Gateon Port & The S.S. Libra
Following your intense investigation and battles within the Cipher Lab, your journey leads you to the vibrant, yet subtly ominous, Gateon Port. This bustling harbor town serves as your gateway to the next crucial phase of uncovering Team Cipher's nefarious operations. Your primary objective here is to secure passage aboard the S.S. Libra, a vessel rumored to be a key hub for Cipher's illicit activities. This section will guide you through the necessary steps, interactions, and challenges you'll face in Gateon Port and aboard the S.S. Libra.
Navigating Gateon Port: Securing Passage to the S.S. Libra
Upon your arrival in Gateon Port, you'll immediately notice its lively atmosphere. However, beneath the surface, Team Cipher's influence is palpable. Gaining access to the S.S. Libra isn't as simple as buying a ticket; it requires a bit of detective work and a specific interaction chain.
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Initial Exploration and Information Gathering:
- Start by exploring the main dock area. You'll encounter various NPCs, but pay close attention to the conversations.
- Head towards the large ship docked at the far end – this is the S.S. Libra. You'll find a Cipher Peon guarding the gangplank. Attempting to board directly will result in him blocking your path, stating the ship is "closed for maintenance."
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The Key NPC: Nett:
- Your crucial contact in Gateon Port is Nett, a young, tech-savvy individual often found near the Pre Gym building (the building with the large Poké Ball sign).
- Speak with Nett. He's initially dismissive but eventually mentions a rumor about a "strange old man" who might know something about the S.S. Libra.
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Locating the Old Man:
- The "strange old man" Nett refers to is Mr. Verich. You can find him in the Gateon Port Lighthouse, located on the eastern side of the port, accessible via a path near the Pokémon Center.
- Ascend to the top of the lighthouse and speak with Mr. Verich. He's initially reluctant to share information but will eventually reveal that he has a Data Disc containing vital information about the S.S. Libra. However, he lost it!
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The "Lost Data Disc" Side Quest:
- Mr. Verich will task you with finding his lost Data Disc. This is the "small side quest" mentioned previously.
- The Data Disc is located in the Gateon Port A-Go-Go, the local bar/casino. Enter the establishment and look for a sparkling object on the floor near one of the tables.
- Retrieve the Data Disc and return it to Mr. Verich at the lighthouse.
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Gaining Access:
- Upon receiving the Data Disc, Mr. Verich will be grateful and provide you with a Key Card, specifically the S.S. Libra Key Card. This is your ticket aboard the ship.
- Return to the S.S. Libra's gangplank. The Cipher Peon guarding it will still be there, but now you have the means to bypass him. Interact with the gangplank, and the Key Card will automatically be used, granting you access.
Aboard the S.S. Libra: Cipher's Floating Fortress
The S.S. Libra is far from a pleasure cruise; it's a mobile Cipher stronghold, teeming with Peons and their Shadow Pokémon. Be prepared for a series of challenging double battles and a maze-like interior. Your goal is to thoroughly explore the ship, defeat Cipher operatives, snag their Shadow Pokémon, and uncover critical evidence.
S.S. Libra Layout and Key Areas:
- Deck 1 (Entrance Deck): This is where you board. Expect immediate resistance.
- Deck 2 (Cargo Hold/Crew Quarters): Contains various rooms and storage areas. Look for hidden items.
- Deck 3 (Bridge/Control Room): The command center of the ship, where you'll find the most significant evidence.
Shadow Pokémon Encounters on the S.S. Libra:
The S.S. Libra is a prime location to expand your Shadow Pokémon collection. bring plenty of Poké Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls, as well as Pokémon with status-inducing moves (Sleep, Paralysis) to make snagging easier.
| Trainer Name | Location | Shadow Pokémon | Type | Strategy Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cipher Peon Nore | Deck 1, near entrance | Shadow Remoraid | Water | Relatively easy snag. Focus on reducing HP and applying status. |
| Cipher Peon Tanie | Deck 2, Cargo Hold | Shadow Mantine | Water/Flying | Can be tricky due to its bulk. Electric-type attacks are effective. |
| Cipher Peon Vanna | Deck 2, Crew Quarters | Shadow Qwilfish | Water/Poison | Watch out for its Poison-type moves. Ground or Electric types work well. |
| Cipher Peon Kolest | Deck 3, Bridge Approach | Shadow Psyduck | Water | Standard Water-type weaknesses apply. |
| Cipher Peon Arton | Deck 3, Bridge | Shadow Togetic | Normal/Flying | A valuable snag! Be careful not to knock it out. Electric or Ice attacks. |
Important Snagging Tip: Remember that Shadow Pokémon have a unique "Shadow Rush" move that can deal significant damage. Prioritize lowering their HP and inflicting status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis for the highest snagging success rate. Don't be afraid to use your Master Ball if you're struggling with a particularly difficult Shadow Pokémon, though it's generally recommended to save it for a legendary or a Pokémon you absolutely cannot afford to miss.
Uncovering Evidence: The S.S. Libra's Secrets
Your ultimate goal on the S.S. Libra is to gather tangible proof of Team Cipher's operations. This involves finding specific documents and items that will further expose their grand scheme.
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Cipher Memo 1:
- Location: Deck 2, inside one of the crew quarters rooms. Look for a small desk or table.
- Content: Details about the transfer of Shadow Pokémon and their destinations.
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Cipher Memo 2:
- Location: Deck 3, within the main Bridge/Control Room. It's often found on a console or navigation table.
- Content: Mentions a "Master Plan" and hints at the involvement of a higher-ranking individual within Cipher.
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S.S. Libra Logbook:
- Location: Deck 3, typically on the captain's desk or a prominent console in the Bridge.
- Content: Provides a detailed account of the S.S. Libra's routes, cargo (including Shadow Pokémon), and communication logs, solidifying its role as a Cipher transport vessel. This is the most crucial piece of evidence.
Common Pitfalls & Missables:
- Missing the Data Disc: If you don't find the Data Disc in the A-Go-Go, you won't get the S.S. Libra Key Card. Always thoroughly search areas.
- Overlooking Shadow Pokémon: Some Peons are tucked away in less obvious rooms. Explore every accessible door and corridor on the S.S. Libra to ensure you don't miss any snag opportunities.
- Forgetting to Purify: After snagging Shadow Pokémon, remember to begin the purification process at the Relic Forest or the Pokémon Day Care. The sooner you start, the sooner they can learn their original moves and become fully purified.
Once you have collected all the evidence and snagged the available Shadow Pokémon, you've successfully completed your mission aboard the S.S. Libra. Your next step will be to report your findings and continue your pursuit of Team Cipher, armed with the new information you've uncovered.