémon up to level 50 to obey you. Erika gives you TM19 Giga Drain.
Team Rocket’s Game Corner Hideout
Heal your Pokémon and enter the Game Corner south of the Pokémon Center. Talk to the Rocket Grunt staring at the poster.
Battle: Team Rocket Grunt
- Pokémon: Raticate Level 20, Zubat Level 20
Defeat him, then press ‘A’ on the poster to reveal a secret switch. Press the switch and descend the staircase that appears.
Team Rocket’s Hideout: Game Corner Basement
Team Rocket’s Hideout is a multi-level basement beneath the Game Corner.
Navigate through the hideout, battling Rocket Grunts and Scientists, and solving arrow tile puzzles. Collect items like Escape Rope, Rare Candy, TM21 Frustration, Blackglasses, Max Ether, TM49 Snatch, Lift Key, Moon Stone, X Speed, TM12 Taunt, Super Potion, Hyper Potion, Calcium, Max Revive, Full Heal, HP Up, X Special, Iron, Carbos, and Ultra Ball.
Use the Lift Key to access lower floors. On B4F, you’ll face Boss Giovanni.
Boss Giovanni Battle: Team Rocket Hideout
Battle: Boss Giovanni
- Pokémon: Onix Level 25, Rhyhorn Level 24, Kangaskhan Level 29
Giovanni’s Kangaskhan is his strongest Pokémon. Fighting-types are effective against Normal types like Kangaskhan, and Water or Grass types for his Rock/Ground types. Defeating Giovanni earns you the Silph Scope. He drops it after defeat. Take the Silph Scope.
Return to B1F using the elevator, then exit to Celadon City Game Corner.
Pokémon Tower: Calming the Spirits
Fly to Lavender Town, heal your Pokémon, and enter Pokémon Tower.
Pokémon Tower Exploration
Pokémon Tower is a haunted graveyard filled with Ghost-type Pokémon and possessed Channelers.
Ascend the tower, battling Channelers and collecting items. On the second floor, you’ll encounter your rival.
Rival Battle: Pokémon Tower
Battle: Rival
- Pokémon: Pidgeotto Level 25, Growlithe (if you chose Squirtle), Gyarados (if you chose Bulbasaur), or Exeggcute (if you chose Charmander) Level 23, Exeggcute (if you chose Squirtle), Growlithe (if you chose Bulbasaur), or Gyarados (if you chose Charmander) Level 22, Kadabra Level 20, Wartortle (if you chose Charmander), Ivysaur (if you chose Squirtle), or Charmeleon (if you chose Bulbasaur) Level 25
Defeat your rival. Continue ascending Pokémon Tower. Collect items like Escape Rope, Elixir, Awakening, Great Ball, Nugget, Cleanse Tag, X Accuracy, and Rare Candy.
On the top floor, you’ll encounter Team Rocket Grunts.
Team Rocket Grunt Battles: Pokémon Tower Summit
- Team Rocket Grunt: Zubat lv. 25 (x2), Golbat lv. 25
- Team Rocket Grunt: Koffing lv. 26, Drowzee lv. 26
- Team Rocket Grunt: Zubat lv. 23 (x2), Rattata lv. 23, Raticate lv. 23
Above them, you’ll find Mr. Fuji. Talk to him. Continue north to encounter the ghost of Marowak.
Marowak’s Ghost and the Poké Flute
Use the Silph Scope to identify the ghost as Marowak Level 30. Battle and defeat Marowak to calm its spirit. Mr. Fuji will take you to his home. Talk to Fuji again, and he’ll give you the Poké Flute.
Exit Fuji’s house and head south to Route 12.
Route 12: Silence Bridge and Snorlax
- Pokémon Encounters: Pidgey, Venonat, Gloom (FireRed only), Weepinbell (LeafGreen only), Oddish (FireRed only), Bellsprout (LeafGreen only)
Route 12, known as Silence Bridge, is ironically filled with lively music. It’s a series of piers with Fishermen and dead ends.
Head south and enter the gatehouse. Upstairs, a girl gives TM27 Return. Exit and battle Fishermen along the piers. Find a hidden Hyper Potion in the center of a grassy island. A Young Couple will battle you facing the sea. Continue south to encounter a sleeping Snorlax blocking the path. This is the same Snorlax that blocked Route 11.
