Cave Course

Prepare your camera for a journey into the dimly lit depths of the Cave course! This subterranean wonderland is a labyrinth of winding passages, glowing crystals, and hidden nooks, making it one of the most challenging yet rewarding environments for aspiring Pokémon photographers. While the low light conditions demand a keen eye, the Cave is teeming with unique photographic opportunities, intricate Pokémon interactions, and even a legendary encounter with the elusive Mewtwo.

Unlike the open plains or lush jungles, the Cave course requires a more strategic approach. Many Pokémon here are shy, camouflaged, or require specific items to coax them out for that perfect shot. Mastering the use of Apples, Pester Balls, and the Poké Flute will be crucial to uncovering all of its secrets and achieving a high score from Professor Oak.

Pokémon Encounters & Photographic Opportunities

The Cave is primarily home to Rock, Ground, and Psychic-type Pokémon, with a few surprises along the way. Here’s a detailed breakdown of some key Pokémon you’ll encounter and how to get those high-scoring photos:

Zubat: These nocturnal Pokémon are abundant and often fly in swarms. Aim for a shot of them mid-flight or interacting with other Pokémon. Try using the Poké Flute to make them dance for a unique pose, or a Pester Ball to make them flinch for an action shot.
Diglett / Dugtrio: You'll spot Diglett popping out of various holes in the ground. To get Dugtrio, look for three Diglett holes close together in the first open area. Throw an Apple near them, and if you're lucky, a Dugtrio will emerge! Be quick with your camera, as they don't stay out long.
Vulpix: These elegant Fire-types can be found near the glowing crystals in the middle section of the cave. Try luring them closer with an Apple for a better shot, or use the Poké Flute to make them perform a charming pose.
Jynx: Often found dancing or gliding through the air near the end of the course. A well-timed Poké Flute can get them to strike a pose, especially if you catch them mid-air. They are shy, so approach carefully.
Magmar: Keep an eye out for these fiery Pokémon, particularly in areas with lava flows. They can be quite aggressive, often spitting fire, so be ready to snap quickly! Hitting them with a Pester Ball can sometimes provoke a more dynamic reaction.
Grimer / Muk: These Poison-types are often hidden in dark corners or emerging from pools of sludge. Pester Balls can sometimes coax them out for a clearer photo, or make them react in a way that yields a higher score. Look for them in the grimy sections of the cave.
Weepinbell / Victreebel: You'll find Weepinbell dangling from the ceiling in certain areas, particularly after the first major turn. To evolve one into Victreebel, try hitting it with a Pester Ball when it's near a specific plant (a large, pitcher-plant-like flora). This is a classic interaction for a high score and crucial for completing your Pokémon Report.
Electabuzz: These Electric-types are often found near electrical currents or glowing rocks. They can be quite active, so patience is key for a good action shot. They also play a crucial role in a significant interaction later in the course.
Pikachu: Yes, even Pikachu makes an appearance! Look for it riding on the back of an Electabuzz. This is a fantastic photo opportunity that requires precise timing and a specific interaction to trigger.

Intricate Interactions & Hidden Secrets

The Cave course truly shines with its complex Pokémon interactions. Don't just snap and move on; experiment with your items to uncover all its secrets!

The Electabuzz & Pikachu Ride: Early in the course, just after the first turn, you'll see an Electabuzz. If you throw an Apple in front of it, a Pikachu will often jump onto its back. This is a prime photo opportunity for a high score! Aim for a shot of both Pokémon clearly in frame.
Dugtrio's Emergence: As mentioned, throwing an Apple near three Diglett holes in the initial open area is the key to getting Dugtrio to appear. Make sure you're ready to snap as soon as it pops up, as it's a fleeting moment.
Weepinbell to Victreebel Evolution: One of the most famous transformations in the game! Locate a Weepinbell hanging from the ceiling. If you hit it with a Pester Ball when it's near a specific large, pitcher-plant-like flora, it will evolve into Victreebel. This is a critical shot for completing your Pokémon Report and often yields a high score due to the rarity of evolution photos.
The Rock Slide: In one section of the cave, just before the path splits, you'll notice a precarious stack of rocks on the left. Hitting these with a Pester Ball can trigger a rock slide, revealing a hidden path and a new area with additional Pokémon like Jynx. Be prepared for the chaos and new photographic opportunities!
The Crystal Cave Path: After triggering the rock slide, you can choose to go straight or take the newly opened path to the left. The left path leads to a beautiful crystal-filled chamber, offering unique lighting and different Pokémon encounters, including more Vulpix and Jynx.

