Begin the Johto journey
Set the clock, choose a partner and reach the first badge with a balanced party.
Original international Game Boy Color cartridge, first released in Japan in 2000 and internationally in 2001. Japanese Mobile System GB features and the later Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console Celebi event are outside this guide. Generation II battle rules apply.
Set the clock and choose a partner
The opening asks for the time and weekday, which control encounters and scheduled events. Choose Kris or the male trainer, name the character and visit Professor Elm. Chikorita is Grass-type, Cyndaquil Fire-type and Totodile Water-type. Pick the partner you want to train, then plan to catch support for its weaker matchups. Chikorita's early Gyms can demand more help from other species.
Complete the opening errand
Travel through Cherrygrove City toward Mr. Pokémon's house and meet Professor Oak to receive the Pokédex. On the return trip, the future rival uses the starter with an advantage over yours. Return to Elm, report the theft and collect the Poké Balls supplied for your journey. Catch a second Pokémon, restore health at a Pokémon Center and save from the main menu after important progress.
Prepare for Violet City
The early route leads to Violet City and Sprout Tower. Train several useful moves before fighting Falkner's Flying-type team instead of depending only on your starter's element. Sprout Tower provides battles and the Flash HM after its elder is defeated. Receiving an HM is separate from the badge permission to use its field action. Check both your inventory and badges when an exploration action fails.
Set the time accurately at the start; day-dependent encounters are part of the original cartridge journey.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.