Use the Poké Flute to awaken Snorlax Level 30.
Snorlax Encounter: Route 12
Battle: Wild Snorlax
- Level 30
Snorlax is tough to catch, knows Rest, and holds a Chesto Berry. Use status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis and weaken it before throwing Poké Balls. Catch it if possible; otherwise, you’ll have another chance later.
Continue south past Snorlax. Enter the house. The Fishing Guru’s younger brother gives you a Super Rod. Exit the house. Battle the Rocker to the west. Cut the tree behind the Camper to the west, battle him, and collect the Iron. Continue south to Route 13.
Route 13: Silence Bridge Maze
- Pokémon Encounters: Venonat, Oddish (FireRed only), Bellsprout (LeafGreen only), Pidgeotto, Pidgey, Ditto, Gloom (FireRed only), Weepinbell (LeafGreen only)
Route 13 is a maze of paths and trainers.
Follow Silence Bridge further south, battling trainers. Once on land, head slightly north and battle two Beauties. West, battle the Picnicker, and take the north path. Continue west, then south where the path ends, then west. Battle a Bird Keeper. South and east to find a sign. Return west to the Bird Keeper, north, and east. Battle a Picnicker. In the dead end to the west, find a hidden PP Up.
Return to the path with the wooden sign. Instead of going north, take the path to the west of it and continue west. Battle a Bird Keeper and a Biker below him. Take the path above the Biker and head west to Route 14.
Route 14: More Maze Paths
- Pokémon Encounters: Venonat, Oddish (FireRed only), Bellsprout (LeafGreen only), Pidgeotto, Pidgey, Ditto, Gloom (FireRed only), Weepinbell (LeafGreen only)
Route 14 continues the maze-like paths of Route 13.
Continue west. Battle a Bird Keeper at the western edge. Return east to a gap in the fence. South and west again. Battle another Bird Keeper. South past him, and east to find a gap in the maze.
South and battle two Bird Keepers. Continue south, battle two more Bird Keepers, then south and slightly west to battle Twins. West and north to battle four Bikers. Cut the tree for access to grass with wild Pokémon. Otherwise, head south and west to Route 15.
Route 15: Useless Routes and Fuchsia City
- Pokémon Encounters: Venonat, Oddish (FireRed only), Bellsprout (LeafGreen only), Pidgeotto, Pidgey, Ditto, Gloom (FireRed only), Weepinbell (LeafGreen only)
Route 15 is another route with maze-like paths and the same wild Pokémon as Routes 13 and 14.
Head west and battle two Bikers. The grass patches here are accessible directly, unlike Route 14. Continue west to battle two Beauties, then a Picnicker. Then two Bird Keepers, and another Picnicker. A gatehouse is at the end.
Return east through Route 15, cut the tree north, and take the upper path. Battle a Picnicker, a Crush Kin (2-on-2 Battle Girl and Black Belt), and another Picnicker. Continue west to find TM18 Rain Dance. Jump down the ledge and enter the gatehouse. Upstairs, Professor Oak’s Aide gives the EXP. Share if you have 50 Pokémon in your Pokédex. Continue west through the gatehouse to Fuchsia City.
Fuchsia City: Safari Zone and Koga
Fuchsia City is home to the Safari Zone, Koga’s Gym, and a Pokémon Center that requires a detour to access.
Heal your Pokémon (take the detour to the Pokémon Center). Enter the first house east of the Pokémon Center – the Safari Zone Warden’s house. The Warden is an old man with a boulder in his house. Enter the house to the east – the Fishing Guru’s older brother gives a Good Rod. Enter the large house to the north – the Safari Zone entrance. Pay the 500P entrance fee to enter the Safari Game.
Safari Zone: Catching and Exploring
- Pokémon Encounters: (Vary by area, see original walkthrough for details)
The Safari Zone is a unique area where you catch Pokémon by throwing bait and rocks instead of battling. You have a limited number of steps. Focus on item collection for this walkthrough.
