Route 31 and Dark Cave
After your important visit to Mr. Pokémon's House on Route 30 and receiving the Mystery Egg from Professor Elm's aide, it's time to continue your journey. Head back south from Mr. Pokémon's House, then turn west onto the main path of Route 30. Follow it south until you reach the intersection, then head north to transition onto Route 31.
Route 31 serves as a short but crucial link between Route 30 and Violet City, with a mysterious cave entrance along its eastern edge. Prepare your Pokémon for some initial battles and new wild encounters.
Wild Pokémon Encounters on Route 31
Keep an eye out for these Pokémon in the tall grass:
- Day/Morning: Pidgey, Caterpie (Crystal exclusive), Weedle (Crystal exclusive), Bellsprout, Poliwag
- Night: Gastly, Hoothoot, Poliwag
Strategy Tip: Gastly, a Ghost/Poison type, is an excellent special attacker and can be a valuable addition to your team early on, especially if you're looking for a Pokémon with status-inflicting moves like Lick (paralysis) and Hypnosis. Poliwag, a pure Water type, also offers good type coverage.
Trainers on Route 31
You'll encounter a couple of trainers eager to test their skills. These battles are a good opportunity to gain experience for your starter and any new captures.
- Bug Catcher Wade: Located near the entrance to Route 31.
- Caterpie (Lv. 2)
- Caterpie (Lv. 2)
- Weedle (Lv. 3)
- Caterpie (Lv. 2)
Reward: 48 , Phone Number (may call to offer tips or items later)
- Youngster Joey: Found further west, closer to Violet City.
- Rattata (Lv. 4)
Reward: 64 , Phone Number (may call to offer tips or items later)
Strategy Tip: These early trainers are straightforward. Exploit type advantages where possible (e.g., Flying or Rock moves against Bug types, Fighting moves against Rattata). Don't hesitate to use Potions if your Pokémon's HP gets low.
Items on Route 31
explore thoroughly to find these valuable items:
- Potion: Hidden in a small patch of grass near the Dark Cave entrance.
- Poké Ball: Found by navigating a small ledge puzzle near the western end of the route.
Dark Cave Entrance
On the eastern side of Route 31, you'll spot a foreboding cave entrance: the Dark Cave. At this point in your journey, you won't be able to explore it fully. The cave is pitch black, requiring the use of HM05 Flash, which you won't obtain until much later. However, you can still step inside for a brief moment to encounter some unique Pokémon near the entrance.
Wild Pokémon Encounters in Dark Cave (Entrance Area)
- All Times: Zubat, Geodude
- Night: Gastly
Strategy Tip: Zubat and Geodude are common cave dwellers. Zubat can be annoying with Supersonic, causing confusion, while Geodude's Defense stat is quite high. Gastly, as mentioned, is a great special attacker. Consider catching a Geodude if you need a sturdy Rock/Ground type for early battles, especially against Flying or Electric types.
Warning: Don't venture too far into Dark Cave without Flash. You'll quickly become disoriented and might struggle to find your way back out, let alone encounter any significant items or trainers deeper within.
Continuing to Violet City
Once you've battled the trainers, collected the items, and perhaps caught some new Pokémon, continue heading west on Route 31. You'll soon arrive at the gates of Violet City, your first major destination and home to the first Gym Leader.
Upon entering Violet City, you'll immediately notice a prominent, multi-tiered pagoda-like structure: the Sprout Tower. This landmark is not just for show; it's a significant training ground and will be one of your first challenges in the city. Before tackling any new challenges, visit the Pokémon Center in Violet City to heal your team and stock up on any necessary supplies at the Poké Mart.