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Pokémon Crystal Walkthrough: Johto, Kanto and Mt. Silver

The whole adventure in 23 parts, from New Bark Town through the eight Johto Gyms, Team Rocket, Suicune at Tin Tower and the Elite Four, then Kanto’s eight Gyms, Ho-Oh, Lugia and Red at the top of Mt. Silver. Each part links to the location pages for wild Pokémon, trainers and items.

Edition: the original Game Boy Color Pokémon Crystal (English, 2001; the 2018 Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console release plays the same). Gold, Silver and HeartGold/SoulSilver differ.

Parts
23
Badges
16
Elite Four
4 + Champion Lance
Starters
Chikorita · Cyndaquil · Totodile

Part 1 New Bark Town to Cherrygrove City

New Bark Town Route 29 Route 46 Cherrygrove City Route 30

Pokémon Crystal begins by asking whether you are a boy or a girl, with Chris and Kris as the preset names, and having you set the clock before Professor Oak’s introduction. Professor Elm then gives you your first Pokémon and sends you to Mr. Pokémon’s house on Route 30, and your rival ambushes you in Cherrygrove City on the way back.

  1. Choose to play as a boy or a girl (Chris or Kris are the preset names), set the time, then name yourself after Professor Oak’s speech.
  2. Downstairs, Mom gives you the Pokégear and asks you to set the day of the week and whether daylight saving is on.
  3. In his lab, Professor Elm offers Chikorita, Cyndaquil or Totodile, each Lv5 and holding a Berry, and his aide gives you a Potion as you leave.
  4. Walk west along Route 29 to Cherrygrove City, where the old man who shows you around gives you the Map Card for your Pokégear.
  5. Continue north on Route 30 to Mr. Pokémon’s house: he hands you the Mystery Egg, and Professor Oak, who is visiting, gives you a Pokédex.
  6. Elm phones in a panic, and when you walk back into Cherrygrove your rival challenges you with the Lv5 starter that has the type advantage over yours.
  7. Back at the lab, a police officer asks for the thief’s name (this is where you name your rival); give Elm the Mystery Egg and his aide hands you five Poké Balls.
  8. On Route 29 a man demonstrates how to catch a wild Pokémon, and the Cherrygrove Poké Mart now stocks Poké Balls.
  9. Hoothoot (55%) and Rattata dominate Route 29 at night, while Pidgey and Sentret take over in the morning and day; Route 30 adds Ledyba in the morning and Spinarak at night.
  10. Route 46 branches north from Route 29 and has Geodude at 50% at any time, plus Phanpy at 5% in the morning only.
  11. Once you can Surf, the man on Cherrygrove’s western shore gives you Mystic Water.

Worth catching: Pidgey Sentret Hoothoot Ledyba Spinarak Geodude

Your rival’s Lv5 starter always has the type advantage, so gain a level or two on Route 29 before walking back through Cherrygrove.

Part 2 Violet City and Falkner

Route 31 Dark Cave Violet City Sprout Tower

Route 31 leads past the mouth of Dark Cave into Violet City, home of Sprout Tower and the Flying-type Gym. Beat Elder Li for HM05 Flash, take the Zephyr Badge from Falkner and collect the Egg that Elm’s aide brings from the lab.

  1. Route 31’s grass has Bellsprout at 20% at any time of day, Ledyba in the morning, and Poliwag and Spinarak (30% each) at night.
  2. The cave opening on Route 31 leads into Dark Cave, where Geodude and Zubat are common, Teddiursa appears in the morning and Dunsparce turns up at 1%; it is pitch black without Flash.
  3. In Violet City, Kyle trades his Onix ‘Rocky’ for a Bellsprout.
  4. Climb Sprout Tower and beat the Sages; at the top, Elder Li battles with Bellsprout Lv7, Bellsprout Lv7 and Hoothoot Lv10 and gives you HM05 Flash.
  5. Sprout Tower’s upper floors have Rattata in the morning and day and Gastly at night (85%).
  6. Falkner uses Pidgey Lv7 and Pidgeotto Lv9, both with Mud-Slap; winning earns the Zephyr Badge and TM31 Mud-Slap.
  7. The Zephyr Badge also lets you use Flash outside battle.
  8. After the battle Elm calls, and his aide waits in the Violet City Pokémon Center to give you the Egg Mr. Pokémon found, which hatches into Togepi.
  9. Show Elm the hatched Togepi later and he gives you an Everstone.
Falkner

Worth catching: Bellsprout Gastly Poliwag Geodude Dunsparce

Falkner’s Pidgeotto mixes Gust with accuracy-lowering Mud-Slap; a Geodude from Route 46 or Dark Cave resists Tackle and Gust, though Mud-Slap still hits it hard.

Part 3 Route 32 to Azalea Town and Bugsy

Route 32 Ruins of Alph Union Cave Route 33 Azalea Town Slowpoke Well

South of Violet City, Route 32 passes the Ruins of Alph and runs into Union Cave, which comes out on Route 33 beside Azalea Town. Team Rocket is cutting the tails off the Slowpoke in Slowpoke Well, and a Grunt blocks Bugsy’s Gym until you and Kurt drive them out.

