The Radio Tower and Team Rocket — Pokémon Crystal Walkthrough

The Radio Tower and Team Rocket

After receiving a concerning call (likely from Professor Elm, or perhaps Gina if you've been particularly friendly with her!), you'll learn that Goldenrod City's Radio Tower has been seized by the nefarious Team Rocket. This event plunges Goldenrod into a state of emergency, with Rocket Grunts blocking many key areas. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to liberate the tower and restore peace to the airwaves!

Initial Infiltration of the Radio Tower

Upon arriving in Goldenrod, you'll notice Rocket Grunts stationed strategically, preventing access to certain parts of the city. Thankfully, the Pokémon Center, the Poké Mart, and the Radio Tower itself remain accessible. Head directly into the Radio Tower to confront the Rocket threat.

• First Floor: You'll immediately encounter Rocket Grunts. Battle your way through them.
• Upper Floors: Continue ascending the tower, defeating any Rocket Grunts you encounter. These battles are generally straightforward, but ensure your Pokémon are well-healed.
• Executive Encounter: On one of the upper floors, you'll face a Team Rocket Executive. After defeating them, they will reveal that the true Radio Tower Director is being held captive in the Goldenrod Underground. However, they won't give you the key directly.

Locating the Underground Entrance

Despite the Executive's revelation, Rocket Grunts will still be blocking the main entrances to the Goldenrod Underground from within the city. Don't despair! There's a less obvious, unblocked entrance you need to use:

1. Head North: Exit the Radio Tower and walk north out of Goldenrod City.
2. Past the Tracks: Continue past the train tracks.
3. Turn Left: Once past the tracks, turn left (west).
4. Find the Building: You'll spot a small building there. This building is the entrance to the Goldenrod Underground, and crucially, it won't be blocked by any Rocket Grunts. This is the same area where the Name Rater is located.

Navigating the Underground and Rescuing the Director

Once inside the Underground, the real challenge begins. Team Rocket has also infiltrated this area.

• Down the Stairs: Descend the stairs into the main Underground area, where you might typically find vendors selling Healing Herbs or the hair-cutting brothers.
• Southward Journey: Proceed south through the Underground.
• Side Hallway: Look for a distinctive side hallway branching off. This is the only such corridor in this section of the Underground in Pokémon Crystal.
• Button Puzzle: Follow this side hallway. You'll soon encounter a simple button puzzle. Pressing the correct buttons will open the path forward. Experiment with them until the way is clear.
• Department Store Basement: This path leads to a secret underground floor of the Goldenrod Department Store. This is where the Radio Tower Director is being held.
• Rival Battle: Be prepared! Your rival will appear here and challenge you to a battle. Ensure your team is ready for this encounter.
• Rescue the Director: After defeating your rival, you can finally reach and rescue the Radio Tower Director.

Obtaining the Basement Key and Finishing the Tower

Upon rescuing the Director, he will gratefully reward you with the Basement Key. This crucial item will allow you to access the previously locked areas of the Radio Tower.

1. Return to the Radio Tower: Head back to the Radio Tower in Goldenrod City.
2. Unlock the Door: Use the Basement Key to unlock the previously inaccessible doors on the upper floors.
3. Confront the Leader: Continue your ascent, battling remaining Rocket Grunts and Executives until you reach the top. Here, you will face off against the Team Rocket Leader, who is orchestrating the takeover.
4. Restore Order: Defeat the Rocket Leader to finally drive Team Rocket out of the Radio Tower and restore peace to Goldenrod City.