them. Once you are ready, head through the main office and go on Route 213.

Discover the wild Pokémon, trainers, and unique locations on Route 213. Learn about Dr. Footstep's Ribbon and prepare to enter Pastoria City in Pokémon Platinum.

Alright, let's talk about Route 213. It's not the most exciting place, but there are a few things to keep an eye out for. You'll find some trainers here and there, and a couple of spots that require Rock Climb later on. The main new Pokémon you might encounter is Chatot, but honestly, it's pretty weak. Good for the Pokédex, though!

Keep an eye out for a hut near the beach. Inside, you'll find a guy named Dr. Footstep. If your lead Pokémon is feeling happy with you, chat him up! He'll give that Pokémon a Ribbon, which might seem small now, but it's actually useful much later in the game. So, give your buddy some love and see if you can snag one!

Once you're done exploring Route 213, it's time to head west into Pastoria City. This place is pretty interesting, not just because it has the fourth Gym, but also because it's home to the Great Marsh, which is a unique Safari Zone experience in Pokémon Platinum.

You'll also find a Move Tutor here who can teach your Pokémon any move they can learn, but you'll need a Heart Scale (found in the Underground) or a wild Luvdisc later on. So, don't worry about him for now.

There's a guy in the easternmost house, near the Route 213 gate, who gives out special scarfs if your Pokémon's contest stats are maxed out in certain areas. Again, this isn't something you can do right now, so just make a mental note of it.

The Great Marsh is an optional area where you can catch some rare Pokémon. It works like the old Safari Zones: you get 30 balls for 500 Pokédollars and about 500 steps to find Pokémon. The Pokémon available change daily, and some, like Croagunk, can only be found here. If you talk to the guy at the beginning of the route, he'll give you a Yellow Shard, which you can use for a move tutor – he's the same guy who gave you HM05 in Diamond and Pearl.

There's also a berry lady in a house near the entrance to Route 212. She gives you a different new berry each day, so it's worth checking in with her daily if you're collecting berries.

When you're all set, head into the Gym. Your rival will show up and challenge you to a battle!

Pastoria City Pokémon Encounters

Here's a look at the Pokémon you can find on Route 213:

Pastoria City Pokémart Items