Head to the top right corner of the Center Area and exit to Area 1. East into the grass, north to the wall, north up the stairs, collect Leaf Stone, south down the stairs. West, south down the stairs. West, north, collect TM11 Sunny Day in the grassy strip, west to find Max Potion. North up the stairs, over the rock. South and collect Full Restore. North, west through the grass. Lower path west, then west. North up the stairs, over the rock, north past lakes. East, collect TM47 Steel Wing, then east. North into the grass, west. Collect Protein. West, south to the grass. South past lakes, south to Area 2. South and collect Gold Teeth. West, collect TM32 Double Team, and enter the house. Talk to the man inside. He gives HM03 Surf.
Fuchsia City: Warden’s Teeth and Cycling Road
Return to Fuchsia City. Deliver the Gold Teeth to the Warden (house east of Pokémon Center). He gives HM04 Strength. Use Strength to push the boulder in his house and get Rare Candy.
Cycling Road Prep
Fly to Celadon City. Head west on Route 16. Awaken Snorlax blocking Cycling Road with the Poké Flute.
Battle: Wild Snorlax
- Level 30
This is your last chance to catch Snorlax if you missed the one on Route 12.
Ensure you have the Bicycle. Enter the Route 16 gatehouse. Upstairs, Professor Oak’s Aide gives an Amulet Coin if you have 40 Pokémon in your Pokédex. Exit to Cycling Road.
Cycling Road Descent
Cycle down Cycling Road. Battle Bikers and Cue Balls. Follow the left road down, then right road. Train in grass if desired. Continue down the rightmost road. Turn west when possible, battle the trainer, then turn east. Middle path now. Cycle north and read signs. At “Watch out for discarded items” sign, search for a hidden item (Full Restore/Max/Hyper Potion). West again, battle trainer. Slide down left road, battle trainer on the way, all the way south to fence. Battle trainer circling there, then south to Route 18.
Route 18: Fuchsia City Approach
- Pokémon Encounters: Raticate, Doduo, Rattata, Spearow, Fearow
Route 18 is the final section of Cycling Road. Go east into the gatehouse. Upstairs, a trainer trades Lickitung for Golduck (FireRed) or Slowbro (LeafGreen). Exit the gatehouse and head south. Battle three Bird Keepers. Head east back to Fuchsia City.
Fuchsia City: Koga’s Poison Gym
Back in Fuchsia City, heal your Pokémon and enter Koga’s Gym, located west of the Pokémon Center.
Fuchsia Gym: Invisible Walls and Poison Types
Koga’s Gym is a Poison-type Gym with “invisible” walls (small dots indicate walls). Navigate the maze, battling trainers.
Gym Trainer Battles: Fuchsia Gym
- Juggler Nate: Drowzee lv. 34, Kadabra lv. 34
- Juggler Kayden: Hypno lv. 38
- Juggler Kirk: Drowzee lv. 31 (x3), Kadabra lv. 31
- Tamer Edgar: Arbok lv. 33 (x2), Sandslash lv. 33
- Tamer Phil: Sandslash lv. 34, Arbok lv. 34
- Juggler Shawn: Drowzee lv. 34, Hypno lv. 34
Gym Leader Koga
Battle: Gym Leader Koga
- Pokémon: Koffing Level 37, Muk Level 39, Koffing Level 37, Weezing Level 43
Koga’s Pokémon have high Defense and Levitate ability (Koffing and Weezing), making Psychic attacks their primary weakness. Ground, Psychic and Water types are effective choices. Defeating Koga earns you the Soul Badge, allowing Pokémon up to level 60 to obey you, and TM06 Toxic.
Saffron City: Silph Co. and Sabrina
Fly to Cerulean, Lavender, Vermilion, or Celadon City. Enter the Saffron City gatehouse and bribe the guard with Tea.
Saffron City Exploration
Saffron City is a major commercial hub. Heal your Pokémon. Enter the house with the mailbox and talk to Mr. Psychic for TM29 Psychic.
The Saffron City Gym is blocked by Team Rocket. Enter the Fighting Dojo to the west.
Fighting Dojo Challenge
The Fighting Dojo is a Fighting-type Gym. Psychic and Flying types are effective here.
Dojo Trainer Battles: Fighting Dojo
- Black Belt Hitoshi: Machop lv. 31, Mankey lv. 31, Primeape lv. 31
- Black Belt Hideki: Machop lv. 32, Machoke lv. 32
- Black Belt Aaron: Primeape lv. 36
- Black Belt Mike: Mankey lv. 31 (x2), Primeape lv. 31
- Black Belt Koichi (Karate King): Hitmonlee lv. 37, Hitmonchan lv. 37
Defeat Koichi to choose either Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan (Level 25).
