Route 3 & Mt. Moon
Having conquered Brock and earned your first Gym Badge, it's time to venture east from Pewter City onto Route 3. This route serves as a crucial training ground before the challenges of Mt. Moon, offering a plethora of trainers and new wild Pokémon to encounter. Prepare your team, as the journey ahead is filled with opportunities for growth and discovery!
Route 3: The Path to Mt. Moon
Route 3 is a relatively straightforward path, but don't let its simplicity fool you. It's packed with trainers eager to test your skills and several wild Pokémon that can significantly bolster your team. battle every trainer you encounter; the experience and prize money are invaluable at this stage of the game.
Wild Pokémon Encounters (Route 3)
The wild Pokémon on Route 3 offer some interesting additions to your roster. Pay attention to their types and potential movesets when deciding who to catch.
| Pokémon | Type | Encounter Rate (Day/Night) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jigglypuff | Normal / Fairy | 35% / 35% | Known for its Sing attack, which can put opponents to sleep. Evolves into Wigglytuff with a Moon Stone. |
| Spearow | Normal / Flying | 30% / 30% | A decent early-game Flying-type. Evolves into Fearow at level 20. |
| Sandshrew | Ground | 20% / 20% | Exclusive to Pokémon Yellow. A strong Ground-type that will be very useful against Electric, Rock, and Fire types. Evolves into Sandslash at level 22. |
| Mankey | Fighting | 10% / 10% | Exclusive to Pokémon Yellow. A powerful Fighting-type. Evolves into Primeape at level 28. Excellent against Normal and Rock types. |
| Nidoran♀ | Poison | 5% / 5% | Evolves into Nidorina at level 16, then Nidoqueen with a Moon Stone. Nidoqueen is a versatile Poison/Ground type. |
| Nidoran♂ | Poison | 5% / 5% | Evolves into Nidorino at level 16, then Nidoking with a Moon Stone. Nidoking is a versatile Poison/Ground type. |
Strategy Tip: If you didn't pick up a Nidoran in Route 22, now is your chance. Both Nidoran♀ and Nidoran♂ evolve into powerful Poison/Ground types (Nidoqueen and Nidoking, respectively) with a Moon Stone, which you'll find in Mt. Moon. Sandshrew and Mankey are also excellent additions, especially if you need more type coverage against Rock and Normal Pokémon.
Trainers on Route 3
There are numerous trainers along Route 3. Engage with all of them to maximize your experience gains and prepare for the challenges ahead. None of them are particularly difficult, but they serve as good practice.
- Bug Catcher Cale: Caterpie (Lv. 9), Caterpie (Lv. 9)
- Bug Catcher Rick: Weedle (Lv. 10)
- Youngster Ben: Rattata (Lv. 10)
- Lass Janice: Jigglypuff (Lv. 10)
- Bug Catcher Greg: Caterpie (Lv. 9), Weedle (Lv. 9)
- Youngster Calvin: Spearow (Lv. 9), Rattata (Lv. 9)
- Lass Robin: Nidoran♀ (Lv. 11)
- Bug Catcher Colt: Metapod (Lv. 10)
Trainer Tip: Most trainers here use Bug or Normal-type Pokémon. Your starter (Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle) should handle them well. If you caught a Mankey, it will make short work of the Normal-types.
Key Items on Route 3
- Potion: Found near the start of the route, easily visible.
- TM39 (Swift): Located near the end of the route, just before the Pokémon Center. This is a useful Normal-type move that never misses.
After battling all the trainers and collecting the items, you'll reach a Pokémon Center. This is a critical stop! Heal your Pokémon, stock up on Potions and Poké Balls, and consider depositing any Pokémon you don't plan to use in Mt. Moon. The journey through Mt. Moon is lengthy and challenging, so preparation is key.
Mt. Moon: The Meteorite Cavern
Mt. Moon is a two-floor cave system known for its unique rock formations, rare Pokémon, and the presence of Team Rocket. It's a maze-like dungeon, so be prepared for multiple battles and some exploration.
Mt. Moon Layout and Navigation
The cave can be a bit confusing, but generally, you'll want to follow the main path, battling trainers and picking up items as you go. There are several ladders connecting the floors. Don't be afraid to explore dead ends, as they often hide valuable items.
