Verdanturf Town & Rusturf Tunnel Revisited
Following your adventures in Mauville City, your journey continues westward onto Route 117, which serves as the scenic path to the charming Verdanturf Town. This quaint settlement offers a brief respite and a few key activities before you press on. More importantly, it provides the opportunity to fully open the Rusturf Tunnel, creating a vital shortcut between Verdanturf and Rustboro City.
Verdanturf Town: A Hub for Contests and Connections
Upon entering Verdanturf Town, you'll immediately notice its peaceful atmosphere. While it may seem small, it holds a significant landmark and a few important NPCs:
- Pokémon Contest Hall: The most prominent building in Verdanturf Town is the Pokémon Contest Hall, located prominently in the center of town. This is where you can register your Pokémon to compete in various Contest categories (Cool, Beauty, Cute, Smart, Tough) and earn Ribbons. If you're interested in the aesthetic side of Pokémon battles, this is your first major stop! Speak to the receptionist inside to learn more and enter your first Normal Rank Contest.
- Wally's Family: Just south of the Contest Hall, you'll find a house belonging to Wally's family. His aunt will greet you warmly and express her gratitude for your help in Petalburg City. She'll also offer you the TM45 (Attract), a useful move for charming opposing Pokémon in battle, particularly against those of the opposite gender.
- Move Tutor (Swagger): In a house near the Pokémon Center, you'll find an old man who can teach the move Swagger to one of your Pokémon. Swagger raises the target's Attack by two stages but also confuses them. It can be a risky but powerful move, especially if you have a Pokémon that can capitalize on the confusion or withstand the increased attack.
- Pokémon Center & Poké Mart: As always, these essential facilities are available for healing your team and stocking up on supplies.
Key Item Acquisition in Verdanturf Town:
- TM45 (Attract): Received from Wally's Aunt.
- Swagger: Taught by the Move Tutor.
Rusturf Tunnel: Completing the Shortcut
Your primary objective in Verdanturf Town, beyond exploring its amenities, is to fully open the Rusturf Tunnel. You first encountered this tunnel near Rustboro City, where a pair of lovers were blocking the path. Now, with the HM06 (Rock Smash) in hand, you can finally clear the way.
Step-by-Step Tunnel Clearing:
- From Verdanturf Town, head east to the entrance of Rusturf Tunnel.
- Inside, you'll find the same two individuals, Peeko's owner and his girlfriend, still separated by a single boulder.
- Approach the boulder and use HM06 (Rock Smash). This will shatter the obstacle, reuniting the couple.
- As a token of their gratitude, the man will give you the HM04 (Strength). This is an incredibly important Hidden Machine, allowing your Pokémon to move large boulders on the overworld and providing a powerful Normal-type attack in battle.
HM04 (Strength) Acquisition:
- Location: Rusturf Tunnel, after reuniting the couple.
- Effect: Allows Pokémon to move large boulders on the field. Battle effect: 80 Power, 100 Accuracy, Normal-type Physical attack.
- Requirement: Requires the Balance Badge (from Wattson) to be used outside of battle.
Pokémon Encounters in Rusturf Tunnel
With the tunnel now fully accessible, it serves as a convenient shortcut between Verdanturf Town and Rustboro City. It's also a great place to encounter specific Pokémon:
Wild Pokémon Encounters (Rusturf Tunnel):
- Whismur: (Common) A Normal-type Pokémon known for its loud cries. It evolves into Loudred and then Exploud, making it a powerful sound-based attacker.
- Makuhita: (Uncommon) A Fighting-type Pokémon that evolves into Hariyama. It boasts high HP and Attack, making it a solid physical attacker.
Trainer Battles & Items (Rusturf Tunnel):
While the tunnel is short, keep an eye out for any hidden items or trainers you might have missed on your first pass. There are no mandatory trainers in this section of the tunnel, but occasionally, you might find a hidden item using the Itemfinder or by simply walking over specific tiles.
Moving On: What's Next?
After you've explored Verdanturf Town, reunited the lovers in Rusturf Tunnel, and potentially caught some new Pokémon, you have a few options:
- Return to Mauville City: If you need to heal or buy supplies, Mauville is just a short trip back through Route 117.
- Head North from Mauville: Your main quest progression will lead you north from Mauville City onto Route 111. This route is expansive and leads to new challenges and areas, including the desert and the Fiery Path.
- Explore Route 117: Before heading back to Mauville, consider exploring Route 117 more thoroughly. It's home to several trainers and wild Pokémon that can help you level up your team.
Common Pitfalls & Tips:
- Don't forget HM04 (Strength): This HM is crucial for later progression, so make sure you pick it up in Rusturf Tunnel.
- Consider a Whismur or Makuhita: Both Pokémon found in Rusturf Tunnel can be valuable additions to your team, especially if you're looking for a Normal or Fighting-type Pokémon early on.
- Contest Hall Exploration: Even if you're not keen on Contests, it's worth visiting the Contest Hall to understand the mechanics. You might find it a fun diversion later!
With the Rusturf Tunnel now fully open, you've established a convenient link between the eastern and western parts of Hoenn, making future travel much easier. Prepare yourself, as the journey ahead on Route 111 promises even more exciting discoveries!
