Learn about controls, finding items, wild encounters, trainer battles, HMs, and town resources in Pokémon Crystal. Your essential guide to the game's overworld.
This guide covers the basics of navigating and interacting with the world in Pokémon Crystal, including controls, finding items, encountering Pokémon, trainer battles, using HMs, and utilizing town resources.
Controls
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| D-Pad | Move around in the field and move cursors in menus. |
| A Button | Confirm choices, examine the tile in your facing, and advance text. |
| B Button | Cancel some decisions. |
| Start Button | Bring up the menu. |
| Select Button | N/A |
The Field
The field is the overworld, including dungeons, towns, and routes. It's where you'll find items, encounter Pokémon, and interact with trainers.
Items in the Field
Items can be found in various ways:
- In the Open: Appear as Poké Balls. Examining them yields the item, but beware, some may be Pokémon like Voltorb or Electrode.
- Hidden: Invisible items that require facing the tile and pressing A to find. Look for contextual clues like empty grass patches, boulders, or trees. The Itemfinder can help locate them later.
- From People: NPCs may give you items directly or after completing a task or visiting at a specific time.
- Trees: Berries and Apricorns can be found in trees.
Tall Grass
Found in many Routes, walking in tall grass can trigger random wild Pokémon encounters. The type and frequency of Pokémon depend on the area. Wild Pokémon can be caught and added to your party. Items like the Cleanse Tag or Repels can reduce encounters.
Other Wild Encounters
Wild Pokémon can also be found in caverns by walking around. Later, you'll unlock methods like Headbutt, Surf, and Fishing Rods, which yield different Pokémon than grass encounters.
Trainer Battles
Trainers in the overworld will initiate battles when you enter their line of sight. These battles typically involve 1 to 6 Pokémon and yield more money and 50% more EXP than wild Pokémon battles. They can often be avoided by careful movement.
Pokémon Moves in the Field (HMs)
Hidden Machines (HMs) teach moves that can overcome field obstacles like rocks, trees, or dark caves. Unlike TMs, HM moves can be used an unlimited number of times and are essential for progressing through the game. Using an HM often requires a specific Gym Badge.
Town Resources
Most towns offer essential resources:
- Pokémon Centers: Marked by a "Poké" sign. Heal your Pokémon's HP, PP, and status conditions for free. The PC allows depositing/withdrawing Pokémon, storing items, and evaluating your Pokédex. The second floor offers multiplayer battling and trading, and the Time Capsule for trading with older Pokémon games.
- Poké Marts: Marked by a "Mart" sign. Purchase items like Poké Balls, medicine, and various other useful resources for your journey.
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