Route 17

Explore Route 17 in Pokémon Black and White! Learn about the strong currents, wild Pokémon encounters like Frillish and Alomomola, and items like TM06 Toxic.

Route 17 is a big sea route west of Nuvema Town. It's known for its super strong currents that make swimming tough, but hey, people still swim here!

Pokémon You Can Find Here:

• Surf Encounters: Frillish (Water/Ghost, 50%), Alomomola (Water, 95% in rippling water), Jellicent (Water/Ghost, 2.5% in rippling water)
• Super Rod Encounters: Finneon (Water, 65%), Horsea (Water, 35%), Seadra (Water, 60% in rippling water), Qwilfish (Water/Poison, 30% in rippling water), Lumineon (Water, 5% in rippling water), Kingdra (Water/Dragon, 5% in rippling water)

Items You Can Grab:

• TM06 Toxic
• DeepSeaTooth
• Heart Scale
• Big Pearl

You don't actually need to visit Route 17 to beat the main story, but if you've been looking at your Town Map, you might've noticed it sticking out from Nuvema Town. To get there, head into Route 1 like you normally would. Stick to the left side until you see some stairs leading down to the water. If you've got a Pokémon that knows Surf, you can ride it onto the water and head left to the other side.

Once you're across, make your way south. Keep an eye out for some high-level trainers and wild Pokémon. You're looking for a gatehouse tucked away in the southwest corner – that's your entrance to Route 17.

So, what's Route 17 all about? Mostly water, as you'd expect! You might want to stock up on Repels if you're not super keen on fighting the same sea life over and over. The common encounter is Frillish, and while it's neat that the males and females look different, they can get a bit repetitive. Just be aware of those strong ocean currents; if you get caught in one, you'll be swept along until it stops. Sometimes they're helpful, but other times they'll just make you waste time.

Carefully make your way west, using those currents to your advantage when you can, and battle any trainers who get in your way. You'll eventually reach the next route – yup, Route 17 connects directly to another route!

There isn't anything super critical story-wise in this route, but it's definitely worth grabbing TM06 Toxic near the beginning.

Trainer Battle: Fisherman

• Basculin (Level 34, Water)
• Basculin (Level 34, Water)

Trainer Battle: Swimmer

• Alomomola (Level 35, Water)

Trainer Battle: Swimmer

• Basculin (Level 32, Water)
• Basculin (Level 32, Water)
• Basculin (Level 32, Water)
• Basculin (Level 32, Water)

Trainer Battle: Swimmer

• Frillish (Level 34, Water/Ghost)
• Simipour (Level 34, Water)

Trainer Battle: Swimmer

• Ducklett (Level 34, Water/Flying)
• Frillish (Level 34, Water/Ghost)

Don't worry if you see some areas you can't reach yet; you'll be coming back here soon enough!