Silph Co. Takeover
Team Rocket has taken over Silph Co. Head to the Silph Co. building south and west of the Fighting Dojo. The Team Rocket guard outside is asleep. Enter Silph Co.
Navigate through the 11-floor building, battling Rocket Grunts and Scientists, using stairs and teleport pads. Collect items like TM01 Focus Punch, TM41 Torment, Protein, TM49 Snatch, Lift Key, Moon Stone, X Speed, TM12 Taunt, Super Potion, Hyper Potion, Calcium, Max Revive, Full Heal, HP Up, X Special, Iron, Carbos, Ultra Ball, TM08 Bulk Up, Zinc, Escape Rope, Max Revive, Full Heal, Carbos, Rare Candy, Ultra Ball, HP Up, X Special, Iron, Calcium, TM37 Sandstorm, TM07 Hail, Max Revive, Guard Spec., TM50 Overheat, Full Heal.
On the 9th floor, find a woman who heals Pokémon. On the 11th floor, battle your rival.
Rival Battle: Silph Co.
Battle: Rival
- Pokémon: Pidgeot Level 37, Growlithe (if you chose Squirtle), Gyarados (if you chose Bulbasaur), or Exeggcute (if you chose Charmander) Level 38, Exeggcute (if you chose Squirtle), Growlithe (if you chose Bulbasaur), or Gyarados (if you chose Charmander) Level 35, Alakazam Level 35, Blastoise (if you chose Charmander), Venusaur (if you chose Squirtle), or Charizard (if you chose Bulbasaur) Level 40
Defeat your rival. Talk to the man nearby to receive Lapras Level 25. Continue to face Boss Giovanni.
Boss Giovanni Battle: Silph Co.
Battle: Boss Giovanni
- Pokémon: Nidorino Level 37, Rhyhorn Level 37, Nidoqueen Level 41, Kangaskhan Level 35
Defeat Giovanni again. He drops the Silph Scope, and the Silph Co. President gives you the Master Ball. Exit Silph Co.
Saffron City: Copycat and Sabrina’s Gym
Team Rocket is gone from Saffron City. Enter Copycat’s house near the top left corner. Upstairs, talk to Copycat. Give her a Poké Doll from Celadon Department Store to receive Mimic.
Enter Sabrina’s Gym in the top right corner.
Saffron Gym: Psychic-Type Challenge
Sabrina’s Gym is a Psychic-type Gym with teleport pads. Navigate the gym by using teleport pads and battling trainers.
Gym Trainer Battles: Saffron Gym
- Psychic Cameron: Slowpoke lv. 33 (x2), Slowbro lv. 33
- Channeler Tasha: Gastly lv. 33 (x2), Haunter lv. 33
- Psychic Johan: Kadabra lv. 31 (x2), Mr. Mime lv. 31, Slowpoke lv. 31
- Psychic Preston: Slowbro lv. 38
- Channeler Amanda: Gastly lv. 34, Haunter lv. 34
- Psychic Tyron: Mr. Mime lv. 34, Kadabra lv. 34
- Channeler Stacy: Haunter lv. 38
Gym Leader Sabrina
Battle: Gym Leader Sabrina
- Pokémon: Kadabra Level 38, Mr. Mime Level 37, Venomoth Level 38, Alakazam Level 43
Sabrina’s Pokémon are Psychic types. Dark, Bug and Ghost types are effective against Psychic. Be wary of Mr. Mime’s Calm Mind and Barrier. Defeating Sabrina earns you the Marsh Badge, allowing Pokémon up to level 70 to obey you, and TM04 Calm Mind.
Fuchsia City: Strength and Sea Routes
Fly to Fuchsia City. Teach Strength to a Pokémon. Use Strength to move the boulder in the Warden’s house and get Rare Candy. Head south from Fuchsia City to Sea Route 19.
Sea Route 19 & 20: Seafoam Islands
- Pokémon Encounters: Tentacool (Sea Routes), Zubat, Psyduck (FR only), Golduck (FR only), Slowpoke (LG only), Slowbro (LG only), Golbat, Seel, Dewgong (Seafoam Islands)
Surf south on Sea Route 19, battling Swimmers. Continue west on Sea Route 20, battling more Swimmers. Enter Seafoam Islands cave on the island.