  1. The Cooltrainer at the north end of Route 32 will not let you pass until you have collected Elm’s Egg in Violet City after earning the Zephyr Badge, and then he gives you a Miracle Seed.
  2. A fisherman in the Route 32 Pokémon Center gives you the Old Rod, and on Fridays Frieda on Route 32 hands out a Poison Barb.
  3. Route 32 has Wooper at night (30%), Ekans in the morning and day, and Bellsprout at 20% at any time.
  4. West of Route 32 lie the Ruins of Alph: solve the sliding panel puzzles in the chambers to make Unown appear, and look for Natu (Lv18–24, 90%) in the grass outside.
  5. Union Cave links Route 32 with Route 33; Onix appears on every floor at a low rate, and on Fridays a Lv20 Lapras surfaces in the B2F lake once you can Surf.
  6. In Azalea Town a Rocket stands in front of the Gym; talk to Kurt in his house, who rushes off to Slowpoke Well, and follow him in.
  7. Beat the Rocket Grunts in the well; Kurt then gives you a Lure Ball and starts turning Apricorns into special Poké Balls, ready the next day.
  8. With the well cleared, your rival stops you at the west exit towards Ilex Forest with Gastly Lv12, Zubat Lv14 and Bayleef, Quilava or Croconaw at Lv16.
  9. Bugsy uses Metapod Lv14, Kakuna Lv14 and Scyther Lv16; winning earns the Hive Badge, which lets you use Cut, and TM49 Fury Cutter.
  10. Slowpoke make up 15% of encounters in the well, and once you have TM02 Headbutt the trees around Azalea can drop Heracross as a rare result.
Bugsy

Worth catching: Wooper Natu Unown Onix Slowpoke Hoppip

Scyther’s Fury Cutter doubles in power with each consecutive hit, so knock it out fast; Fire, Flying and Rock moves are super-effective on all three of Bugsy’s Pokémon.

Part 4 Ilex Forest, Goldenrod City and Whitney

Ilex Forest Route 34 Goldenrod City Goldenrod Underground

Ilex Forest is where you earn HM01 Cut, and Route 34 beyond it holds the Day-Care, which in Crystal gives you the Odd Egg. Goldenrod City is the largest city in Johto, with the Department Store, the Radio Tower, the Bike Shop and Whitney’s Normal-type Gym.

  1. In Ilex Forest, find the charcoal maker’s runaway Farfetch’d and steer it back to his apprentice; the Charcoal Kiln’s master then gives you HM01 Cut.
  2. Cut the tree blocking the path north, and collect TM02 Headbutt from the man further along, which lets you shake Pokémon out of trees.
  3. Ilex Forest has Oddish at night (50%), Caterpie, Weedle, Metapod and Kakuna by day, and Paras at 5% at any time.
  4. On Route 34, talk to the old man inside the Day-Care with a free party slot to receive the Odd Egg, which hatches into Pichu, Cleffa, Igglybuff, Smoochum, Magby, Elekid or Tyrogue knowing Dizzy Punch, with about a 14% chance of being shiny.
  5. Route 34’s grass has Abra (10%) and Ditto (5%) at any time, Snubbull in the morning and day and Drowzee at night.
  6. In Goldenrod, the Bike Shop lends you a Bicycle, the quiz on Radio Tower 1F earns the Radio Card for your Pokégear, and the Coin Case sits in an item ball in the Underground.
  7. In the Route 35 gate, a man asks you to carry his Spearow ‘Kenya’ to a friend on Route 31, who rewards you with TM50 Nightmare.
  8. A trader on Department Store 5F swaps a Machop ‘Muscle’ for an Abra, and the Underground herb shop opens on Saturdays and Sundays.
  9. Whitney uses Clefairy Lv18 and Miltank Lv20; she bursts into tears when she loses, so step away until Lass Bridget comes over, then talk to Whitney again for the Plain Badge and TM45 Attract.
  10. With the Plain Badge, the Flower Shop owner gives you the SquirtBottle once you have met Floria beside the odd tree on Route 36 and talked to her again in the shop.
Whitney
Whitney · Normal · Plain Badge
ClefairyClefairy Lv. 18NormalMiltankMiltank Lv. 20Normal

Worth catching: Oddish Abra Ditto Snubbull Drowzee Paras

Miltank’s Rollout builds up every turn and Milk Drink restores its HP, so hit it with Fighting moves (Machop ‘Muscle’ is ideal) and lead with a Pokémon that resists Rock, such as Geodude or Onix.

Part 5 Routes 35–37, Ecruteak City and Morty

Route 35 National Park Route 36 Route 37 Ecruteak City Burned Tower

North of Goldenrod, Routes 35 and 36 pass the National Park and the odd tree that blocks the way to Ecruteak City. In Ecruteak you meet Eusine at the Burned Tower, see the three legendary beasts awaken, win HM03 Surf from the Kimono Girls and take on Morty’s Ghost-type Gym.

  1. The National Park holds the Bug-Catching Contest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, when Scyther and Pinsir appear at 5% each.
  2. Spray the odd tree on Route 36 with the SquirtBottle to battle Sudowoodo Lv20, after which a man on the route gives you TM08 Rock Smash.
  3. Route 35 has Growlithe in the morning and day, Psyduck and Drowzee at night and Yanma at 1%, while Route 37 adds Stantler at night (40%).
  4. Route 37’s three Apricorn trees grow Red, Blu and Blk Apricorns for Kurt.
  5. Bill is visiting the Ecruteak Pokémon Center; after you meet him he goes home, and at his family’s house in Goldenrod he gives you a Lv20 Eevee.
  6. Inside the Burned Tower, Eusine introduces himself as a man on the trail of Suicune, then your rival battles you with Haunter Lv20, Magnemite Lv18, Zubat Lv20 and his Lv22 starter.
  7. The floor then gives way; on B1F Raikou, Entei and Suicune wake and flee, and Raikou and Entei begin roaming Johto’s routes at Lv40.
  8. Morty’s Gym is closed until you have been through the Burned Tower; he uses Gastly Lv21, Haunter Lv21, Gengar Lv25 and Haunter Lv23 and gives the Fog Badge and TM30 Shadow Ball.
  9. Beat all five Kimono Girls in the Dance Theater and the gentleman watching them gives you HM03 Surf, which the Fog Badge lets you use outside battle.
  10. A man in a house in Ecruteak gives you the Itemfinder.
Morty

Worth catching: Sudowoodo Growlithe Stantler Yanma Scyther Pinsir

Normal and Fighting moves cannot touch Morty’s Ghosts and Gengar pairs Hypnosis with Dream Eater, so carry Awakenings and attack with Psychic or Ground moves.

