( b. Seafoam Islands )

A complete guide to navigating Seafoam Islands in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, including wild Pokemon, item locations, and how to catch Articuno.

The Seafoam Islands can be a frustrating area to traverse, but they hold valuable rewards. It is highly recommended to bring an Escape Rope and a substantial supply of Ultra Balls. Additionally, ensure your party includes Pokémon that know the moves Surf and Strength.

To reach the Seafoam Islands, begin in Fuchsia City. From the Pokémon Center, jump over the rocks and proceed South. You will encounter two Swimmers; the first has a Level 30 Tentacool and Shellder, and the second has a Level 29 Goldeen, Horsea, and Shellder.

ROUTE 19-20 Wild Pokémon:

• Tentacool (90% Appearance Rate, Easy Catch Difficulty)
• Tentacruel (10% Appearance Rate, Normal Catch Difficulty)

After defeating the trainers, begin Surfing. Head left until you reach the Seafoam Islands.

SEAFOAM ISLANDS FLOOR 1-3 Wild Pokémon:

• Zubat (40% Appearance Rate, Easy Catch Difficulty)
• Golbat (25% Appearance Rate, Normal Catch Difficulty)
• Shellder (35% Appearance Rate, Normal Catch Difficulty)
• Slowpoke (35% Appearance Rate, Normal Catch Difficulty)

SEAFOAM ISLANDS FLOOR 4-5 (Watery floors) Wild Pokémon:

• Seel (60% Appearance Rate, Normal Catch Difficulty)
• Slowbro (40% Appearance Rate, Normal-Hard Catch Difficulty)
• Cloyster (40% Appearance Rate, Normal-Hard Catch Difficulty)

SEAFOAM ISLANDS FISHING (Good Rod) Wild Pokémon:

• Krabby (80% Appearance Rate, Easy Catch Difficulty)
• Magikarp (20% Appearance Rate, Easy Catch Difficulty)

SEAFOAM ISLANDS FISHING (Super Rod) Wild Pokémon:

• Krabby (80% Appearance Rate, Easy Catch Difficulty)
• Gyarados (10% Appearance Rate, Hard Catch Difficulty)
• Psyduck (10% Appearance Rate, Easy Catch Difficulty)
• Slowpoke (10% Appearance Rate, Easy Catch Difficulty)

SEAFOAM ISLANDS SURFING Wild Pokémon:

• Krabby (30% Appearance Rate, Easy Catch Difficulty)
• Seel (50% Appearance Rate, Easy Catch Difficulty)
• Dewgong (5% Appearance Rate, Hard Catch Difficulty)
• Slowpoke (10% Appearance Rate, Easy Catch Difficulty)
• Psyduck (10% Appearance Rate, Easy Catch Difficulty)
• Slowbro (5% Appearance Rate, Hard Catch Difficulty)
• Golduck (5% Appearance Rate, Hard Catch Difficulty)

Upon entering the islands, move right and use Strength to push a rock into a hole. Return, collect the Ice Heal, and bypass the nearby ladder. Continue forward and push another rock into a hole. Fall into this hole and follow the rock, pushing it until you reach water, which will push you back to land. Head left and down from this landmass to find an Ultra Ball. Return to the ladder closest to the item ball and descend. Follow the path to a rock maze.

In the rock maze:

1. Push the rock directly left of the pair of rocks all the way to the left.
2. Move the rock situated directly above a hole downwards.
3. Approach the pair of rocks. Push the right rock all the way up.
4. Navigate the left rock into the hole.
5. Jump into the hole. The rocks should now block the current, allowing you to Surf.

Proceed to the uppermost landmass. Save your game, ensure your Pokémon are fully healed, and that you have ample Poké Balls. This is the location of the first legendary bird you will encounter.

LEGENDARY WILD POKEMON:

• Articuno (100% Appearance Rate, VERY HARD Catch Difficulty)

Articuno is an Ice/Flying-type Pokémon, making it 4x weak to Rock-type moves and 2x weak to Electric and Fire-type moves. It is notoriously difficult to catch, as is standard for legendary Pokémon. It is crucial to catch Articuno as it is a powerful Pokémon and you only have one opportunity to do so. To facilitate its capture, use moves like Sleep Powder and Leech Seed to weaken it, then begin throwing Ultra Balls. While weakening Articuno may not significantly improve your catch rate, luck plays a major role. Use all your Ultra Balls and good luck!

Note: Avoid using your Master Ball on Articuno, as there are even tougher Pokémon to catch later in the game.

After encountering Articuno, return to the sea and proceed to the other landmass. Ascend the first two staircases that are closest to you. Head East to find a Pearl. Continue East to find a ladder. Take this ladder to find a Water Stone. Return to the stairs and the ladder. Locate a Revive and the stone you pushed into the hole earlier. Push this stone down the hole and follow it until you reach the water. The current should now be blocked, granting you access to new areas.