Seafoam Islands: Articuno’s Domain
Seafoam Islands is an icy cave with boulder puzzles and wild Pokémon. Navigate the cave using Strength to push boulders into holes to control water currents. Collect items like Ice Heal, Revive, Big Pearl, Water Stone, Ultra Ball.
Ascend through the cave, solving boulder puzzles. Reach the platform where Articuno Level 50 resides.
Battle: Wild Articuno
- Level 50
Articuno is an Ice/Flying-type Legendary Pokémon. Electric, Rock, Fire and Steel types are effective. Use status conditions and weaken it to catch it.
After catching Articuno, continue navigating through Seafoam Islands to exit on Sea Route 20 again.
Sea Route 20: To Cinnabar Island
- Pokémon Encounters: Tentacool
Continue west on Sea Route 20, battling Picnickers and Bird Keepers on small islands. Reach Cinnabar Island to the west.
Cinnabar Island: Pokémon Mansion and Blaine
Cinnabar Island is a volcanic island home to Pokémon Mansion, the Pokémon Lab, and Blaine’s Gym.
Heal your Pokémon. Enter the Pokémon Lab. Find trades (Electrode for Raichu, Venonat for Tangela, Seel for Ponyta), a Metronome Move Tutor, and a fossil resurrection scientist.
Enter Pokémon Mansion to the north.
Pokémon Mansion: Mewtwo’s Origins
Pokémon Mansion is a haunted mansion with secret switches and diaries revealing Mewtwo’s backstory. Explore the mansion, pressing secret switches and reading diaries. Collect items like Moon Stone, Escape Rope, Protein, Zinc, Calcium, Max Potion, Iron, HP Up, Carbos, Full Restore, Secret Key, TM22 Solar Beam, Rare Candy, Elixir, TM14 Blizzard.
Find the Secret Key in Pokémon Mansion to unlock the Cinnabar Gym. Exit Pokémon Mansion.
Cinnabar Gym: Quiz Machines and Fire Types
Cinnabar Gym is a Fire-type Gym with quiz machines. Answer quiz questions correctly to bypass trainers, or battle them for experience.
Gym Trainer Battles: Cinnabar Gym
- Burglar Quinn: Growlithe lv. 36, Vulpix lv. 36, Ninetales lv. 36
- Super Nerd Erik: Vulpix lv. 36 (x2), Ninetales lv. 36
- Super Nerd Avery: Ponyta lv. 34, Charmander lv. 34, Vulpix lv. 34, Growlithe lv. 34
- Burglar Ramon: Ponyta lv. 41
- Super Nerd Derek: Rapidash lv. 41
- Burglar Dusty: Vulpix lv. 37, Growlithe lv. 37
- Super Nerd Zac: Growlithe lv. 37, Vulpix lv. 37
Gym Leader Blaine
Battle: Gym Leader Blaine
- Pokémon: Growlithe Level 42, Ponyta Level 40, Rapidash Level 42, Arcanine Level 47
Blaine’s Fire-type Pokémon are weak to Water, Rock and Ground types. Surf is very effective here. Defeating Blaine earns you the Volcano Badge, allowing Pokémon up to level 100 to obey you, and TM38 Fire Blast.
Exit the Gym. Bill will stop you and invite you to One Island. Say “No” initially, heal your Pokémon, then talk to Bill again in the Pokémon Center and say “Yes” to travel to the Sevii Islands.
One Island, Two Island, Three Island: Sevii Islands Excursion
Travel to One Island with Bill. On One Island, meet Celio in the Pokémon Center. Celio gives a Tri-Pass and asks you to deliver a Meteorite to Two Island.
Sail to Two Island. Cut the tree east of the Pokémon Center for a Revive. Visit the Move Maniac south of the Pokémon Center who teaches forgotten moves for Tiny/Big Mushrooms. Visit the Game Corner. A man asks you to find his daughter Lostelle on Three Island. Sail to Three Island.
Three Island and Berry Forest
On Three Island, Bikers are harassing residents. Defeat four Bikers. One resident gives Full Restore. Learn Lostelle went to Bond Bridge. Head north to Bond Bridge.