Part 6 Olivine City to Cianwood City and Chuck

Route 38 Route 39 Olivine City Olivine Lighthouse Route 40 Battle Tower Route 41 Cianwood City

West of Ecruteak, Routes 38 and 39 lead past Moomoo Farm to the port of Olivine City, where Jasmine is nursing a sick Pokémon at the top of the Lighthouse. Surf across Routes 40 and 41 to Cianwood City for the medicine, Chuck’s Storm Badge, HM02 Fly, another sighting of Suicune and a battle with Eusine.

  1. Routes 38 and 39 have Magnemite at 20% at any time, Meowth at night, and Tauros and Miltank at 5% each in the morning and day.
  2. At Moomoo Farm, feed the sick Miltank seven Berries; once it recovers the farmer’s wife gives you TM13 Snore and the farm starts selling MooMoo Milk.
  3. In Olivine City, a sailor in the Olivine Café gives you HM04 Strength and the fishing guru in the Good Rod House gives you the Good Rod.
  4. Jasmine is away from her Gym; climb the Olivine Lighthouse to the top, where she asks you to fetch medicine for the sick Amphy from Cianwood City.
  5. The Battle Tower at the end of Route 40 is already open: enter three Pokémon in one level group and try to beat seven trainers in a row.
  6. Surf west across Routes 40 and 41; on Route 41 Mantine appears on the water at 10% and the Good Rod hooks Chinchou (20%), and the Whirl Islands in the middle of Route 41 can wait.
  7. In Cianwood City, Suicune appears on the shore and bounds away, and Eusine then challenges you with Drowzee Lv23, Haunter Lv23 and Electrode Lv25.
  8. Chuck uses Primeape Lv27 and Poliwrath Lv30; beating him earns the Storm Badge and TM01 DynamicPunch, and his wife in town gives you HM02 Fly.
  9. The Cianwood Pharmacy gives you the SecretPotion for Amphy, and Mania asks you to look after his Shuckle Lv15, which he lets you keep once it is fond of you.
  10. Rock Smash on the boulders around Cianwood turns up Krabby (90%) and Shuckle (10%).
Chuck

Worth catching: Magnemite Miltank Tauros Mantine Chinchou Shuckle

Chuck’s Poliwrath uses Hypnosis and Mind Reader to land a guaranteed DynamicPunch, so lead with a fast Flying or Psychic attacker, such as a Natu from the Ruins of Alph, and finish it before the combo connects.

Part 7 Back to Olivine and Jasmine

Olivine City Olivine Lighthouse

With the SecretPotion in hand, Fly back to Olivine City and climb the Lighthouse to cure Amphy. Jasmine then returns to her Gym, where her Steel-types guard the Mineral Badge.

  1. Fly back to Olivine; the Storm Badge lets you use HM02 Fly outside battle.
  2. Climb the Olivine Lighthouse again; 5F holds a Rare Candy, a Super Repel and TM34 Swagger.
  3. Give Jasmine the SecretPotion at the top, and once Amphy recovers she goes back to her Gym.
  4. Jasmine uses two Magnemite Lv30 with Thunderbolt and Thunder Wave, and a Steelix Lv35 with Screech, Sunny Day, Rock Throw and Iron Tail.
  5. Winning earns the Mineral Badge and TM23 Iron Tail.
  6. With the Good Rod, Olivine City’s water gives Krabby (55%), plus Corsola by day and Staryu at night (10% each).
  7. Fishing at Olivine Port hooks Tentacool, Chinchou (20%) and Shellder (10%) with the Good Rod.
  8. In Tim’s house, trade a Krabby for a Voltorb nicknamed ‘Volty’.
  9. The S.S. Aqua is moored at Olivine Port, but you cannot board until Elm gives you the S.S. Ticket after the Elite Four.
Jasmine

Worth catching: Krabby Corsola Staryu Chinchou Shellder

Ground moves such as TM28 Dig from the National Park hit Magnemite four times over and Steelix twice, while Steelix’s Sunny Day halves Water damage for five turns.

Part 8 Route 42, Mahogany Town and the Lake of Rage

Route 42 Mt. Mortar Mahogany Town Route 43 Lake of Rage

East of Ecruteak, Route 42 skirts Mt. Mortar on the way to Mahogany Town, and Suicune crosses your path again. North of Mahogany, the Lake of Rage is full of Gyarados forced to evolve by a Team Rocket signal, and Lance is there investigating.

  1. Having seen Suicune in Cianwood, you spot it again on Route 42 before it dashes off.
  2. Route 42’s ponds need Surf, and its three Apricorn trees grow Pnk, Grn and Ylw Apricorns.
  3. Mt. Mortar opens off Route 42 and has Machop by day and Marill at night; deep inside, Karate King Kiyo battles with Hitmonlee Lv34 and Hitmonchan Lv34, then gives you a Tyrogue Lv10.
  4. In Mahogany Town the Gym and the road east to Route 44 are both blocked for now, so head north to Route 43.
  5. Rockets in the Route 43 gate demand ¥1000 from anyone passing through.
  6. Route 43 has Farfetch’d (20%), Pidgeotto and Sentret by day, and Venonat (40%) and Noctowl at night.
  7. At the Lake of Rage, Surf to the red Gyarados Lv30 in the middle of the lake; after the battle you pick up the Red Scale it leaves behind.
  8. Lance appears on the shore and asks you to help him look into the trouble in Mahogany Town.
  9. Take the Red Scale to Mr. Pokémon on Route 30 and he gives you an Exp. Share for it.
  10. Wesley, who is by the lake only on Wednesdays, gives you a BlackBelt, and a house near the lake gives you TM10 Hidden Power.

