Route 30 and Meeting Mr. Pokémon
Having received your first Pokémon and a crucial mission from Professor Elm in New Bark Town, your next destination is Mr. Pokémon's house. To get there, you'll need to traverse Route 30, a short but important path connecting Cherrygrove City to the esteemed researcher's dwelling.
Navigating Route 30
From Cherrygrove City, head directly north. You'll immediately step onto Route 30. This route serves as an excellent early-game training ground, offering several wild Pokémon and your first optional trainer battles.
Wild Pokémon Encounters on Route 30:
- Common (Day): Caterpie, Metapod, Ledyba, Hoothoot
- Common (Night): Weedle, Kakuna, Spinarak, Hoothoot
- Uncommon: Pidgey, Rattata
- Rare: Bellsprout (Crystal exclusive, more common in Gold/Silver)
Strategy Tip: Take some time to battle these wild Pokémon. Gaining a few levels for your starter will make upcoming challenges much easier. Hoothoot, in particular, is a good early-game Flying-type if you're looking to diversify your team.
Trainer Battles:
Route 30 features your first optional trainer. While not mandatory to progress, battling them provides valuable experience and a small monetary reward.
- Youngster Joey: Located near the entrance to Route 30.
- Pokémon: Rattata (Lv. 4)
- Reward: 64 Pokedollars
- Strategy: A single attack from your starter should be enough to defeat Joey's Rattata.
Common Pitfall: Don't rush past trainers! Early experience is crucial for building a strong team. Every battle counts.
Locating Mr. Pokémon's House
Continue north along Route 30. You'll notice a path veering off to the east (right) shortly after Youngster Joey. Follow this path. Mr. Pokémon's house is a distinctive building with a unique roof, nestled at the end of this eastern detour. It's impossible to miss.
Meeting Mr. Pokémon and Professor Oak
Upon entering the house, you'll find not only Mr. Pokémon but also the renowned Professor Oak from the Kanto region! This meeting is pivotal for your journey.
The Mystery Egg and Professor Elm's Request:
As per Professor Elm's request, you've come to Mr. Pokémon's house to retrieve a special item. Mr. Pokémon, a friend and colleague of Professor Elm, will greet you warmly. He will then present you with the Mystery Egg, which Professor Elm is eager to study. This is the item you are tasked with delivering back to Professor Elm.
- Item Received: Mystery Egg
- Purpose: To be delivered to Professor Elm for research.
Professor Oak's Gift: The Pokédex
Professor Oak, impressed by your potential and the start of your Pokémon journey, will step forward. He recognizes your budding talent and bestows upon you a vital tool for any aspiring Pokémon Trainer:
- Item Received: Pokédex
- Function: An electronic encyclopedia that automatically records data on all Pokémon you encounter and catch. It's essential for tracking your progress and completing the "Catch 'em all!" challenge.
Important Note: The Pokédex is not just a collectible; it's a core mechanic of the game. check it regularly to see which Pokémon you've encountered and caught, and to learn more about their types, abilities, and locations.
After the Meeting
With the Mystery Egg in hand and the Pokédex now yours, your next objective is clear: return to Professor Elm in New Bark Town. He's eagerly awaiting the egg and will have further instructions for you. Head back the way you came, through Route 30 and Cherrygrove City, to New Bark Town.
Next Steps:
- Exit Mr. Pokémon's house.
- Travel south through Route 30.
- Pass through Cherrygrove City.
- Return to Professor Elm's Lab in New Bark Town.