guard house to reach Route 218.

Navigate from the guard house to Route 218 in Pokémon Platinum. Learn about new Pokémon encounters, surfing, and preparing for Canalave City.

Alright, so you've got the Surf HM and you're ready to head towards Route 218. This area opens up a bit more now that you can travel on water, letting you reach a new city. You won't find a ton of new Pokémon here, but there are a couple of rarities like Mr. Mime and Chatot. Plus, you can finally start catching Pokémon while surfing!

Route 218 Pokémon Encounters:

• Normal Encounters: Floatzel (35%), Shellos (20%), Gastrodon (20%), Mr. Mime (15%), Chatot (10%)
• Surfing Encounters: Tentacool (60%), Tentacruel (9%), Shellos (30%), Gastrodon (1%)
• Good Rod Encounters: Magikarp (65%), Finneon (35%)
• Super Rod Encounters: Gyarados (65%), Lumineon (35%)
• Swarm (National Dex): Voltorb (40%)

Once you've surfed across, there isn't a whole lot to do on Route 218 itself. You can battle a few trainers, but the main event is heading west towards Canalave City. As soon as you enter the city, you'll run into one of Professor Rowan's assistants. They'll upgrade your Pokédex to show the gender differences between Pokémon, which is super handy!

Canalave City Pokemart:

Before you do anything else in Canalave City, make sure to head to the Pokémon Center to heal up your team. Trust me, you'll want to be at full strength for what's next. After healing and saving your game, walk across the bridge. You'll immediately encounter your rival for a battle!

Rival Battle!

Be prepared for a tough fight. Your rival's team will vary depending on which starter Pokémon you chose at the beginning of the game.