Your comprehensive companion to conquering the Kanto region. Every Gym Leader, every secret, every strategy.
Everything you need to know about the enhanced remake that brought Kanto to a new generation.
Pokémon FireRed is an enhanced remake of the original Pokémon Red (1996), developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. Released alongside its companion title Pokémon LeafGreen, the game reimagines the classic Kanto adventure using the Generation III engine introduced in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.
Set in the Kanto region, players assume the role of a young Trainer from Pallet Town, tasked by Professor Oak to complete the Pokédex while battling eight Gym Leaders, thwarting the criminal organization Team Rocket, and ultimately challenging the Elite Four and the Pokémon League Champion.
FireRed features updated visuals, the Abilities and Natures systems introduced in Generation III, the Sevii Islands — an entirely new post-game archipelago — and compatibility with the Wireless Adapter peripheral that shipped with every copy of the game.
Unlike the originals, FireRed uses the Generation III battle engine where moves are classified as Physical or Special based on their type rather than the individual move. All Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Ice, Psychic, Dragon, and Dark-type moves are Special attacks; all Normal, Fighting, Poison, Ground, Rock, Bug, Ghost, Steel, and Flying-type moves are Physical attacks.
Professor Oak presents you with three Pokémon in his lab at Pallet Town. Your choice shapes the entire adventure.
The strategic choice. Bulbasaur has a type advantage against the first two Gyms (Brock's Rock-types and Misty's Water-types) and resists Lt. Surge's Electric-types and Erika's Grass-types. Its Grass/Poison dual typing provides excellent resistances. Venusaur has solid bulk and access to moves like Sleep Powder, Razor Leaf, and later Solarbeam.
▶ Easiest Early GameThe fan-favorite challenge. Charmander is weak to both Brock and Misty, making the early game tough. However, Charizard becomes a Fire/Flying powerhouse with high Speed and Special Attack. It can learn Fly as an HM, making it a versatile team member. Metal Claw (learned at Lv 13) helps against Brock.
▶ Hardest Early GameThe balanced choice. Squirtle easily handles Brock's Rock-types and performs well throughout the adventure. Blastoise has excellent defenses and access to powerful Water-type moves like Surf and Hydro Pump. Water typing is valuable for using Surf to traverse the overworld.
▶ Balanced DifficultyA chapter-by-chapter guide through the main adventure in Kanto.
Your adventure begins in Pallet Town. After leaving your home, head north into the tall grass where Professor Oak stops you and brings you to his laboratory. Here you choose your starter Pokémon, and your Rival selects the one with a type advantage over yours.
Battle your Rival for the first time, then deliver Oak's Parcel from Viridian City's Poké Mart back to the Professor. He gives you and your Rival each a Pokédex and sends you on your journey.
Head north through Route 2 into Viridian Forest, a maze-like area filled with Bug-type Pokémon and Bug Catcher trainers. Pikachu can rarely be found here. Exit north to reach Pewter City and challenge your first Gym.
Travel east through Route 3 to Mt. Moon, a cave system with Zubat, Geodude, Clefairy, and Paras. Here you encounter Team Rocket for the first time as they search for fossils. At the end of the cave, choose between the Helix Fossil (Omanyte) or the Dome Fossil (Kabuto).
Exit to Route 4 and arrive at Cerulean City. Your Rival ambushes you on Nugget Bridge (Route 24) above the city. After defeating five trainers on the bridge, you receive a Nugget and discover Team Rocket was behind the challenge.
Head up Route 25 to find Bill, a Pokémon researcher who has accidentally fused himself with a Pokémon. Help him return to normal and receive the S.S. Ticket. Return to challenge Misty at the Cerulean Gym.
Head south from Cerulean through Route 5, use the Underground Path to reach Route 6, and arrive in Vermilion City. Board the S.S. Anne cruise ship docked at the port using Bill's S.S. Ticket.
On the S.S. Anne, battle trainers and your Rival. Find the Captain on the upper deck suffering from seasickness; give him a back rub to receive HM01 Cut. The ship departs after you leave.
Teach Cut to a Pokémon and enter Lt. Surge's Gym. The Gym has an electric lock puzzle — you must find two hidden switches in the trash cans to open the gate to Lt. Surge. The second switch is always adjacent to the first.
Head east through Route 9 and Route 10 into Rock Tunnel. This pitch-dark cave requires HM05 Flash to navigate comfortably (obtained from Professor Oak's aide on Route 2 after catching at least 10 different Pokémon).
