Post-Game: Obtaining the National Pokédex
Congratulations, Trainer! Defeating the Elite Four and becoming the Champion of Kanto is a monumental achievement, but your journey in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen is far from over. To truly complete your Pokédex and unlock new areas and Pokémon, you'll need to upgrade your Pokédex to the National Pokédex. This guide will walk you through the essential steps.
Step 1: Complete the Kanto Pokédex (First 150 Pokémon)
Before Professor Oak will even consider giving you the National Pokédex, you must see all 150 unique Pokémon native to the Kanto region (excluding Mew). You do not need to catch them all, merely encounter them. This means battling trainers, wild Pokémon, and even seeing certain Legendary Pokémon like Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres. If you've been diligent throughout your journey, you might be very close already.
- Review Your Pokédex: Open your Pokédex and check for any blank entries within the first 150.
- Trainer Battles: Re-challenge trainers you might have missed or those in areas you rushed through. The Vs. Seeker (obtained from a Lass in Vermilion City's Pokémon Center after defeating Lt. Surge) is invaluable for this, allowing you to re-battle trainers for experience and to register any Pokémon you missed.
- Wild Encounters: Explore every patch of grass, cave, and body of water. Pay attention to version-exclusive Pokémon if you're playing with a friend.
- Legendary Pokémon: Ensure you've encountered Zapdos (Power Plant), Articuno (Seafoam Islands), and Moltres (Mt. Ember on One Island). You don't need to catch them yet, just see them in battle.
- Trade with Friends: If you're missing version-exclusive Pokémon (e.g., Arbok in FireRed, Sandshrew in LeafGreen), trading with a friend who has the opposite version is the easiest way to "see" them.
Step 2: Speak with Professor Oak
Once you have seen 150 Pokémon (excluding Mew), fly back to Pallet Town and enter Professor Oak's Lab. Speak to Professor Oak. He will acknowledge your hard work and, seeing your dedication, will upgrade your Pokédex to the National Pokédex. This expanded Pokédex allows you to register Pokémon from regions beyond Kanto, including those found in the Sevii Islands and through trading with Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald.
Step 3: Obtain the Tri-Pass
After receiving the National Pokédex, Professor Oak will inform you that there are more Pokémon to discover. He will then instruct you to speak with Celio on One Island. To reach One Island, you'll need the Tri-Pass. This key item is given to you by Bill, who is also in Professor Oak's Lab during this event. The Tri-Pass grants you access to the ferry service from Vermilion City to One, Two, and Three Islands.
- Location: Bill is standing near Professor Oak in the Pallet Town lab.
- Action: Speak to Bill to receive the Tri-Pass.
Step 4: Journey to the Sevii Islands
With the Tri-Pass in hand, head to Vermilion City. Go to the port in the southeastern part of the city. Speak to the sailor next to the ferry. He will now offer to take you to One Island. The Sevii Islands are a crucial post-game area, home to many Pokémon not found in Kanto, as well as new challenges and items.
- Ferry Location: Vermilion City, southeast port.
- Destination: One Island.
Upon arriving at One Island, your post-game adventure truly begins! You can now explore the new islands, catch new Pokémon, and prepare for even greater challenges, including the hunt for Legendary Pokémon like Lugia and Ho-Oh (via trading) and the eventual completion of the full National Pokédex.