It all begins in a small house in Pallet Town. This morning, Professor Oak is waiting for you: it’s time to choose your first Pokémon, meet your rival for real and set off to win the eight Badges of Kanto.

Goal
Choose a Pokémon and receive the Pokédex
Locations
Pallet Town, Route 1, Viridian City, Route 22
Rival
first battle right in the Lab
Recommended level
5 to 8

🏠Boy or girl?

After Professor Oak’s introduction, choose your character: Red or, new in this remake, Leaf. Give them a name, then name your rival, the Professor’s grandson. Before heading out, check the PC in your bedroom: it holds a Potion.

The FireRed title screen
Naming the rival
Pallet Town

🧪Professor Oak’s Lab

As soon as you step toward the tall grass on Route 1, Professor Oak stops you: going out without a Pokémon is far too dangerous. He takes you back to his Lab, where three Poké Balls are waiting on the table. Your rival will then pick the Pokémon that has the advantage over yours.

  • BulbasaurNo. 5GrassPoison

    The easy pick: it dominates Brock and Misty, the first two Gym Leaders. With it, Entei will roam Kanto after the adventure.

  • CharmanderNo. 5Fire

    The demanding pick: the first two Gyms are unfavorable for it, but Charizard will become a monster. It will make Suicune appear after the adventure.

  • SquirtleNo. 5Water

    The balanced pick: very good against Brock, solid everywhere. Choosing Squirtle will make Raikou appear after the adventure.

Professor Oak stops you just in time
Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle?
The first battle against the rival
Blue
Rival

Blue

📍 Prof. Oak's Lab

💰 80 ₽

  1. CharmanderNo. 5Fire
    • Scratch
    • Growl

    Ability: Blaze

Our strategy

A level 5 duel where each side knows only two moves. Attack every turn with Tackle or Scratch: its Growl or Tail Whip only delay the inevitable. If you lose, no big deal, the adventure goes on.

🌿Route 1 and Viridian City

Head north up Route 1. The Pidgey and Rattata that live there are perfect for leveling up your starter a few times. In Viridian City, go into the Poké Mart: the clerk entrusts you with Oak’s Parcel, an order to deliver to the Professor.

Route 1

Map
Click to enlarge
Wild Pokémon
Tall grass
Items
  • PotionGiven by an employee of the Poké Mart in Viridian City.

Bring the parcel back to Pallet Town: Professor Oak gives you the Pokédex and five Poké Balls, and your rival receives the same gift. Then stop by his house: his big sister, Daisy, gives you the region’s Town Map.

The Pokédex, at last!
Daisy gives you the Town Map
The Kanto Town Map

🎓Learning to catch

Back in Viridian City, the old man who was blocking the road north has finished his coffee. He shows you how to catch a Pokémon, then gives you the Teachy TV, a small television that explains the basics of the game at any time. Remember to check it: it’s one of the new features of this remake.

The old man has finally had his coffee
The catching lesson
The Teachy TV

Viridian City

Items
  • Oak’s ParcelGiven by the clerk at the Poké Mart when first arriving in Viridian City.
  • Teachy TVGiven by the old man who teaches the player how to catch Pokémon.
  • PotionOn the ground next to the northernmost cuttable bush.

⚔️The detour to Route 22

West of Viridian City, Route 22 leads to the Pokémon League, still out of reach. Your rival is waiting for you there for a second battle, optional but good for experience. While you’re there, catch a Mankey or a Spearow: a second Pokémon won’t hurt.

Blue
Rival

Blue

📍 Route 22

💰 144 ₽

  1. PidgeyNo. 9NormalFlying
    • Tackle
    • Sand Attack
    • Gust

    Ability: Keen Eye

  2. CharmanderNo. 9Fire
    • Scratch
    • Growl
    • Ember

    Ability: Blaze

Our strategy

His Pidgey opens the battle: one or two good hits are enough. Then save your HP for his starter, which has the type advantage over yours. A Potion at the right moment makes the difference.

Route 22

Map
Click to enlarge
Wild Pokémon
Tall grass
Surfing
Old Rod fishing
Good Rod fishing
Super Rod fishing