Emerge on the south side of Route 10 and enter Lavender Town, home to the eerie Pokémon Tower — a memorial for deceased Pokémon haunted by ghost Pokémon. You cannot identify the ghosts without the Silph Scope, so head west.
Travel through Route 8 and the second Underground Path to reach Celadon City, the largest city in Kanto. This city features the Celadon Department Store (sells TMs, evolution stones, and key items), the Celadon Game Corner, and Erika's Grass-type Gym.
Behind the Game Corner, confront Team Rocket's Hideout in the basement. Navigate the maze of spinning tiles and elevators to battle Giovanni, the Rocket Boss, for the first time. Defeat him to receive the Silph Scope.
Return to Lavender Town with the Silph Scope. Climb the Pokémon Tower, battling Team Rocket grunts and wild Gastly along the way. On the middle floors, your Rival challenges you again. At the top, the blocking ghost is revealed to be a Marowak — the spirit of a mother Cubone killed by Team Rocket. You cannot catch it; you must defeat it.
Rescue Mr. Fuji from Team Rocket at the summit. He thanks you with the Poké Flute, which can wake sleeping Pokémon — including the two Snorlax blocking Route 12 and Route 16.
Travel south through Route 12–15 (or west through Route 16–18, both requiring Snorlax to be woken) to reach Fuchsia City. Explore the Safari Zone to find HM03 Surf in the secret house at the end, and pick up the Gold Teeth in the park. Give the Gold Teeth to the Safari Zone Warden in his house to receive HM04 Strength.
Challenge Koga at his Gym, which features invisible walls you must navigate.
Head to Saffron City, accessible after giving a drink to the thirsty gatehouse guards. The city is under Team Rocket's occupation. They have taken over the Silph Co. headquarters, an 11-floor skyscraper.
Navigate Silph Co. using warp tiles and the Card Key (found on the 5th floor) to unlock locked doors. Your Rival confronts you on the 7th floor. On the top floor, battle Giovanni again. A Silph Co. employee gives you a Lapras as thanks for saving the company — a rare and powerful Water/Ice-type Pokémon.
After liberating Silph Co., the Fighting Dojo next to the Gym offers a choice between Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan upon defeating its leader. Finally, challenge Sabrina at the Saffron Gym, which has a warp tile puzzle requiring specific paths.
Surf south from either Pallet Town or Fuchsia City to reach Cinnabar Island. Explore the Pokémon Mansion, a burned-out building filled with wild Pokémon and journals about the creation of Mewtwo from the legendary Pokémon Mew. Find the Secret Key at the end to unlock Blaine's Gym.
Blaine's Gym features a quiz show format — answer trivia questions correctly at each gate to avoid trainer battles, or answer wrong to fight. Challenge Blaine and his powerful Fire-type team.
Also on Cinnabar, the Pokémon Lab can resurrect your fossil from Mt. Moon into a living Pokémon: the Helix Fossil becomes Omanyte (Water/Rock), and the Dome Fossil becomes Kabuto (Water/Rock). You can also revive Old Amber (obtained in the Pewter Museum of Science) into the ancient Aerodactyl (Rock/Flying).
Finally, return to Viridian City for the 8th Gym. The Leader is revealed to be none other than Giovanni, the Boss of Team Rocket, specializing in Ground-type Pokémon. Defeating him earns you the Earth Badge and ends Team Rocket's reign.
With all eight badges, head west from Viridian through Route 22 to Route 23 and the Badge Check Gates. Enter Victory Road, a treacherous cave requiring Surf, Strength, and Rock Smash to navigate through. Push boulders onto switches to open new paths.
At the end of Victory Road, emerge at the Indigo Plateau — home of the Pokémon League. Prepare at the Pokémon Center (your last chance to heal and buy items), then challenge the Elite Four in sequence: Lorelei (Ice), Bruno (Fighting), Agatha (Ghost/Poison), and Lance (Dragon). You must beat all four without returning to a Pokémon Center.
After Lance, enter the Champion's chamber to discover that your Rival has already beaten the Elite Four and become Champion. Defeat him to take the title and enter the Hall of Fame!
Conquer every Gym in Kanto to earn the right to challenge the Elite Four.
The ultimate gauntlet. Four consecutive battles with no Pokémon Center visits allowed between them.
Your childhood rival from Pallet Town has beaten the Elite Four before you and awaits as Champion.
Your Rival's team depends on which starter Pokémon you chose. He always carries Pidgeot, Alakazam, and Rhydon as core members. His remaining three Pokémon provide type coverage, including the fully evolved form of the starter that counters yours.
