Pokemon Black and White
Pokemon Black and White

Key Items and Their Uses

Locate and use Key Items in Pokemon Black and White. Understand the purpose of items like the Bicycle to progress through Unova and unlock new areas.

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Key Items and Their Uses

Key Items are unique objects in Pokémon Black and White that cannot be sold or discarded. They are essential for progressing through the game's story, accessing new areas, or unlocking special features. This section details where to find each crucial Key Item and how to best use it on your journey through Unova.

Bicycle

  • Location: Nacrene City. You'll receive the Bicycle from a kind old man in the house directly to the left of the Pokémon Center after you've defeated Lenora at the Nacrene City Gym.
  • Use: The Bicycle significantly increases your travel speed on land, making it invaluable for traversing long routes quickly and for hatching Pokémon Eggs more efficiently. Simply select it from your Key Items pocket or register it to Y for quick access.
  • Strategy: Always have your Bicycle registered to Y. This allows for instant activation, which is particularly useful when backtracking through previously explored areas or when you need to outrun wild Pokémon encounters (though Repels are generally more effective for that).

Dowsing Machine

  • Location: Route 6. A scientist will give you the Dowsing Machine as you pass through Route 6, heading towards Chargestone Cave.
  • Use: This device helps you locate hidden items on the ground. When activated, it displays a radar-like screen, and a "ping" sound indicates you're near a hidden item. The closer you are, the faster the pings.
  • Strategy: The Dowsing Machine is crucial for finding valuable items like Rare Candies, evolutionary stones, and various Poké Balls that are otherwise invisible. Use it diligently in every new area you visit, especially in grassy patches, caves, and towns. Walk slowly in a grid pattern while the Dowsing Machine is active to ensure you cover all ground.

Fishing Rod

  • Location: Route 1. You'll receive the Fishing Rod from a fisherman near the water in Route 1, shortly after arriving in Nuvema Town.
  • Use: Allows you to fish for Water-type Pokémon in any body of water. Stand next to water and use the Fishing Rod from your Key Items. A "!" will appear above your head when a Pokémon bites; press 'A' quickly to reel it in.
  • Strategy: Fishing is the primary way to encounter certain Water-type Pokémon, some of which are exclusive to fishing. Different locations yield different Pokémon. It's also a good way to find Pokémon with specific abilities or natures early on. Practice your timing to avoid missing bites!

Itemfinder

  • Location: Castelia City. A clown in Castelia City will give you the Itemfinder after you've answered his riddle correctly (the answer is usually "yes" or "no" depending on the specific clown, but it's generally straightforward).
  • Use: Similar to the Dowsing Machine, the Itemfinder helps locate hidden items. When used, it sends out a pulse, and if an item is nearby, it will point in its direction.
  • Strategy: While the Dowsing Machine is generally more precise for pinpointing exact locations, the Itemfinder can be useful for getting a general direction in larger, more open areas. Use both in conjunction for thorough item hunting.

Town Map

  • Location: Nuvema Town. Bianca's mom gives you the Town Map before you even leave Nuvema Town for the first time.
  • Use: Displays a map of the Unova region, showing towns, routes, and points of interest. You can zoom in and out, and it often highlights your current location.
  • Strategy: Regularly consult your Town Map to plan your route, identify your next destination, and keep track of areas you've already visited. It's especially helpful when exploring new routes to understand their layout and connections.