Wild Pokémon Encounters (Mt. Moon)
Mt. Moon is home to several unique Pokémon, including the elusive Clefairy and the Rock/Ground-types Geodude and Zubat. You'll also find Paras, a Bug/Grass type.
| Pokémon | Type | Encounter Rate (1F/B1F/B2F) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zubat | Poison / Flying | 35% / 35% / 35% | Very common. Can be annoying with Supersonic. Evolves into Golbat at level 22. |
| Geodude | Rock / Ground | 30% / 30% / 30% | A solid Rock/Ground type. Evolves into Graveler at level 25, then Golem via trade. Very resistant to Normal and Flying attacks. |
| Paras | Bug / Grass | 20% / 20% / 20% | Has Spore (100% sleep) and Leech Life. Evolves into Parasect at level 24. |
| Clefairy | Normal / Fairy | 10% / 10% / 10% | Rare and highly sought after. Evolves into Clefable with a Moon Stone. Can learn a wide variety of TMs. |
| Sandshrew | Ground | 5% / 5% / 5% | Exclusive to Pokémon Yellow. Same as on Route 3. |
Strategy Tip: Clefairy is a rare and valuable catch due to its high stats and ability to learn many different TMs. If you want one, be prepared to spend some time searching. Geodude is an excellent choice for a Rock/Ground type, especially against Flying and Fire Pokémon. Zubat, while common, can evolve into a strong Golbat later on.
Trainers in Mt. Moon
Mt. Moon features a mix of Bug Catchers, Youngsters, and most notably, Team Rocket Grunts. Team Rocket will be a recurring antagonist throughout your journey, and this is your first major encounter with them.
- Bug Catcher Robby (1F): Caterpie (Lv. 10), Metapod (Lv. 10)
- Bug Catcher Sammy (1F): Weedle (Lv. 10), Kakuna (Lv. 10)
- Youngster Josh (1F): Rattata (Lv. 10), Zubat (Lv. 10)
- Lass Miriam (1F): Clefairy (Lv. 12)
- Team Rocket Grunt (1F): Rattata (Lv. 11), Zubat (Lv. 11)
- Super Nerd Miguel (B1F): Grimer (Lv. 12), Voltorb (Lv. 12)
- Team Rocket Grunt (B1F): Sandshrew (Lv. 11), Rattata (Lv. 11)
- Team Rocket Grunt (B2F): Zubat (Lv. 12), Koffing (Lv. 12)
- Super Nerd Jaxon (B2F - Fossil Choice): Magnemite (Lv. 12), Voltorb (Lv. 12)
Trainer Tip: Team Rocket Grunts often use Poison-type Pokémon like Zubat, Koffing, and Grimer. Ground-type attacks (from Sandshrew or Nidoqueen/Nidoking) are highly effective against them. Super Nerd Jaxon, the final trainer, uses Electric-types, so a Ground-type is crucial here.
Key Items in Mt. Moon
Mt. Moon is a treasure trove of useful items. Be thorough in your exploration!
- Potion: Several scattered throughout the cave.
- Escape Rope: Useful for a quick exit if you run low on supplies.
- Moon Stone: Essential for evolving Clefairy, Nidorina, and Nidorino. There are two in Mt. Moon: one hidden on 1F (requires searching a specific rock) and one dropped by a Team Rocket Grunt.
- TM01 (Mega Punch): A powerful Normal-type move.
- TM12 (Water Gun): A basic Water-type move.
- Rare Candy: Use to instantly level up a Pokémon.
- Fossils (Dome Fossil / Helix Fossil): After defeating Super Nerd Jaxon, you'll have a choice between two fossils.
- Helix Fossil: Revives into Omanyte (Water/Rock).
- Dome Fossil: Revives into Kabuto (Water/Rock).
Missable Warning: You can only choose ONE fossil. The other will be lost forever. Choose wisely based on which Pokémon you prefer. You can revive them much later in Cinnabar Island's Pokémon Lab.
The Fossil Choice
Near the exit of Mt. Moon, you'll encounter Super Nerd Jaxon, who is guarding two ancient fossils. After defeating him, he'll allow you to choose one:
- Helix Fossil: This will eventually become the Water/Rock-type Pokémon, Omanyte.
- Dome Fossil: This will eventually become the Water/Rock-type Pokémon, Kabuto.
Both Omanyte and Kabuto are powerful Pokémon with good defensive and offensive stats, respectively. Your choice here depends on personal preference. You won't be able to revive them until much later in the game, so don't worry too much about their immediate utility.
Once you've made your choice and collected all the items, proceed through the final exit to emerge onto Route 4, leading you closer to Cerulean City!