Your first rival battle is coming up in Pokémon Yellow! Learn how to handle it and what to do with Oak's Parcel with this quick and friendly guide.
Alright, so you've just gotten your first Pokémon from Professor Oak and you're ready to head out! But wait, who's that? It's your rival, ready for your very first battle. Don't sweat it, this is a totally normal part of the journey, and I'll walk you through it. After that, you'll have a little errand to run for Professor Oak involving a parcel.
- 1
Where you are: You'll start this section just after receiving your starter Pokémon from Professor Oak in his lab. You'll be on Route 1, heading towards Viridian City.
What you see: As you make your way down Route 1, your rival will appear, eager for a battle. He'll have the other starter Pokémon that you didn't choose.
What you do: Engage in your first Pokémon battle! Use your starter Pokémon wisely. If you picked Charmander, Squirtle will be tough. If you picked Squirtle, Bulbasaur will be a challenge. If you picked Bulbasaur, Charmander will be your opponent. Focus on using moves that are super effective if you can, or just keep attacking if you're unsure.
Why this way: This battle is a rite of passage! Winning it gives you confidence and experience. Losing isn't the end of the world, but winning feels way better and helps you get stronger for what's ahead.
- 2
Where you are: After the rival battle, you'll continue into Viridian City.
What you see: You'll likely want to visit the Pokémon Center to heal up your Pokémon. You'll also notice the Poké Mart, but you can't buy anything yet. Head north out of the city, back onto Route 2.
What you do: Follow the path north. You'll eventually reach a building with an old man inside. Talk to him.
Why this way: The old man is blocking the path, and you need to get past him to continue your journey towards Pewter City. He'll teach you how to catch Pokémon.
- 3
Where you are: You're still on Route 2, just north of Viridian City.
What you see: The old man is demonstrating how to catch Pokémon. He'll show you how to throw a Poké Ball at a wild Pokémon.
What you do: Watch the old man's demonstration. He'll then give you a free demonstration of catching a wild Pokémon, usually a Weedle. After he's done, he'll give you a Poké Ball.
Why this way: This is your first introduction to catching Pokémon, a core mechanic of the game. The Poké Ball he gives you is essential for catching your own Pokémon.
- 4
Where you are: You're now on Route 2, heading towards Viridian Forest.
What you see: You'll see the entrance to Viridian Forest. This is a dense area filled with wild Pokémon and trainers.
What you do: Enter Viridian Forest. Be prepared for lots of wild Pokémon encounters and trainers who want to battle. Make sure your Pokémon are healed before heading in.
Why this way: Viridian Forest is the only way to reach Pewter City, where your first Gym Leader battle awaits. You'll need to navigate through it to progress.
- 5
Where you are: Inside Viridian Forest.
What you see: This area is a maze of trees and paths. You'll encounter wild Pokémon like Caterpie, Weedle, and Pidgey. There are also several trainers here.
What you do: Carefully navigate through the forest. Battle trainers to gain experience and level up your Pokémon. Catch any new Pokémon you encounter to build your team. You'll need to find your way to the exit on the other side.
Why this way: Getting lost in Viridian Forest can be frustrating and waste valuable time. Paying attention to your path and battling trainers will make you stronger for the challenges ahead.
- 6
Where you are: You've exited Viridian Forest and are now on Route 2, just outside of Pewter City.
What you see: You'll see Pewter City in the distance, with its Pokémon Gym. You'll also see Brock, the Gym Leader, standing outside the Gym.
What you do: Heal your Pokémon at the Pokémon Center in Pewter City. Then, head to the Gym to challenge Brock. Remember, he specializes in Rock-type Pokémon, so Water or Grass-type moves will be most effective.
Why this way: Defeating Brock is your first step towards becoming a Pokémon Master and earning your first Gym Badge!
- 7
Where you are: You're back in Pallet Town, in Professor Oak's Lab.
What you see: Professor Oak will be waiting for you. He'll mention that your rival has already delivered the parcel.
What you do: Talk to Professor Oak. He'll thank you for your help and give you some advice. He'll also give you the Pokédex and 5 Poké Balls to start your official journey.
Why this way: This is the official start of your adventure! The Pokédex is crucial for recording all the Pokémon you encounter, and the Poké Balls are for catching them.
- Don't be afraid to use Potions if your Pokémon's HP gets low during battles. You can buy them at the Poké Mart.
- Catching Pokémon is key! Try to catch at least one of each new species you find to build a diverse team.
- Pay attention to type matchups. Rock-type Pokémon are weak against Water and Grass moves.
- If you're struggling against Brock, consider leveling up your Pokémon a bit more in Viridian Forest or on the routes leading to Pewter City.
- Experience and confidence from your first rival battle.
- A free Poké Ball from the old man.
- The Pokédex and 5 Poké Balls from Professor Oak.
- Progress towards your first Gym Badge!
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