Worth catching: Gyarados Machop Marill Farfetch’d Venonat Goldeen

The red Gyarados is always shiny, so save before you Surf out and weaken it gently, since Electric moves hit it four times over and can knock it out before you catch it.

Part 9 Team Rocket Hideout and Pryce

Mahogany Town Team Rocket Hideout

Lance meets you in Mahogany Town, where the souvenir shop hides the entrance to Team Rocket’s base. Clearing the hideout and shutting down its signal earns you HM06 Whirlpool and opens Pryce’s Ice-type Gym.

  1. Enter the Mahogany souvenir shop with Lance, who uncovers a hidden staircase down to the hideout.
  2. Security cameras on B1F summon Rocket Grunts when they spot you, and some of the item balls are traps that start battles with Voltorb Lv23, Geodude Lv21 or Koffing Lv21.
  3. On B3F, two Grunts reveal the passwords ‘Slowpoketail’ and ‘Raticate Tail’ that open the locked door to the office on B3F.
  4. An Executive guarding the B3F office battles you with Zubat Lv22, Raticate Lv24 and Koffing Lv22.
  5. On B2F a female Executive with Arbok Lv23, Gloom Lv23 and Murkrow Lv25 tries to stop you until Lance and his Dragonite join in.
  6. Defeat or catch the three Electrode Lv23 powering the transmitter, and Lance gives you HM06 Whirlpool.
  7. With the hideout cleared, the man blocking Mahogany Gym steps aside and the souvenir shop starts selling ordinary goods, including RageCandyBars.
  8. Pryce uses Seel Lv27, Dewgong Lv29 and Piloswine Lv31; winning earns the Glacier Badge, which lets you use Whirlpool, and TM16 Icy Wind.
  9. Your seventh badge is the cue for Team Rocket to seize the Goldenrod Radio Tower, and the road east from Mahogany to Route 44 now opens.
Pryce

Worth catching: Electrode Voltorb Koffing Geodude

Grass moves are super-effective against all three of Pryce’s Pokémon, while Electric handles Seel and Dewgong but cannot touch Piloswine, which also carries Blizzard.

Part 10 Radio Tower Takeover and Suicune at Tin Tower

Goldenrod City Radio Tower Goldenrod Underground Route 35 Route 36 Ecruteak City Tin Tower

Team Rocket has taken over the Goldenrod Radio Tower, and freeing it takes you through a fake Director and the Underground before you reach the Executive in charge. The grateful Director gives you the Clear Bell, which earns you entry to Tin Tower and a battle with Suicune.

  1. Fight up the Radio Tower’s west stairs to 5F, where the ‘Director’ turns out to be a Rocket Executive with five Lv30 Koffing and a Weezing Lv32, and hands over the Basement Key.
  2. Open the locked door in the Goldenrod Underground, where your rival battles you with Golbat Lv30, Magnemite Lv28, Haunter Lv30, Sneasel Lv32 and Meganium, Quilava or Feraligatr at Lv32.
  3. Work the switches that control the shutters below the Department Store and free the real Director in the warehouse, who gives you the Card Key.
  4. The Card Key opens the shutter on Radio Tower 3F; an Executive with a Golbat Lv36 waits on 4F.
  5. On 5F, beat a female Executive (Arbok, Vileplume and Murkrow, all Lv32) and then the Executive in charge, who uses Houndour Lv33, Koffing Lv33 and Houndoom Lv35.
  6. The Director thanks you with the Clear Bell.
  7. Back on Route 36, Suicune appears once more before running off.
  8. At the Tin Tower entrance in Ecruteak the sage lets you pass once he hears the Clear Bell; then beat sages Gaku, Masa and Koji of the Wise Trio to be allowed into the tower.
  9. On Tin Tower 1F, Suicune Lv40 waits for you; in Crystal it never roams, so this is your one chance, and you should save first.
  10. Raikou and Entei are still roaming Johto at Lv40, and the Pokédex area map shows where they are.

Worth catching: Suicune Psyduck Abra Ditto

The Koffing and Weezing on Radio Tower 5F use Selfdestruct and Explosion, so lead with a Pokémon you can afford to lose, and save your Ultra Balls for Suicune.

Part 11 Ice Path, Blackthorn City and Clair

Route 44 Ice Path Blackthorn City Dragon’s Den

With the road east of Mahogany open, Route 44 leads to the Ice Path, where HM07 Waterfall lies on the way to Blackthorn City. Clair, the Dragon-type Gym Leader, refuses to give you the Rising Badge until you pass the Elder’s test in the Dragon’s Den.

  1. Route 44 has Lickitung (40%) in the morning and day, Tangela (30%) at any time, and Poliwag and Poliwhirl at night.
  2. The Ice Path is a maze of sliding ice floors; HM07 Waterfall lies on 1F, and on B1F you push boulders into holes with Strength to clear the way.
  3. Swinub appears in the morning and day and Delibird at night, and the lower floors add Jynx by day and Sneasel at night, rising to 10% on B3F.
  4. Blackthorn City’s Poké Mart sells Ultra Balls, Max Potions and Max Repels.
  5. Clair uses three Dragonair Lv37 and a Kingdra Lv40; after losing she refuses to hand over the badge and sends you to the Dragon’s Den north of town.
  6. Surf across the Dragon’s Den to the Dragon Shrine, where the Elder asks five questions about how you treat your Pokémon; if you give a wrong answer he asks the question again.
  7. When you pass, Clair arrives and gives you the Rising Badge, which lets you use Waterfall, and on your way out of the den she gives you TM24 DragonBreath.
  8. Leave the shrine, come back in with a free party slot and the Elder gives you a Dratini Lv15, which knows ExtremeSpeed if you answered every question correctly first time.
  9. Professor Elm gives you a Master Ball the next time you visit his lab.
  10. In the Dragon’s Den, Dratini appears while surfing (10%) and on the Good Rod (10%) and Super Rod (30%).
Clair

Worth catching: Swinub Delibird Jynx Sneasel Lickitung Dratini

Ice moves such as TM16 Icy Wind are super-effective on the three Dragonair, but Kingdra is weak only to Dragon moves, so keep a strong neutral attacker for it and watch for Thunder Wave.

