Team Galactic Eterna Building & Cycling Road
Following your victory against Gym Leader Gardenia, your next objective is to confront Team Galactic, whose suspicious activities have been plaguing Eterna City. Head directly to the Team Galactic Eterna Building, located in the northeast corner of Eterna City. As you approach, you'll encounter the enigmatic Cynthia, who will generously bestow upon you HM01 (Cut). This crucial Hidden Machine is your key to progressing, allowing you to clear small trees blocking your path.
Team Galactic Eterna Building Infiltration
Use HM01 (Cut) on the small tree blocking the entrance to the Team Galactic Eterna Building. Prepare for a series of battles as you navigate through this multi-story facility. Your primary goal here is to rescue the stolen Pokémon and put a stop to Team Galactic's immediate plans.
Building Layout & Grunt Encounters:
The building is relatively straightforward, but it's filled with Team Galactic Grunts eager to impede your progress. Expect to face a total of six Grunts across the two accessible floors. Their Pokémon generally consist of Poison and Dark-types, such as Zubat, Croagunk, and Stunky. Psychic and Ground-type Pokémon are highly effective here.
- 1st Floor:
- Grunt 1: Stunky (Lv. 15)
- Grunt 2: Zubat (Lv. 13), Stunky (Lv. 13)
- Grunt 3: Croagunk (Lv. 15)
- 2nd Floor: (Accessible via the stairs on the 1st floor)
- Grunt 4: Stunky (Lv. 13), Zubat (Lv. 13)
- Grunt 5: Zubat (Lv. 15)
- Grunt 6: Croagunk (Lv. 13), Stunky (Lv. 13)
Notable Items:
While exploring the building, keep an eye out for these useful items:
- Potion: Found on the 1st floor, near the entrance.
- Super Potion: Located on the 2nd floor, in the southwestern corner.
- Great Ball: On the 2nd floor, in the northwestern corner.
Boss Battle: Commander Jupiter
After navigating through the Grunts on the 2nd floor, you will confront Commander Jupiter, one of Team Galactic's formidable leaders. This is your first encounter with Jupiter, and she presents a significant challenge. Be sure your Pokémon are healed and ready for a tough fight.
| Trainer | Pokémon | Type | Level | Abilities/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commander Jupiter | Zubat | Poison/Flying | Lv. 18 | Weak to Psychic, Electric, Ice, Rock. |
| Commander Jupiter | Skuntank | Poison/Dark | Lv. 20 | Key Threat: Immune to Psychic. Weak to Ground. Has high Attack. |
Strategy for Commander Jupiter:
- Zubat (Lv. 18): This Pokémon is relatively straightforward. Electric, Ice, Psychic, or Rock-type moves will deal super effective damage. Even strong neutral attacks from your starter should be enough.
- Skuntank (Lv. 20): This is Jupiter's ace and the primary threat.
- Type Matchup: Skuntank is a Poison/Dark-type. This means it has a critical immunity to Psychic-type moves, so avoid using them. Its sole weakness is Ground-type attacks.
- Recommended Pokémon: If you have a Pokémon with a Ground-type move (e.g., Geodude, Onix, or even a Pokémon that learned Dig via TM), it will be incredibly effective. Staravia (evolved from Starly) can learn Wing Attack, which is neutral but strong. Luxio (evolved from Shinx) can use Spark for decent damage.
- Levels: Aim for your Pokémon to be around Level 20-22 to comfortably handle Skuntank.
- Tactics: Skuntank hits hard with moves like Poison Jab and Night Slash. Consider using status conditions like Paralysis or Sleep if you have them. Don't be afraid to use Potions or Super Potions to keep your Pokémon healthy. Focus on exploiting its Ground-type weakness.
After a hard-fought battle and defeating Commander Jupiter, she will retreat, leaving behind the stolen Pokémon. You've successfully thwarted Team Galactic's immediate plans in Eterna City!
Cycling Road (Route 206)
With Team Galactic temporarily dealt with, your next destination is south of Eterna City, towards Route 206, also known as Cycling Road. However, before you can traverse this unique route, you'll need a Bicycle.
Obtaining the Bicycle:
Return to the Cycle Shop in the southwestern part of Eterna City. The owner, grateful for your efforts against Team Galactic, will now happily give you a Bicycle as a token of appreciation. This item is essential for both traversing Cycling Road and for speeding up travel across the Sinnoh region.
Traversing Cycling Road:
Cycling Road is a long, elevated bridge that runs directly south from Eterna City. It's a downhill path, meaning you'll move at a faster speed than usual. This route is an excellent place to gain experience for your Pokémon and encounter several trainers.
- Key Features:
- Downhill Slope: You'll constantly be moving downwards, making it a quick descent.
- Trainer Gauntlet: Expect numerous Pokémon Trainers eager to battle. This is a great opportunity for experience points.
- Hidden Items: Keep an eye out for items hidden off the main path, often requiring you to dismount your bike briefly.
- Trainers on Cycling Road:
- Cyclist Megan: Ponyta (Lv. 17)
- Cyclist John: Staravia (Lv. 17)
- Cyclist Rachel: Budew (Lv. 15), Roselia (Lv. 15)
- Cyclist Ryan: Luxio (Lv. 17)
- Cyclist Brenda: Psyduck (Lv. 16), Buizel (Lv. 16)
- Cyclist Richard: Machop (Lv. 17)
- Items on Cycling Road:
- Super Potion: Near the northern entrance.
- Repel: Along the eastern side of the road.
- TM43 (Secret Power): Found under the Cycling Road, accessible from the bottom (Route 207). You'll need to come back for this later.
Once you reach the southern end of Cycling Road, you'll arrive at Route 207, bringing you closer to your next Gym challenge in Oreburgh City (though you'll need to pass through Mount Coronet first).