Pokémon Crystal
Pokémon Crystal

The Ice Path and Dragon's Den — Pokémon Crystal Walkthrough

Venture through the treacherous Ice Path and the Dragon's Den in Pokémon Crystal. This walkthrough guides you to Blackthorn City and prepares you for Clair.

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The Ice Path and Dragon's Den

With the seventh Gym Badge in hand, it's time to prepare for the final challenge in Johto! Our next destination is Blackthorn City, home of the Dragon-type Gym Leader, Clair. The most direct route there is through the treacherous Ice Path. Make sure your Pokémon are well-healed and stocked up on items before venturing into the icy depths.

Navigating the Ice Path

The Ice Path is a multi-level cave filled with slippery ice puzzles. You'll need to slide across the ice to reach various ledges and items. Wild Pokémon encounters here include Ice-types like Jynx, Swinub, and Delibird (Crystal exclusive), and Water-types like Seel and Wooper. Be prepared for battles!

Ice Path Floor 1F

  1. Upon entering from Route 44, head north and slide across the first patch of ice to the right.
  2. Slide up, then right, then down to reach a small platform with a ladder (Ladder A) leading down.
  3. Before taking Ladder A, slide back up, then left, then up again to reach another platform. Slide right, then down, then right, then up to grab the TM44 (Rest).
  4. Return to Ladder A and descend.

Ice Path Floor B1F

  1. From Ladder A, you'll be on a ledge. Slide right, then up, then left, then down to reach a solid path.
  2. Follow the path to the left, then slide up, then right, then down to reach a Full Heal.
  3. Slide back up, then left, then up again. You'll see a large ice patch.
  4. Slide right, then down, then right, then up, then left, then down, then left, then up to reach the HM07 (Waterfall). This is a crucial HM for later progression!
  5. From the HM07 spot, slide right, then up, then left, then down, then right, then up, then right to reach another ladder (Ladder B). Descend.

Ice Path Floor B2F

  1. This floor introduces breakable ice tiles. Step on them once to crack them, a second time to fall through. You want to fall through specific spots to reach lower levels.
  2. From Ladder B, slide right, then up, then left, then down, then right, then up. You'll be near a cracked tile. Step on it twice to fall through to B3F.

Ice Path Floor B3F

  1. You'll land near a NeverMeltIce. Pick it up.
  2. Slide down, then left, then up. You'll see another cracked tile. Step on it twice to fall through to a different section of B3F.
  3. From where you land, slide right, then up, then left, then down, then right, then up to reach a ladder (Ladder C) leading back up to B2F.

Back on Ice Path Floor B2F (Lower Section)

  1. From Ladder C, slide right, then down, then left, then up, then right, then down to reach the final ladder (Ladder D) that leads to the exit.
  2. Before exiting, explore the surrounding area for a Carbos.
  3. Take Ladder D to reach the final stretch of the Ice Path.

Ice Path Exit

  1. You'll emerge on a solid path. Follow it to the north to exit the Ice Path and arrive in Blackthorn City.

Blackthorn City and the Dragon's Den

Welcome to Blackthorn City! Heal your Pokémon at the Pokémon Center and stock up on any necessary items. Your primary goal here is to challenge Clair, the Gym Leader. However, after defeating her, she won't immediately give you the Rising Badge. She'll insist you prove yourself further in the Dragon's Den.

Blackthorn Gym Strategy

  • Clair specializes in Dragon-type Pokémon. Her team consists of two Dragonair (Level 37 and 37) and a Kingdra (Level 40).
  • Weaknesses: Dragon-types are only weak to other Dragon-types and Ice-types.
  • Recommended Pokémon:
    • Ice-types: Jynx, Lapras, Piloswine, or even a strong Water-type with Ice Beam (TM13).
    • Dragon-types: If you've been training a Dratini or Dragonair, now's their time to shine!
    • Strong Attackers: Even if not super effective, powerful attacks from your strongest Pokémon can wear them down.
  • Key Strategies:
    • Kingdra is particularly dangerous due to its Water/Dragon typing, making it only weak to Dragon-type attacks.
    • Be wary of Dragonair's DragonBreath, which can cause paralysis.
    • Use status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis to your advantage.
    • Don't be afraid to use healing items!

The Dragon's Den Trial

After defeating Clair, she'll send you to the Dragon's Den, located north of the Gym. You'll need to use Surf to cross the water to reach its entrance.

Inside the Dragon's Den
  1. Upon entering, you'll find a small pond. Surf across it.
  2. You'll encounter a wise Elder. He will ask you a series of questions. Your answers determine whether Clair deems you worthy of the badge.
  3. Correct Answers: To pass the Elder's test and receive the Rising Badge, answer the questions in the following order:
    • "I respect my Pokémon."
    • "My Pokémon are strong."
    • "Both." (When asked which is more important, love or strength)
    • "Any." (When asked about your preferred type)
    • "Both." (When asked about winning or losing)
  4. After answering correctly, the Elder will acknowledge your bond with your Pokémon. Clair will then arrive and, albeit grudgingly, award you the Rising Badge!
  5. As an added bonus, the Elder will also give you TM24 (DragonBreath).
Dragon's Den Items and Wild Pokémon

While in the Dragon's Den, you can find some valuable items and encounter rare Pokémon:

  • Items:
    • Dragon Fang: Found on a small island accessible by surfing.
    • Max Elixir: Located near the Dragon Fang.
  • Wild Pokémon:
    • Dratini: Can be found by fishing with a Good Rod or Super Rod, or by surfing. Extremely rare but worth catching!
    • Dragonair: Also found by fishing with a Super Rod, or by surfing, though even rarer than Dratini.
    • Magikarp/Poliwag/Poliwhirl: Common fishing encounters.

Congratulations! With the Rising Badge in hand, you've collected all eight Johto Gym Badges. You're now ready to challenge the Elite Four and the Pokémon Champion!