Part 12 Route 45, Route 27 and Tohjo Falls

Route 45 Dark Cave Route 46 New Bark Town Route 27 Tohjo Falls Route 26

With all eight Johto badges, the road to the Pokémon League starts east of New Bark Town. Walk south from Blackthorn down Routes 45 and 46 or Fly home, then Surf east onto Route 27, climb Tohjo Falls with Waterfall and follow Route 26 north to the League gate.

  1. Route 45 runs south from Blackthorn over one-way ledges; Gligar (20%) appears at any time, Donphan (10–15%) and Skarmory (5%) in the morning and day, and Phanpy at 5% in the morning only.
  2. Camper Quentin on Route 45 battles with Fearow, Primeape and Tauros, all Lv30.
  3. The Blackthorn side of Dark Cave, entered from Route 45, has Ursaring in the morning and day, Wobbuffet at night (15%) and Teddiursa in the morning, and someone inside gives you BlackGlasses.
  4. Fishing on Route 45 hooks Dratini (10% on the Good Rod), and Dragonair joins it once you have the Super Rod.
  5. From New Bark Town, Surf east onto Route 27, where TM22 SolarBeam and a Rare Candy lie in item balls.
  6. Tohjo Falls straddles Route 27; climb it with Waterfall and pick up the Moon Stone inside.
  7. Routes 26 and 27 have Doduo and Arbok by day, Noctowl and Quagsire at night, and Ponyta at up to 20% on Route 26.
  8. A house on Route 26 lets you rest and heal your party before the gate.
  9. The gate at the north end of Route 26 only lets you through with all eight Johto badges.

Worth catching: Gligar Skarmory Donphan Wobbuffet Ursaring Ponyta

Train on the Lv28–32 Pokémon of Routes 26 and 27 before Victory Road, because the Elite Four start at Lv40 and Lance’s last Dragonite is Lv50.

Part 13 Victory Road, the Elite Four and Lance

Victory Road Route 23 Indigo Plateau

Victory Road is the last cave before the Indigo Plateau, and your rival is waiting near its exit. At the Plateau, Will, Koga, Bruno and Karen must be beaten in a row before Champion Lance.

  1. Victory Road has Graveler, Rhyhorn and Onix, with Rhydon and Sandslash at 5% in the morning and day, and TM26 Earthquake lies in an item ball inside.
  2. Near the exit your rival battles you with Sneasel Lv34, Golbat Lv36, Magneton Lv35 (Lv34 on his Feraligatr team), Haunter Lv35, Kadabra Lv35 and Meganium, Typhlosion or Feraligatr at Lv38.
  3. Stock up at the Indigo Plateau shop, which sells Ultra Balls, Full Restores, Max Potions, Revives and Full Heals, because the doors lock behind you once the challenge begins.
  4. Will: Xatu Lv40, Jynx Lv41, Exeggutor Lv41, Slowbro Lv41 and Xatu Lv42, every one of them with Psychic.
  5. Koga: Ariados Lv40, Venomoth Lv41, Forretress Lv43, Muk Lv42 and Crobat Lv44; Forretress can Explosion and Muk stacks Minimize and Acid Armor.
  6. Bruno: Hitmontop Lv42, Hitmonlee Lv42, Hitmonchan Lv42, Onix Lv43 and Machamp Lv46.
  7. Karen: Umbreon Lv42, Vileplume Lv42, Gengar Lv45, Murkrow Lv44 and Houndoom Lv47.
  8. Champion Lance: Gyarados Lv44, Dragonite Lv47, Dragonite Lv47, Aerodactyl Lv46, Charizard Lv46 and Dragonite Lv50.
  9. After the Hall of Fame, visit Professor Elm, who gives you the S.S. Ticket for the ferry from Olivine to Kanto.

Worth catching: Rhyhorn Rhydon Onix Graveler Sandslash

Ice moves hit Lance’s three Dragonite four times over, Electric does the same to Gyarados, and Rock moves take Charizard down.

Part 14 S.S. Aqua to Vermilion City and Lt. Surge

S.S. Aqua Vermilion City Route 11

The S.S. Aqua carries you from Olivine to Vermilion City, the start of the Kanto half of Pokémon Crystal. Lt. Surge is the first of eight Kanto Gym Leaders, and you can take them on in any order.

  1. Show the S.S. Ticket at Olivine Port; your first crossing can be on any day, but after that the ship leaves Olivine on Mondays and Fridays and Vermilion on Wednesdays and Sundays.
  2. On board, an old gentleman is searching for his granddaughter, who is playing in the captain’s cabin; once she is back with him he gives you a Metal Coat.
  3. After the girl is found, Sailor Stanly appears in a cabin with Machop Lv31, Machoke Lv33 and Psyduck Lv26.
  4. Lt. Surge uses Raichu Lv44, Electrode Lv40, Magneton Lv40, Electrode Lv40 and Electabuzz Lv46, and gives the Thunder Badge.
  5. The chairman of the Pokémon Fan Club gives you a Rare Candy after you listen to him.
  6. A Snorlax Lv50 sleeps outside Diglett’s Cave; only the Poké Flute channel on the radio wakes it, which needs the Expansion Card from Lavender Town.
  7. Route 11 has Hoppip by day, Drowzee and Meowth at night, Magnemite at 20% at any time and Hypno at 5% at night.
  8. The Good Rod hooks Chinchou (20%) and Shellder (10%) in Vermilion’s harbour.
Lt. Surge

Worth catching: Hoppip Magnemite Drowzee Hypno Chinchou Shellder

A Ground-type such as Quagsire or Donphan is immune to Surge’s Electric moves, but watch for Explosion from both Electrode and a Zap Cannon guaranteed to hit after Magneton’s Lock-On.