On Bond Bridge, find a hidden PP Up. Battle trainers on Bond Bridge. Enter Berry Forest to the north.
Berry Forest: Hypno and Lostelle
Berry Forest is a Viridian Forest-like area. Navigate to find Full Heal. At the end, find Lostelle crying about a scary Pokémon – Hypno Level 30.
Battle: Wild Hypno
- Level 30
Defeat or catch Hypno. Lostelle gives an Iapapa Berry. You are transported back to Two Island Game Corner. Talk to Lostelle’s father. He takes the Meteorite and gives a Moon Stone. The Poké Mart now sells Ultra Balls.
Sail back to One Island. Head to Kindle Road beach east of One Island town.
Kindle Road & Mt. Ember: Moltres’ Lair
- Pokémon Encounters: Rapidash, Ponyta, Meowth, Spearow, Persian, Fearow, Psyduck (FR only), Slowpoke (LG only), Geodude (Kindle Road); Ponyta, Rapidash, Machop, Fearow, Geodude, Spearow, Magmar (LG only), Machop, Geodude, Machoke (Mt. Ember)
Surf east on Kindle Road, battling Swimmers and Crush Girls. Reach Mt. Ember cave to the north. Inside Mt. Ember, a Hiker teaches Explosion. Push boulders with Strength. Collect Ether, Carbos, Dire Hit, Ultra Ball, Fire Stone. Solve boulder puzzles to reach Moltres Level 50 at the summit.
Battle: Wild Moltres
- Level 50
Moltres is a Fire/Flying-type Legendary Pokémon. Water, Electric, and Rock types are effective. Use status conditions and weaken it to catch it.
After catching Moltres, Fly back to One Island.
One Island: Celio’s Network and Power Plant
Enter the Pokémon Net Center on One Island. Bill and Celio are finished. Bill takes you back to Kanto.
Fly to Rock Tunnel Pokémon Center. Head north to the Power Plant.
Power Plant: Zapdos’ Thunderous Roost
- Pokémon Encounters: Voltorb, Magneton, Electabuzz (FireRed only), Magnemite, Pikachu
Surf east of Rock Tunnel to reach the Power Plant. Navigate through the Power Plant, battling trainers and collecting items. Find Max Potion, TM17 Protect, Elixir, TM25 Thunder, Thunderstone, Max Elixir.
Reach the end to encounter Zapdos Level 50.
Battle: Wild Zapdos
- Level 50
Zapdos is an Electric/Flying-type Legendary Pokémon. Ice and Rock types are effective. Use status conditions and weaken it to catch it.
After catching Zapdos, exit the Power Plant and Fly to Cinnabar Island.
Sea Route 21 & Pallet Town: Return Home
- Pokémon Encounters: Tangela (Sea Route 21), Rattata, Pidgey (Route 1)
Surf north from Cinnabar Island on Sea Route 21, battling Swimmers and Fishermen. Reach Pallet Town to the north.
Back in Pallet Town, heal your Pokémon at your mom’s house. Head north to Route 1.
Route 1 & Viridian City: Giovanni’s Gym
Traverse Route 1 north to Viridian City. Enter the Viridian Gym, now open at the top right of the city.
Viridian Gym: Ground-Type Gauntlet
The Viridian Gym is a Ground-type Gym now led by Giovanni. Navigate the gym using arrow tiles and battling trainers.
Gym Trainer Battles: Viridian Gym
- Tamer Cole: Arbok lv. 39, Tauros lv. 39
- Black Belt Kiyo: Machoke lv. 43
- Cooltrainer Samuel: Sandslash lv. 37 (x2), Rhyhorn lv. 38, Nidoking lv. 39, Nidorino lv. 39
- Cooltrainer Yuji: Sandslash lv. 38, Graveler lv. 38 (x2), Onix lv. 38, Marowak lv. 38
- Black Belt Atsushi: Machop lv. 40, Machoke lv. 40
- Tamer Jason: Rhyhorn lv. 43
- Cooltrainer Warren: Marowak lv. 37 (x2), Rhyhorn lv. 38, Nidorina lv. 39, Nidoqueen lv. 39
- Black Belt Takashi: Machoke lv. 38 (x2), Machop lv. 38
Gym Leader Giovanni
Battle: Gym Leader Giovanni
- Pokémon: Rhyhorn Level 45, Rhyhorn Level 50, Dugtrio Level 42, Nidoqueen Level 44, Nidoking Level 45
Giovanni’s Ground-type Pokémon are weak to Water, Grass, and Ice types. Defeating Giovanni earns you the Earth Badge, allowing all Pokémon to obey you, and TM26 Earthquake. Giovanni disbands Team Rocket and disappears.
