Pokémon Platinum
Pokémon Platinum

Lake Acuity & Route 216/217

Cross the icy Routes 216 and 217 from Mt. Coronet to Snowpoint City in Pokémon Platinum, braving harsh weather and trainers along the frozen path.

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Lake Acuity & Route 216/217: The Frozen Path to Snowpoint

Your journey continues through the frigid northern reaches of Sinnoh. This section will guide you from the heart of Mt. Coronet, across the snow-laden Routes 216 and 217, and finally to the doorstep of Snowpoint City. Be prepared for harsh weather conditions and challenging trainers!

Navigating Mt. Coronet (Western Ascent)

From Eterna City, Fly west and enter Mt. Coronet. This particular section of the mountain requires the use of both Strength (to move boulders) and Rock Smash (to clear cracked rocks). Your goal is to ascend through the western side of the mountain, eventually exiting onto Route 216.

Key Navigation & Obstacles:

  • Upon entering from Eterna City, head north, then east. You'll encounter boulders that require Strength to push.
  • Follow the path, using Rock Smash on any cracked rocks blocking your way.
  • Keep an eye out for hidden items and side paths.

Wild Pokémon Encounters (Mt. Coronet - Western Ascent):

Expect a mix of Rock, Ground, and Steel-types. Consider bringing a Water or Grass-type Pokémon for an advantage.

  • Common: Geodude, Zubat, Machop, Chingling, Bronzor, Graveler
  • Uncommon: Nosepass, Meditite, Clefairy
  • Rare: Absol, Staravia (Upper areas)

Trainer Battles (Mt. Coronet - Western Ascent):

Be ready for a few skirmishes. Their Pokémon levels typically range from mid-20s to low-30s.

  • Hiker Alexander: Geodude (Lv. 26), Graveler (Lv. 28)
  • Camper Tyler: Ponyta (Lv. 27), Machop (Lv. 27)
  • Picnicker Diana: Clefairy (Lv. 28)
  • Trainer Tips: These trainers are generally straightforward. Focus on type advantages and status conditions if needed.

Items to Collect (Mt. Coronet - Western Ascent):

  • Revive: Near the entrance, requires Rock Smash.
  • Escape Rope: On a small ledge.
  • Full Heal: Hidden behind a boulder.
  • Iron: Requires Strength.
  • TM69 (Rock Polish): A valuable TM for boosting Speed.

Once you've navigated through the mountain and emerged from the northern exit, you'll find yourself on the snow-covered Route 216.

Route 216: The Snowy Ascent

Route 216 is a short, but challenging, route characterized by deep snow and constant hail. The hail will damage any non-Ice-type Pokémon in battle, so be mindful of your team composition. Visibility can also be reduced due to the snow.

Environmental Hazards:

  • Deep Snow: Slows your movement speed considerably.
  • Hail: Active during all battles on this route. Damages all Pokémon except Ice-types for 1/16th of their max HP each turn. Consider leading with an Ice-type or a Pokémon with the Ability Snow Cloak/Ice Body if you have one.

Wild Pokémon Encounters (Route 216):

Expect several Ice-types and Pokémon adapted to cold climates.

  • Common: Sneasel, Snover, Meditite, Machoke
  • Uncommon: Graveler, Zubat
  • Rare: Chingling, Absol

Trainer Battles (Route 216):

These trainers often use Ice-type Pokémon or those with high Attack stats.

  • Skier Andrea: Snover (Lv. 30), Sneasel (Lv. 30)
  • Skier Bradley: Machoke (Lv. 31)
  • Ace Trainer Mariah: Staravia (Lv. 31), Ponyta (Lv. 31)
  • Trainer Tips: Fire, Fighting, and Rock-type moves are effective against many Pokémon here. Be prepared for hail damage.

Items to Collect (Route 216):

  • Ice Heal: Near the start of the route.
  • Full Restore: On a raised ledge, requires navigating carefully.
  • TM72 (Avalanche): A powerful Ice-type move that doubles in power if the user takes damage before attacking.
  • Max Repel: Hidden in the snow.

Continue north from Route 216 to transition into Route 217.

Route 217: The Ice Rock and HM08

Route 217 is even more treacherous than Route 216, with deeper snow and more challenging terrain. It's also home to two very important features: the Ice Rock and a crucial HM.

Environmental Hazards:

  • Deep Snow & Hail: Same conditions as Route 216, but often more pronounced.
  • Slippery Ice Patches: Be careful not to slide into unwanted battles or off ledges.

Wild Pokémon Encounters (Route 217):

Similar to Route 216, with a slightly higher chance of evolved forms.

  • Common: Sneasel, Snover, Abomasnow, Machoke
  • Uncommon: Medicham, Graveler
  • Rare: Absol, Staravia

Trainer Battles (Route 217):

Expect higher-level Pokémon from these trainers, often specializing in Ice or Fighting types.

  • Skier Kaitlyn: Sneasel (Lv. 32), Snover (Lv. 32)
  • Skier Bjorn: Abomasnow (Lv. 33)
  • Ninja Boy Matthew: Skorupi (Lv. 30), Croagunk (Lv. 30), Stunky (Lv. 30)
  • Black Belt Eddie: Machoke (Lv. 33)
  • Ace Trainer Olivia: Roselia (Lv. 32), Pelipper (Lv. 32)
  • Trainer Tips: Fire and Fighting types remain excellent choices. Watch out for status conditions like Freeze from Ice-type moves.

Key Locations & Items (Route 217):

1. The Ice Rock (Glaceon Evolution Point):

  • Location: The Ice Rock is found in the northern part of Route 217, slightly to the west of the path leading to Snowpoint City. It's a distinct, large rock covered in ice.
  • Evolution Method: To evolve Eevee into Glaceon, you must level up Eevee (through battle or Rare Candy) while it is in your party and you are standing in the immediate vicinity of the Ice Rock. There is no specific interaction with the rock itself; simply gaining a level nearby is sufficient.
  • Recommendation: If you plan to use Glaceon, catch an Eevee (from Hearthome City, given by Bebe) and bring it here. Glaceon is a powerful Ice-type special attacker.

2. HM08 (Rock Climb) - The Hiker's House:

  • Location: On the eastern side of Route 217, you'll find a small house nestled amongst the snowdrifts.
  • How to Obtain: Enter the house. You will find a Hiker inside who has lost his Key Item, the "House Key." He will ask you to find it.
  • Finding the House Key: Exit the house and search the snow patch directly behind the house. Interact with the sparkling spot in the snow to find the House Key.
  • Reward: Return the House Key to the Hiker. As a token of his gratitude, he will give you HM08 (Rock Climb).
  • Prerequisite: While you can obtain HM08 now, you will not be able to use it outside of battle until you have earned the Icicle Badge from Candice in Snowpoint City. This HM is vital for accessing many later areas and hidden items, so don't miss it!

Other Items to Collect (Route 217):

  • Protein: Near the beginning of the route.
  • Full Heal: Hidden in a snowdrift.
  • Max Potion: On a small elevated path.
  • TM07 (Hail): Found in the northern part of the route, useful for Ice-type teams.
  • Rare Candy: Hidden in the snow near the Ice Rock.

After collecting HM08 and exploring Route 217, continue heading north. You will soon reach the entrance to Snowpoint City, your next major destination and home to the seventh Gym Leader.