Route 206 and Wayward Cave
After acquiring your Bicycle in Eterna City, it's time to explore the scenic Route 206, also known as the Cycling Road. This route offers a swift descent south, but don't let the speed distract you from the numerous trainers and hidden paths it holds. Below the main Cycling Road, you'll discover the mysterious Wayward Cave, an optional but rewarding detour.
Navigating Route 206: The Cycling Road
From Eterna City, head south onto Route 206. This is your first opportunity to truly appreciate your new Bicycle, allowing for much faster travel. The route is predominantly downhill, making for a quick ride, but be prepared for several trainer battles that line the path.
Trainer Battles on Route 206:
- Cyclist John: Uses a Level 19 Ponyta.
- Cyclist Kayla: Uses a Level 19 Staravia.
- Cyclist Ryan: Uses a Level 18 Luxio and a Level 18 Machoke.
- Cyclist Rachel: Uses a Level 19 Roselia.
- Cyclist Allison: Uses a Level 19 Kadabra.
- Cyclist Daniel: Uses a Level 18 Buizel and a Level 18 Geodude.
Items on Route 206:
- Super Potion: Found near the northern entrance, accessible by going off-road to the west.
- Dire Hit: Located near the center of the route, on the eastern side, requiring you to dismount your bike and walk through the tall grass.
- TM66 (Payback): Hidden in the tall grass on the western side of the route, south of the Wayward Cave entrance.
- Full Heal: South of the Wayward Cave entrance, near the path leading to Route 207.
Keep an eye out for patches of tall grass on either side of the main cycling path. These areas often hide items and offer encounters with Pokémon like Ponyta, Geodude, and Machop.
Exploring Wayward Cave
Midway down Route 206, on the western side, you'll find the entrance to Wayward Cave. This cave is famous for being the home of the rare Dragon-type Pokémon, Gible. There are two distinct entrances to Wayward Cave, each leading to different areas.
Main Entrance (No HMs Required)
The primary entrance is easily accessible from Route 206. Inside, you'll find a dark cave. While not strictly required, having a Pokémon that knows Flash (TM70, found in Veilstone Department Store) will significantly improve visibility and make navigation much easier. Without Flash, the cave is extremely dark, limiting your field of vision.
Notable Pokémon in Wayward Cave (Main Entrance):
- Gible: This elusive Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon has a low encounter rate (around 15-20%) and is found only in the main section of Wayward Cave. It typically appears at Level 15-17.
- Catching Tips: Gible can be quite feisty. Consider using Pokémon that can inflict status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis to make it easier to catch. Dusk Balls are highly effective here due to the cave environment. Save your game before attempting to catch it, just in case you accidentally knock it out.
- Zubat: Very common.
- Geodude: Common.
- Onix: Uncommon.
Items in Wayward Cave (Main Entrance):
- Escape Rope: Near the entrance.
- Stardust: Hidden in a rock, requires the Dowsing Machine.
- TM32 (Double Team): In the northern part of the main cave.
- Great Ball: In the western section.
The main section of Wayward Cave also features a unique puzzle involving moving boulders with Strength (HM04). However, you won't be able to fully explore this puzzle or the deeper areas until you've obtained the Strength HM and the relevant Gym Badge (which allows its use outside of battle).
Hidden Entrance (Requires Strength)
There is a second, hidden entrance to Wayward Cave located directly underneath the Cycling Road bridge. To access it, you need to dismount your bike and walk underneath the bridge from the northern end of Route 206. This entrance leads to a separate, smaller section of the cave that requires Strength to navigate.
What's in the Hidden Strength Area?
This area is primarily a puzzle involving pushing boulders with Strength to reach various items. While you can technically enter this area, you won't be able to fully explore it or obtain all its treasures until you have the Forest Badge from Eterna City (allowing Strength to be used outside of battle) and the Strength HM itself (found in the Lost Tower on Route 209). At this stage of the game, it's generally recommended to return here later when you have the necessary tools.
Items in the Hidden Strength Area (for later exploration):
- Rare Candy: Requires pushing several boulders.
- Max Revive: Also requires boulder puzzles.
- Iron: Found after solving a smaller boulder puzzle.
For now, focus on catching Gible in the main cave if you desire, and then proceed with your journey.
Continuing Your Journey: Route 207 and Beyond
After exploring Route 206 and Wayward Cave to your satisfaction, continue south on Route 206. This path will lead you directly to Route 207. Route 207 is a short, mountainous path that serves as a direct connection back to Oreburgh City.
While Oreburgh City was your starting point, your next major destination for story progression is Hearthome City. To reach Hearthome City from Oreburgh, you will need to head east from Oreburgh City onto Route 203, then through Oreburgh Gate, and finally east onto Route 204 (South) and then Route 205 (South) to reach your destination. This route will be covered in detail in the next section of the guide.