Route 22 & Indigo Plateau: Pokémon League Challenge
Head west on Route 22 from Viridian City. Your rival will challenge you again before Indigo Plateau.
Rival Battle: Route 22
Battle: Rival
- Pokémon: Pidgeot Level 47, Rhydon Level 45, Exeggutor (if you chose Charmander), Growlithe (if you chose Squirtle), or Gyarados (if you chose Bulbasaur) Level 45, Gyarados (if you chose Charmander), Exeggutor (if you chose Squirtle), or Growlithe (if you chose Bulbasaur) Level 45, Alakazam Level 47, Charizard (if you chose Charmander), Blastoise (if you chose Bulbasaur), or Venusaur (if you chose Squirtle) Level 53
This is your final battle with your rival before the Pokémon League. Defeat him and proceed west to Indigo Plateau.
Indigo Plateau: Elite Four and Champion
Enter Indigo Plateau, the Pokémon League Headquarters. Show your badges to guards to pass through gates. Navigate to Victory Road entrance.
Victory Road: The Final Dungeon
- Pokémon Encounters: Onix, Golbat, Geodude, Machop, Marowak, Zubat, Arbok (FireRed only), Sandslash (LeafGreen only)
Victory Road is a challenging cave filled with puzzles and strong trainers. Solve boulder puzzles using Strength. Collect items like TM02 Dragon Claw, Rare Candy, TM37 Sandstorm, Full Heal, TM07 Hail, Max Revive, Guard Spec., TM50 Overheat, Max Revive, Guard Spec., Double-Edge Move Tutor.
Navigate through Victory Road to reach Indigo Plateau’s inner area.
Indigo Plateau: Elite Four and Champion Battles
Enter the building at the top of Indigo Plateau to challenge the Pokémon League Elite Four and Champion.
Elite Four Battles
- Lorelei (Ice-type): Dewgong lv. 52, Cloyster lv. 51, Slowbro lv. 52, Lapras lv. 54, Jynx lv. 54 (Electric, Fighting, Rock, Grass types effective)
- Bruno (Fighting-type): Onix lv. 51, Hitmonchan lv. 53, Machamp lv. 56, Hitmonlee lv. 53, Onix lv. 54 (Flying, Psychic, Water, Grass types effective)
- Agatha (Ghost/Poison-type): Gengar lv. 54, Golbat lv. 54, Arbok lv. 54, Gengar lv. 58, Haunter lv. 53 (Psychic, Ground, Dark types effective)
- Lance (Dragon-type): Gyarados lv. 56, Dragonair lv. 54 (x2), Aerodactyl lv. 58, Dragonite lv. 60 (Ice, Dragon, Rock, Electric types effective)
After defeating the Elite Four, you face the Champion… your rival!
Champion Rival Battle
Battle: Champion Rival
- Pokémon: Pidgeot Level 59, Rhydon Level 59, Exeggutor (if you chose Charmander), Arcanine (if you chose Squirtle), or Gyarados (if you chose Bulbasaur) Level 61, Arcanine (if you chose Charmander), Gyarados (if you chose Squirtle), or Exeggutor (if you chose Bulbasaur) Level 59, Alakazam Level 57, Charizard (if you chose Charmander), Blastoise (if you chose Bulbasaur), or Venusaur (if you chose Squirtle) Level 63
This is the final and most challenging battle. Your rival has a well-rounded team. Exploit type weaknesses and use your best strategies.
Congratulations, Champion!
After defeating your rival, Professor Oak congratulates you and scolds your rival. You are inducted into the Hall of Fame as the new Pokémon League Champion!
The credits roll, marking the end of your main Pokémon Fire Red & Leaf Green journey… or is it? The adventure continues in the Sevii Islands!
Continue your adventure in the Sevii Islands with Nidokingu’s Sevii Islands Walkthrough!