The rarest and most powerful Pokémon obtainable in FireRed.
After beating the Elite Four and completing the Sevii Islands quest for Celio, one of the three Legendary Beasts from Johto begins roaming Kanto's wild grass at random. Which beast appears depends on your starter choice.
💡 Catching Roaming Pokémon: Use a Pokémon with Mean Look or Block to prevent fleeing, or a Pokémon with the Arena Trap or Shadow Tag Ability. Wobbuffet (Shadow Tag) is an excellent choice. Damage carries over between encounters, so weaken them gradually. Use Repels and a Pokémon at exactly Level 49 in the lead to help find them.
An archipelago of seven islands exclusive to FireRed and LeafGreen. Unlocks during and after the main story.
After defeating Blaine on Cinnabar Island, Bill invites you to One Island to visit the Pokémon Network Center. Islands One through Three become accessible at this point in the story. After becoming Champion, you can access Islands Four through Seven by completing a quest for Celio — finding the Ruby and Sapphire gemstones to connect the Network Center with the Hoenn region. This quest also unlocks trading with Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald.
Home to the Pokémon Network Center where Celio works to connect the network between Kanto and Hoenn. North of town is Kindle Road and Mt. Ember, where Moltres can be found at the summit. The Ruby gemstone is found inside Mt. Ember after spotting two Team Rocket grunts outside.
A small island with a Game Corner (not a slot machine arcade — a mini-game house) and Cape Brink to the north where a Move Tutor teaches your starter Pokémon its ultimate move: Frenzy Plant (Venusaur), Blast Burn (Charizard), or Hydro Cannon (Blastoise).
A town being terrorized by a biker gang. To the east is Berry Forest, where you rescue a lost girl named Lostelle. The island features some of the berry trees used in the Berry Crush mini-game.
Home to Icefall Cave, where you find Lorelei of the Elite Four confronting Team Rocket. Help her and explore the cave's ice-sliding puzzles. HM07 Waterfall is found here. This island also has a Day Care Center for breeding Pokémon.
The largest island with multiple routes and areas. Features the Rocket Warehouse, the final Team Rocket hideout where you obtain the Sapphire gemstone. Also home to Lost Cave, a disorienting maze, and Memorial Pillar.
Features the mysterious Dotted Hole, an ancient ruin with a Braille puzzle that requires Cut to enter. The Sapphire was originally found here before a Team Rocket scientist steals it. Also home to Altering Cave, Pattern Bush, and the Ruin Valley.
The final island with the challenging Sevault Canyon and the Tanoby Chambers — a series of underwater ruins that, when a puzzle in the Tanoby Key chamber is solved, allow Unown (28 forms) to appear. Also features the Trainer Tower, a multi-floor challenge.
Generation III type matchups used in FireRed. There are 17 types — the Fairy type does not exist in this generation.
Rows = Attacking type → Columns = Defending type. Read across a row to see how that type fares on offense.
Hidden Machines teach permanent moves that are used both in battle and to traverse the overworld.
Normal-type. Cuts down small trees blocking paths. Obtained from the Captain on the S.S. Anne in Vermilion City.
Flying-type. Fly instantly to any previously visited city. Found on Route 16, obtained from a girl in the house behind the Cut-able tree, west of Celadon City.
Water-type. Travel across water. Found in the secret house at the end of the Safari Zone in Fuchsia City. Also an excellent battle move (95 power, 100 accuracy).
Normal-type. Push large boulders in dungeons. Obtained from the Safari Zone Warden in Fuchsia City after returning his Gold Teeth found in the Safari Zone.
Normal-type. Illuminates dark caves like Rock Tunnel. Obtained from Professor Oak's aide in the gatehouse on Route 2, after catching at least 10 different Pokémon species.
Fighting-type. Breaks cracked boulders in the overworld. Obtained from an old man in the Ember Spa on One Island in the Sevii Islands.
Water-type. Climb up waterfalls. Found in Icefall Cave on Four Island in the Sevii Islands.
Identifies ghost Pokémon in Pokémon Tower. Obtained by defeating Giovanni in the Rocket Hideout beneath Celadon Game Corner.
Wakes sleeping Pokémon (including the two Snorlax blocking routes). Given by Mr. Fuji after rescuing him from Pokémon Tower.
Opens locked doors in Silph Co. headquarters. Found on the 5th floor of Silph Co. in Saffron City.
Unlocks Blaine's Gym door on Cinnabar Island. Found inside the Pokémon Mansion on Cinnabar Island.
