Introduction to Pokemon Crystal
Released in 2000 in Japan and 2001 in North America, Pokemon Crystal is an enhanced version of Pokemon Gold and Silver, featuring several new elements that improved gameplay and storytelling. This game introduces players to the Johto region, where they will embark on an adventure to become the Pokemon Champion, battling Gym Leaders, encountering Legendary Pokemon, and unraveling the mysteries of the region. In this comprehensive walkthrough guide, we will cover everything from starting your journey to capturing the most elusive Pokemon, enabling you to navigate through the rich world of Pokemon Crystal with ease.
Getting Started
Before diving into your adventure, it’s essential to understand the basics.
Choosing Your Starter Pokemon
At the beginning of the game, you’ll visit Professor Elm's lab in New Bark Town. Here, you will be able to choose one of three starter Pokemon:
1. Chikorita (Grass-type) - A good choice for beginners, but weak against many Gym Leaders.
2. Cyndaquil (Fire-type) - A solid offensive choice, effective against the first two Gyms.
3. Totodile (Water-type) - A balanced option with solid attack stats.
Each choice will impact your early game strategy, so consider how you want to build your team.
Understanding Your Pokedex
As you set off on your journey, your Pokedex will be your key tool. It is a digital encyclopedia that records data on every Pokemon you encounter. It is essential to:
- Catch as many Pokemon as possible to fill your Pokedex.
- Note which Pokemon evolve and what items or conditions are required for their evolution.
Exploring Johto
Once you have chosen your starter, you’ll begin your adventure in New Bark Town.
New Bark Town to Cherrygrove City
- Route 29: Battle wild Pokemon and trainers to level up your starter.
- Cherrygrove City: Visit the Pokemon Center and the Mart. Speak to the old man who will give you a tour of the city. Don’t forget to collect the Map Card for your Pokegear.
Cherrygrove City to Violet City
- Route 30 and Route 31: Capture Pokemon like Caterpie and Pidgey. You can also find the Dark Cave, where you can catch Zubat.
- Violet City: Head to the Sprout Tower to train your Pokemon. After defeating the trainers and the Elder, you will earn the TM70 (Flash).
Gym Battles and Progression
After exploring the initial areas, it’s time to challenge your first Gym.
Violet City Gym - Falkner
- Type: Flying
- Strategy: Use your starter’s type advantage (Fire or Electric) or catch a Rock-type like Onix from the Ruins of Alph.
- Reward: Zephyr Badge and TM31 (Mud-Slap).
Route 36 and Goldenrod City
After defeating Falkner, travel to Route 36 and take on the Sudowoodo blocking the path using a Water-type move. Continue to Goldenrod City.
- Goldenrod City Activities:
- Visit the Goldenrod Department Store for supplies.
- Challenge the Goldenrod Gym led by Whitney.
Goldenrod Gym - Whitney
- Type: Normal
- Strategy: Prepare for her Miltank, which can use Rollout. Consider using Fighting-type Pokemon or status effects to disable her.
- Reward: Plain Badge and TM45 (Attract).
Journey Through Johto - Intermediate Gyms
After Goldenrod, your next stop is to challenge more Gyms and face new challenges.
Ecruteak City and the Burned Tower
- Explore Ecruteak and encounter the legendary Beast Trio.
- Battle Morty, the Ghost-type Gym Leader.
Ecruteak Gym - Morty
- Type: Ghost
- Strategy: Use Dark-type moves or Ghost-types of your own for an advantage.
- Reward: Fog Badge and TM30 (Shadow Ball).
Oliveine City and the Lighthouse
After Ecruteak, make your way to Oliveine City.
- Lighthouse: Help with the sick Ampharos to get access to the Gym.
Oliveine Gym - Jasmine
- Type: Steel
- Strategy: Fire and Fighting types are effective against Steel-type Pokemon.
- Reward: Mineral Badge and TM23 (Iron Tail).
Advanced Challenges and Legendary Pokemon
As you approach the latter part of your journey, several new challenges await.
Mahogany Town and the Team Rocket Hideout
- Team Rocket: Navigate through the hideout and defeat the executives.
- Legendary Pokemon: After defeating Team Rocket, you can encounter Lugia at the Whirl Islands or Ho-Oh at the Bell Tower (if you have obtained the Rainbow Wing).
Blackthorn City and the Final Gym
- Battle Clair, the Dragon-type Gym Leader.
Blackthorn Gym - Clair
- Type: Dragon
- Strategy: Ice-type moves can be effective against her Dragon-types.
- Reward: Rising Badge and TM24 (Dragonbreath).
The Pokemon League and Elite Four
After acquiring all eight badges, it’s time to head to the Pokemon League.
Victory Road
- Navigate through Victory Road, battling trainers and wild Pokemon.
- Ensure your team is well-leveled and stocked with healing items.
Elite Four Challenges
1. Will - Psychic-type. Use Dark and Bug-types to gain an advantage.
2. Koga - Poison-type. Fire and Psychic-types are effective.
3. Bruno - Fighting/Rock-type. Use Psychic and Flying-types.
4. Karen - Dark-type. Use Fighting or Bug-types to counter.
Champion: Lance, the Dragon-type master. Ice-type moves will serve you well here.
Post-Game Content and Legendary Pokemon
Once you defeat the Elite Four, you unlock a plethora of post-game activities.
Exploring Kanto
- Travel to Kanto and challenge the Gym Leaders there for additional badges.
- Encounter additional Legendary Pokemon, such as Mewtwo in Cerulean Cave.
Completing the Pokedex
- Trade with friends or use special events to catch the remaining Pokemon.
- Look for special areas to catch Legendary Pokemon like Celebi.
Final Thoughts
Pokemon Crystal is a classic that offers a rich experience through its storyline, challenges, and world-building. As you journey through the Johto region, remember to catch a variety of Pokemon, battle strategically, and enjoy the adventure. With this comprehensive walkthrough guide, you have the tools to navigate your way to becoming a Pokemon Master. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between Pokemon Crystal and Pokemon Gold/Silver?
Pokemon Crystal offers a few enhancements over Gold and Silver, including the ability to play as a female character, animated sprites for Pokemon, and the Battle Tower, which adds new challenges and rewards.
How do I catch Suicune in Pokemon Crystal?
To catch Suicune, you must first encounter it at the Ecruteak City Burned Tower. After witnessing the event with Raikou and Entei, you can find Suicune roaming Johto, especially near water. Use a combination of status effects and Ultra Balls to capture it.
What is the best way to level up Pokemon quickly in Pokemon Crystal?
To level up Pokemon quickly, focus on battling trainers instead of wild Pokemon, as they provide more experience points. Additionally, use the Exp. Share item to distribute experience among your team and participate in the Elite Four rematches for high XP gains.
Where can I find all the Legendary dogs in Pokemon Crystal?
The Legendary dogs, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune can be found roaming the Johto region after you encounter them at the Burned Tower. They will appear randomly in different routes, so keep an eye on their locations and use Repels to avoid lower-level Pokemon.
What are some recommended starter Pokemon in Pokemon Crystal?
In Pokemon Crystal, popular starter choices include Cyndaquil for its strong fire-type moves and eventual evolution into Typhlosion, Chikorita for its defensive capabilities and healing moves, and Totodile for its strong physical attacks and versatility in battle.
How do I access the Kanto region in Pokemon Crystal?
After defeating the Elite Four and becoming the Pokemon Champion in Johto, you can access the Kanto region by taking the train from Goldenrod City to Vermilion City, where you can continue your journey and challenge the Kanto Gym Leaders.