Part 15 Saffron City and Sabrina

Route 6 Saffron City

Route 6 runs north from Vermilion to Saffron City, the hub that joins Kanto’s routes. Sabrina’s Psychic-type Gym is here, along with the Fighting Dojo, Silph Co. and Mr. Psychic’s house.

  1. The Underground Path under Routes 5 and 6 stays shut until the Power Plant is running again, so walk up Route 6 into Saffron.
  2. Route 6 has Snubbull and Rattata by day, Meowth and Drowzee at night, Magnemite at 20% at any time, and Granbull at 5% in the morning and day.
  3. Mr. Psychic gives you TM29 Psychic, and an item ball in the Fighting Dojo holds a Focus Band.
  4. The officer on Silph Co. 1F gives you an Up-Grade.
  5. Sabrina uses Espeon Lv46, Mr. Mime Lv46 and Alakazam Lv48, and gives the Marsh Badge.
  6. The Copycat in the house nearby has the Pass for the Magnet Train, but only gives it to you in return for her Lost Item, which turns up at Vermilion’s Pokémon Fan Club after the power is restored.
  7. Once the Power Plant is fixed and you have the Pass, the Magnet Train links Saffron with Goldenrod City.
Sabrina

Worth catching: Granbull Snubbull Magnemite Psyduck Jigglypuff

TM30 Shadow Ball from Morty is super-effective against all three of Sabrina’s Pokémon, and hitting hard early matters because Mr. Mime sets up Barrier and Reflect while Alakazam uses Recover.

Part 16 Power Plant, Cerulean City and Misty

Route 5 Cerulean City Route 9 Route 10 Power Plant Route 24 Route 25 Rock Tunnel Lavender Town Lavender Radio Tower

The Power Plant on Route 10 has shut down because a part has been stolen, and the trail leads to Cerulean City, where Misty has left her Gym for a date. Restoring the power brings back the Magnet Train and earns you the Expansion Card in Lavender Town.

  1. Head north on Route 5 to Cerulean City, then east along Route 9 to the Power Plant on Route 10, where the manager tells you the Machine Part has been stolen.
  2. In Cerulean Gym a Rocket Grunt collides with you and runs off; catch him on Route 24, where he battles you with a Golbat Lv30 and admits he hid the part in the Gym.
  3. Misty is on a date at the end of Route 25 beyond Nugget Bridge; interrupting it sends her back to her Gym.
  4. Search the Gym for the hidden Machine Part, then challenge Misty, who uses Golduck Lv42, Quagsire Lv42, Lapras Lv44 and Starmie Lv47 and gives the Cascade Badge.
  5. Return the part to the Power Plant manager for TM07 Zap Cannon; the Magnet Train and the Underground Path work again.
  6. Bill’s grandfather, in the house at the end of Route 25, asks to see a series of Pokémon, starting with Lickitung, and rewards each with an Everstone or an evolution stone.
  7. Pass through Rock Tunnel (Flash helps) to Lavender Town, where the gentleman in the Radio Tower gives you the Expansion Card.
  8. Route 10 has Voltorb (30%) and Electabuzz (5%) at any time, and Rock Tunnel B1F has Kangaskhan at 5% in the morning and day.
  9. With the Expansion Card, tune your Pokégear radio to the Poké Flute channel next to the sleeping Snorlax in Vermilion City to battle it.
Misty

Worth catching: Electabuzz Voltorb Kangaskhan Cubone Abra

Misty’s Quagsire is immune to Electric moves and takes four times the damage from Grass, while Electric attacks deal with Golduck, Lapras and Starmie; Lapras also knows Perish Song.

Part 17 Celadon City and Erika

Route 7 Celadon City

Route 7 leads west from Saffron to Celadon City, home of the Celadon Department Store, the Game Corner and Erika’s Grass-type Gym. The city also hides a Leftovers in its café and TM03 Curse, which is handed out in a rooftop room only at night.

  1. Route 7’s grass has Murkrow (30%), Houndour (20%) and Persian (10%) at night, and Snubbull and Spearow by day.
  2. Celadon Department Store 3F sells TM10 Hidden Power, TM11 Sunny Day, TM17 Protect, TM18 Rain Dance and TM37 Sandstorm, and 5F sells vitamins and battle items.
  3. Visit the room on the roof of Celadon Mansion at night to receive TM03 Curse.
  4. Search the trash can in the Celadon Café to find a Leftovers.
  5. Erika uses Tangela Lv42, Jumpluff Lv41, Victreebel Lv46 and Bellossom Lv46, and gives the Rainbow Badge and TM19 Giga Drain.
  6. Surfing on Celadon’s pond turns up Grimer (90%) and Muk (10%).
  7. Eusine is visiting his home town and waits in the Celadon Pokémon Center; once you own Suicune he has news about Tin Tower (see Part 22).
Erika

Worth catching: Houndour Murkrow Persian Grimer Snubbull

Erika’s Sunny Day also powers up your Fire moves, so a Fire-type such as Houndour from Route 7 does well here; carry Awakenings for Sleep Powder and beware of Bellossom’s Petal Dance.

Part 18 Fuchsia City and Janine

Route 16 Route 17 Route 18 Fuchsia City Route 15 Route 14 Route 13 Route 12

From Celadon, Cycling Road (Routes 16–18) runs downhill to Fuchsia City, where Koga’s daughter Janine now leads the Poison-type Gym. Routes 15 to 12 lead back north along the coast to Lavender Town, with the Super Rod on the way.