Unlocking the Legendary Pokémon: Mewtwo

The Cave course is home to the legendary Genetic Pokémon, Mewtwo. Encountering and photographing Mewtwo is one of the ultimate challenges and rewards of the game. Unlike other legendaries, Mewtwo requires a specific sequence of actions to reveal itself.

How to Encounter Mewtwo:

Activate the Crystal Power: As you progress through the main path of the cave (do not take the rock slide path for this), you will come across a large, glowing crystal structure. You need to hit this crystal with a Pester Ball. This will cause it to glow intensely and resonate, activating a hidden mechanism.
Follow the Energy Trail: After hitting the first crystal, continue forward. You will notice a series of other, smaller crystals along the path that begin to glow in sequence. You must hit each of these subsequent crystals with a Pester Ball as you pass them. There are typically three or four such crystals leading towards the end of the course.
Reach the Final Chamber: If you have successfully hit all the glowing crystals in sequence, as you approach the very end of the course, a hidden chamber will open up. This chamber is distinct from the main exit.
Summon Mewtwo: Inside this newly opened chamber, you will find a large, dormant energy sphere. Play the Poké Flute near this sphere. The sphere will react, and from within, the powerful Mewtwo will emerge! It will float majestically, offering several excellent photo opportunities. Be ready with your camera as soon as it appears, as it may only stay for a short duration.

Important Note: Missing even one crystal in the sequence will prevent Mewtwo from appearing. You may need multiple attempts to perfect the timing of your Pester Ball throws.

Strategy Tips & Common Pitfalls

Flash for Clarity: The low light can make photos blurry. use your camera's flash (by pressing the Z button on N64/Wii/Wii U or ZR on Switch) to illuminate Pokémon and capture clearer details, especially for Pokémon in dark corners or for close-ups.
Pester Ball Precision: Many interactions, especially for Mewtwo and the Weepinbell evolution, require precise Pester Ball throws. Practice your aim! Lead your shots slightly for moving targets.
Poké Flute Timing: The Poké Flute isn't just for dancing; it can wake sleeping Pokémon, attract shy ones, and trigger unique poses. Experiment with playing it at different points to see how Pokémon react.
Don't Rush: The vehicle moves at a set pace, but you can often look around freely. Take your time to scan every corner for hidden Pokémon or subtle interactions. The Cave is full of small details.
Replay for Perfection: Don't expect to get every perfect shot on your first run. Replay the course multiple times, focusing on different Pokémon or interactions each time. The Mewtwo sequence alone often requires dedicated runs.
Look Up and Down: Pokémon aren't just at eye level. Many hang from the ceiling (like Weepinbell), pop out of the ground (like Diglett), or fly high above (like Zubat). Keep your camera moving!
Item Management: Remember you have unlimited Apples, Pester Balls, and Poké Flute uses. Don't be afraid to spam them to trigger reactions or lure Pokémon into better positions.
Scoring Focus: Professor Oak values size, pose, and whether the Pokémon is facing the camera. Action shots or interactions with other Pokémon often yield bonus points.

The Cave course is a masterclass in environmental storytelling and interactive photography. By understanding its unique challenges and leveraging your items effectively, you'll be able to capture stunning photos and uncover all the secrets this mysterious underground world holds, including the legendary Mewtwo!