Allows you to rebattle trainers you've already defeated — great for grinding EXP and money. Given by a girl in the Vermilion Pokémon Center.
A tutorial device that explains game mechanics. Given by an old man on Route 2 near Viridian City.
Some Pokémon can only be caught in FireRed or LeafGreen — you'll need to trade to complete the Pokédex.
Pro advice to help you get the most out of your FireRed adventure.
Equip the Amulet Coin (found in Route 16 gatehouse) and use the VS Seeker to rebattle rich trainers like Gentlemen and Ladies. The Amulet Coin doubles prize money if the holder participates in battle.
You receive one Master Ball from the Silph Co. President after defeating Giovanni. Save it for a roaming legendary beast (Entei, Suicune, or Raikou), as they flee every turn — or use it on Mewtwo at Lv 70 in Cerulean Cave.
Aim for type coverage: Water, Electric, Ice, Ground, Psychic, and your starter type cover most threats. A sample team: Starter, Snorlax, Lapras, Jolteon, Alakazam, Dugtrio. Ensure you have Ice Beam and Earthquake somewhere on the team.
The VS Seeker recharges after 100 steps. Use it repeatedly on routes with trainers near Pokémon Centers for efficient leveling. Route 12 and Route 17 have good grinding trainers.
The Day Care on Four Island allows Pokémon breeding. Leave two compatible Pokémon and walk around to generate Eggs. Hatched Pokémon can inherit moves from parents that they wouldn't normally learn (Egg Moves).
Each Pokémon has a Nature that raises one stat by 10% and lowers another. For example, Adamant (+Attack, -Sp. Attack) is ideal for physical attackers, while Modest (+Sp. Attack, -Attack) suits special attackers. Five Natures are neutral (Hardy, Docile, Bashful, Quirky, Serious).
Playing the slot machines or purchasing coins lets you exchange for rare Pokémon and TMs at the Prize Exchange. Notable prizes include Dratini, Abra, Scyther (FireRed) / Pinsir (LeafGreen), and TMs for Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, and Flamethrower.
In Generation III, each Pokémon earns Effort Values (EVs) from battles that permanently boost stats. A Pokémon can gain a max of 510 EVs total and 255 per stat, with every 4 EVs in one stat equaling +1 to that stat at Lv 100. Battle specific wild Pokémon to train desired stats.
At Mt. Moon, choose one fossil: Helix Fossil (Omanyte) — a Water/Rock type that evolves into Omastar at Lv 40, great as a special attacker. Dome Fossil (Kabuto) — a Water/Rock type that evolves into Kabutops at Lv 40, better as a physical attacker. Both are revived at the Cinnabar Lab.
To unlock the National Pokédex (386 Pokémon), you must first have at least 60 Pokémon registered and then defeat the Elite Four. Professor Oak and his aide will then upgrade your Pokédex. Trading with LeafGreen, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Colosseum, and XD is required to catch them all.
A quick reference for every major city and notable landmark in the Kanto region.
Your home and Professor Oak's Lab where you receive your starter Pokémon and Pokédex.
Features the 8th Gym (Giovanni) and access to Route 22/Victory Road. First Poké Mart you visit.
Home to the Museum of Science (Old Amber → Aerodactyl) and Brock's Rock-type Gym.
Misty's Water-type Gym, Nugget Bridge, and access to Cerulean Cave (post-game).
Port city with Lt. Surge's Electric Gym, S.S. Anne dock, and the Pokémon Fan Club.
The eerie home of Pokémon Tower, a memorial and resting place for deceased Pokémon.
Largest city — Department Store, Game Corner, Rocket Hideout, and Erika's Grass Gym.
Central hub with Silph Co., Fighting Dojo (Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan), and Sabrina's Psychic Gym.
Safari Zone, Koga's Poison-type Gym, and the GO Park area. Hub for Surf and Strength.
Volcanic island with Pokémon Mansion, Pokémon Lab (fossil revival), and Blaine's Fire Gym.
Cave between Pewter and Cerulean. Choose Helix Fossil or Dome Fossil. Clefairy appear here.
Dark cave connecting Route 10 to Lavender Town. HM05 Flash makes navigation much easier.
Icy caverns between Fuchsia and Cinnabar. Push boulders to reach Articuno on the lowest floor.
Final dungeon before the Pokémon League. Requires Surf, Strength, and Rock Smash to navigate.
Abandoned facility accessible by Surfing from Route 10. Home of Zapdos (Lv 50) and Electric-types.
Post-game dungeon with the highest-level wild Pokémon. Mewtwo (Lv 70) awaits in the deepest chamber.