  1. Ride your Bicycle down Cycling Road; Grimer is everywhere, Fearow appears by day, and Slugma shows up on Route 17 during the day at 35%.
  2. Janine’s Gym trainers are disguised to look like her, so you will battle a few of them before you find the real Leader.
  3. Janine uses Crobat Lv36, two Weezing Lv36, Ariados Lv33 and Venomoth Lv39, and gives the Soul Badge and TM06 Toxic.
  4. Fishing in Fuchsia hooks Gyarados at 10% with the Good Rod and 30% with the Super Rod.
  5. Routes 13–15 have Nidorina and Nidorino by day, Quagsire and Venonat at night, and Chansey at 1% at any time.
  6. On Route 14, a trainer trades an Aerodactyl ‘Aeroy’ for a Chansey.
  7. The fishing guru in the Super Rod House on Route 12, just south of Lavender Town, gives you the Super Rod.
Janine

Worth catching: Slugma Grimer Chansey Nidorina Nidorino Skiploom

TM29 Psychic from Mr. Psychic is super-effective against all five of Janine’s Pokémon, but both Weezing can Explosion, so keep your lead healthy.

Part 19 Diglett’s Cave to Pewter City and Brock

Diglett’s Cave Route 2 Pewter City Route 3 Mt. Moon Route 4

Diglett’s Cave links Vermilion City with Route 2, the quickest way to Pewter City and Brock’s Rock-type Gym. Beyond Pewter, Route 3 leads to Mt. Moon, where your rival is training.

  1. Diglett’s Cave is full of Diglett (90%) and Dugtrio (10%) and comes out on Route 2 south of Pewter.
  2. Route 2 has Pikachu at 5% in the morning and day, Butterfree by day, Ledian in the morning and Noctowl at night, and Cut opens the paths to several items.
  3. An old man in Pewter City gives you the Silver Wing, the item that lets you meet Lugia in the Whirl Islands.
  4. Brock uses Graveler Lv41, Rhyhorn Lv41, Omastar Lv42, Onix Lv44 and Kabutops Lv42, and gives the Boulder Badge.
  5. In the Pewter Pokémon Center, a trader swaps a Xatu ‘Paul’ for a Haunter.
  6. The first time you enter Mt. Moon your rival challenges you with Sneasel Lv41, Golbat Lv42, Magneton Lv41, Gengar Lv43, Alakazam Lv43 and his Lv45 starter.
  7. Mt. Moon has Clefairy at night (25%) alongside Geodude, Zubat, Sandshrew and Paras, and a hidden Moon Stone in Mt. Moon Square.
  8. Routes 3 and 4 have Spearow and Ekans by day, Rattata at night, and Clefairy at 5% at night.
Brock

Worth catching: Diglett Dugtrio Pikachu Clefairy Sandshrew Paras

Grass moves are four times as effective against all five of Brock’s Pokémon, and Water is super-effective on Graveler, Rhyhorn and Onix.

Part 20 Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island and Blaine

Route 19 Route 20 Seafoam Islands Cinnabar Island Route 21

Route 19 south of Fuchsia is blocked by boulders from the eruption, so Surf south from Pallet Town down Route 21 to Cinnabar Island and east along Route 20 to the Seafoam Islands, where Blaine runs his Gym since a volcanic eruption destroyed Cinnabar’s. Cinnabar Island is now little more than its Pokémon Center, and Blue is standing on the shore.

  1. Route 19 stays blocked by boulders until you have reached Route 20 from the other side, so Surf south from Pallet Town down Route 21 to Cinnabar Island and east along Route 20; Tentacool make up 90% of encounters on the water.
  2. On Route 19 the Good Rod hooks Corsola by day and Staryu at night (10% each), and on Route 20 the Super Rod hooks Lanturn (10%).
  3. Blaine’s Gym is inside the Seafoam Islands; he uses Magcargo Lv45, Magmar Lv45 and Rapidash Lv50 and gives the Volcano Badge.
  4. On Cinnabar Island, little is left after the eruption apart from the Pokémon Center, and a Rare Candy is hidden on the island.
  5. Blue is standing on Cinnabar Island; once you have spoken to him he returns to his Gym in Viridian City.
  6. Route 21 runs north to Pallet Town, with Tangela (50–60%) at any time and Mr. Mime (10%) in the morning and day.
Blaine

Worth catching: Mr. Mime Tangela Staryu Corsola Lanturn Shellder

Water and Ground moves are four times as effective against Magcargo, but Magmar’s Sunny Day halves Water damage, so a Ground-type is the safest answer to the whole team.

Part 21 Pallet Town, Viridian City and Blue

Pallet Town Route 1 Viridian City Route 22

Pallet Town, the starting point of the original games, connects by Route 1 to Viridian City. With Blue back in his Gym after your meeting on Cinnabar, Viridian holds the last Kanto badge as well as the Trainer House.

  1. Professor Oak’s lab is in Pallet Town; come back here once you hold all 16 badges.
  2. Route 1 has Pidgey and Sentret by day and Hoothoot and Rattata at night, with Furret and Raticate at 5%.
  3. In Viridian City, a fisherman gives you TM42 Dream Eater.
  4. The Trainer House lets you battle the trainer in its basement once a day.
  5. Blue’s Gym is empty until you have spoken to him on Cinnabar Island.
  6. Blue uses Pidgeot Lv56, Alakazam Lv54, Rhydon Lv56, Gyarados Lv58, Exeggutor Lv58 and Arcanine Lv58, and gives the Earth Badge.
  7. Route 22, west of Viridian, has Spearow and Doduo by day, Poliwag at night and Ponyta at 5%.
  8. With all 16 badges, the man near the Diglett’s Cave entrance in eastern Vermilion City gives you an HP Up.
Blue

Worth catching: Ponyta Doduo Poliwag Sentret Hoothoot

Blue’s team covers many types: Electric hits Gyarados four times over, Grass or Water does the same to Rhydon, Bug is four times as effective on Exeggutor, and Arcanine has ExtremeSpeed.

Part 22 Ho-Oh, Lugia and Post-Game Johto

Whirl Islands Celadon City Tin Tower Indigo Plateau Goldenrod City Ilex Forest

After the Elite Four, Pokémon Crystal lets you catch both of Johto’s legendary birds at Lv60. Lugia waits in the Whirl Islands for anyone carrying the Silver Wing, while Ho-Oh only lands on Tin Tower once you have caught Raikou, Entei and Suicune.

  1. With the Silver Wing from Pewter City, Surf to the Whirl Islands on Route 41 and work your way down through the dark caves to the deepest chamber, where Lugia Lv60 is waiting.
  2. The Whirl Islands have Seel in the morning and day and Horsea while surfing on the lower floors.
  3. Raikou and Entei roam Johto’s grass at Lv40 and run from battle, so trap them with Mean Look or use Elm’s Master Ball.
  4. Eusine in the Celadon Pokémon Center asks whether you have caught the other beasts once you own Suicune, and when you have all three he leaves for Ecruteak, mentioning a rainbow-coloured Pokémon seen at Tin Tower.
  5. With Raikou, Entei and Suicune that you caught yourself in your party or PC, a sage on Tin Tower 1F gives you the Rainbow Wing, and the stairs up the tower appear.
  6. Climb Tin Tower, where Gastly appears at night and a Max Revive lies on 7F, to reach the roof and Ho-Oh Lv60.
  7. Once you have beaten your rival at Mt. Moon, he waits in the Indigo Plateau Pokémon Center on Mondays and Wednesdays with Sneasel Lv45, Crobat Lv48, Magneton Lv45, Gengar Lv46, Alakazam Lv46 and his Lv50 starter.
  8. On Wednesdays and Saturdays a Move Tutor in Goldenrod City teaches Flamethrower, Thunderbolt or Ice Beam for 4,000 coins, as long as you carry the Coin Case.
  9. Celebi needs the GS Ball, which the original English cartridge never handed out; on the 2018 Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console release you receive it at the Goldenrod Pokémon Communication Center after the Hall of Fame, show it to Kurt and place it in the Ilex Forest shrine to meet Celebi Lv30.

Worth catching: Ho-Oh Lugia Seel Horsea Gastly

If you knock out Ho-Oh or Lugia it is gone for good, so save before each battle and put it to sleep before throwing Ultra Balls.

Part 23 Mt. Silver and Red

Pallet Town Route 28 Mt. Silver

Once you hold all 16 badges, Professor Oak gives you permission to enter Mt. Silver, the mountain west of the Pokémon League gate. Red, the hero of the original games, waits silently at the summit with the highest-levelled team in Pokémon Crystal.

  1. Visit Professor Oak in Pallet Town with all 16 badges, and the guard blocking the west exit of the Pokémon League gate stands aside.
  2. Route 28 leads west to Mt. Silver, and the Celebrity’s house on the route gives you TM47 Steel Wing.
  3. Route 28’s grass has Ponyta and Rapidash by day, Poliwhirl and Golbat at night and Tangela at any time, all around Lv40.
  4. A Pokémon Center stands at the foot of Mt. Silver; heal and stock up there before going in.
  5. Inside, Surf, Waterfall and Flash are all needed to reach the summit.
  6. Larvitar appears in the morning and day at 5% on the lower floors and 9% at the summit, where Pupitar also turns up at 1%.
  7. Misdreavus appears at night, at 5% on 2F and 30% in the side rooms.
  8. At the summit, Red uses Pikachu Lv81, Espeon Lv73, Snorlax Lv75, Venusaur Lv77, Charizard Lv77 and Blastoise Lv77.
  9. Red says nothing before or after the battle, and once you win he disappears and the credits roll.

Worth catching: Larvitar Pupitar Misdreavus Ursaring Rapidash Tangela

Red’s Snorlax stalls with Amnesia, Rest and Snore, and Venusaur pairs Sunny Day with SolarBeam, so bring a strong Fighting-type for Snorlax and Fire or Flying moves for Venusaur.

FAQ

What is the Gym order in Pokémon Crystal?

Johto: Falkner (Violet City), Bugsy (Azalea Town), Whitney (Goldenrod City), Morty (Ecruteak City), Chuck (Cianwood City), Jasmine (Olivine City), Pryce (Mahogany Town), Clair (Blackthorn City). Chuck and Jasmine can be done in either order. The eight Kanto Gyms can be taken in almost any order after the Elite Four.

Which starter should I pick in Crystal?

Cyndaquil has the easiest early game against Bugsy and Jasmine; Totodile is solid all game; Chikorita has a harder start against Falkner, Bugsy and Morty. Your rival always takes the starter strong against yours.

What is different in Crystal’s story?

Suicune and its hunter Eusine run through the story, Clair sends you to the Dragon’s Den for a test before handing over her badge, and the Battle Tower opens on Route 40. Every difference from Gold and Silver.

Is there anything after the Elite Four?

Yes: the whole Kanto region with eight more Gyms, Ho-Oh and Lugia, then Mt. Silver and the battle with Red once you hold all 16 badges.

Sources & picture credits

Guide text is original retrogameindex writing, checked against the game’s own scripts and Bulbapedia. Wild Pokémon and encounter chances for all three times of day, fishing, Headbutt and Rock Smash tables, items, trainers, gifts, trades and shops come from the pret/pokecrystal decompilation (pret/pokecrystal 3bc8daa417). Maps, sprites and the Johto and Kanto Pokégear maps are drawn by retrogameindex from the game’s own graphics in that decompilation (listed on the image gallery). Pokémon © Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK.