Pokémon Red is one of the most important RPGs ever released for the Game Boy. It introduced players to the world of Pokémon and the Kanto region, where aspiring Pokémon Trainers set out to build a team, collect Gym Badges, defeat Team Rocket, challenge the Pokémon League, and become Champion.

This complete Pokémon Red guide covers the entire adventure from beginning to end. You’ll find information about the starter Pokémon, every major location, all eight Gym Leaders, Team Rocket, important HMs and TMs, legendary Pokémon, version exclusives, Fossils, the Safari Zone, the Elite Four, Mewtwo, and important post-game content.

Whether you’re playing Pokémon Red for the first time or returning to the original Kanto adventure, this guide is designed to be your main reference throughout the game.

This guide covers the original Pokémon Red Version for Game Boy and does not cover Pokémon FireRed or LeafGreen.

Pokémon Red Overview

Pokémon Red is a Generation I role-playing game developed by Game Freak for Nintendo’s Game Boy.

The game takes place in the Kanto region and features the original 151 Pokémon. Your main objective is to travel across Kanto, catch and train Pokémon, defeat eight Gym Leaders, and ultimately challenge the Pokémon League.

However, becoming Champion is only one part of the experience. Players can also search for rare Pokémon, collect items, explore optional locations, trade Pokémon, and continue their adventure after completing the main story.

Pokémon Red Quick Facts

Choosing Your Starter Pokémon

At the beginning of Pokémon Red, Professor Oak gives you three Pokémon to choose from:

• Bulbasaur
• Charmander
• Squirtle

Your starter will be one of the most important members of your team during the early part of the game.

There is no single choice that prevents you from completing the game. Each starter has different strengths and weaknesses, so your decision should depend on the type of team and playstyle you prefer.

Bulbasaur

Bulbasaur is a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon and is one of the easiest starters to use during the early portion of Pokémon Red.

Its Grass typing gives it useful matchups against several early opponents, while its Poison typing gives it access to additional moves and strategies.

Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur and eventually Venusaur.

Why choose Bulbasaur?

• Strong early-game performance.
• Useful against Water-, Ground-, and Rock-type Pokémon.
• Can learn useful status moves.
• Great option for first-time players.

Charmander

Charmander is the Fire-type starter.

It evolves into Charmeleon and eventually Charizard.

Choosing Charmander can make the beginning of the game more challenging, particularly because of the first Gym Leader. However, Charizard can become a very useful member of your team later in the adventure.

Why choose Charmander?

• Strong offensive potential.
• Fire typing provides useful coverage.
• Evolves into Charizard.
• Good choice for players who enjoy a more challenging start.

Squirtle

Squirtle is the Water-type starter.

It evolves into Wartortle and eventually Blastoise.

Squirtle offers a strong combination of offensive and defensive capabilities and performs consistently throughout the adventure.

Why choose Squirtle?

• Strong against Fire-, Rock-, and Ground-type Pokémon.
• Reliable Water-type option.
• Evolves into Blastoise.
• Good choice for a balanced team.

Which Starter Is Best?

There isn’t a universally correct starter.

Bulbasaur can make the beginning of the adventure easier.

Charmander provides a more challenging start but eventually becomes Charizard.

Squirtle offers a balanced and reliable option.

Ultimately, the best starter is the one you enjoy using.

Complete Pokémon Red Walkthrough

The main adventure takes you across the entire Kanto region.

You’ll begin in Pallet Town and eventually travel through cities, routes, caves, forests, buildings, and other locations before reaching the Pokémon League.

Pallet Town

Pallet Town is where your Pokémon journey begins.

After leaving your home, you’ll meet Professor Oak and receive your first Pokémon.

Your rival will also choose one of the remaining starters, creating your first major battle.

After progressing through the opening events, you’ll eventually receive the Pokédex and begin your journey through Kanto.

Main objectives

• Choose your starter.
• Battle your rival.
• Travel to Viridian City.
• Obtain Professor Oak’s Parcel.
• Return to Oak’s Laboratory.
• Receive the Pokédex.

Route 1

Route 1 connects Pallet Town and Viridian City.

This is one of the first areas where you can encounter wild Pokémon and begin building your team.

It’s also a good opportunity to gain some early experience before continuing north.

Viridian City

Viridian City is the first major city you encounter.

The local Gym cannot initially be challenged, so you’ll need to continue your journey and return later.

Make sure to visit the Pokémon Center and Poké Mart before leaving.

Viridian City will eventually become one of the most important locations in the game because it contains the final Gym.

Viridian Forest

Viridian Forest is the first major forest area in the game.

You’ll encounter several Trainers and wild Pokémon while making your way through the forest.

It’s a useful place to gain experience before challenging the first Gym Leader.

Pewter City — Brock

Pewter City is home to the first Gym.

Gym Leader: Brock

Type: Rock
Badge: Boulder Badge

Brock’s team focuses on Rock-type Pokémon.

Water- and Grass-type attacks are especially useful against his team.

Bulbasaur and Squirtle can therefore have an easier time here, while Charmander players may need to rely more heavily on other Pokémon.

After defeating Brock, continue east toward Route 3.

Route 3

Route 3 connects Pewter City with Mt. Moon.

Several Trainers are found along the route, making it a good opportunity to gain experience before entering the cave.

After crossing Route 3, you’ll reach one of Kanto’s most famous locations.

Mt. Moon

Mt. Moon is one of the first major caves you’ll explore.

The area contains wild Pokémon, Trainers, items, and Team Rocket members.

One of the most important decisions here involves the two Fossils.

Dome Fossil

The Dome Fossil can eventually be revived into Kabuto.

Kabuto evolves into Kabutops.

Helix Fossil

The Helix Fossil can eventually be revived into Omanyte.

Omanyte evolves into Omastar.

You normally have to choose between the two Fossils during the adventure, so obtaining both requires trading or another compatible game.

Cerulean City

Cerulean City is home to the second Gym.

The city also provides access to several important routes and locations.

After arriving, prepare your team for another Gym battle.

Cerulean Gym — Misty

Gym Leader: Misty

Type: Water
Badge: Cascade Badge

Misty uses Water-type Pokémon, including Staryu and Starmie.

Electric- and Grass-type attacks can be particularly effective.

After defeating Misty, you’ll be able to continue exploring the northern and eastern parts of Kanto.

Route 24 and Route 25

The routes north of Cerulean City contain numerous Trainers.

You’ll eventually reach Bill’s house.

Bill is responsible for the Pokémon storage system used throughout the game.

After helping Bill, continue your journey back toward Cerulean City and the routes leading east.

Vermilion City

Vermilion City is an important port city.

It contains the S.S. Anne and the third Gym.

Before challenging Lt. Surge, you’ll need to explore the S.S. Anne and obtain an important HM.

S.S. Anne

The S.S. Anne contains numerous Trainers, items, and battles.

Eventually you’ll reach the ship’s Captain.

After helping him, you’ll obtain HM01 Cut.

HM01 — Cut

Cut allows a Pokémon to remove small trees blocking certain paths.

It is required to access several areas during the adventure.

Although Cut is useful for exploration, remember that HM moves occupy a Pokémon’s move slot.

Vermilion Gym — Lt. Surge

Gym Leader: Lt. Surge

Type: Electric
Badge: Thunder Badge

Lt. Surge specializes in Electric-type Pokémon.

Ground-type attacks are especially useful because Electric attacks cannot normally affect Ground-type Pokémon.

After earning the Thunder Badge, several new areas become accessible.

Diglett’s Cave

Diglett’s Cave provides a shortcut between Route 11 and Route 2.

The cave is home to Diglett and Dugtrio.

Its other exit also provides access to an area where you can obtain HM05 Flash.

HM05 — Flash

Flash is primarily used to illuminate dark areas.

Its most important use is navigating Rock Tunnel.

Although the move isn’t necessary for every area, having access to Flash can make exploration significantly easier.

Rock Tunnel

Rock Tunnel connects the areas around Route 10 with Lavender Town.

The cave is dark, so Flash can make navigation much easier.

You’ll encounter Trainers, wild Pokémon, and various items while traveling through the tunnel.

Lavender Town

Lavender Town is one of the most recognizable locations in Pokémon Red.

The town is home to Pokémon Tower, which plays an important role in the story.

Pokémon Tower

Pokémon Tower is a large tower filled with Ghost-type Pokémon and Trainers.

You’ll initially be unable to properly identify some of the ghosts.

The Silph Scope, obtained through the Team Rocket storyline, allows you to progress further.

You’ll eventually rescue Mr. Fuji and receive an important item for your journey.

Poké Flute and Snorlax

After completing the relevant events in Lavender Town, you’ll obtain the Poké Flute.

The Poké Flute can wake the Snorlax blocking important routes.

There are two Snorlax encounters in Kanto.

Once awakened, you can battle and attempt to catch them.

Celadon City

Celadon City is one of the largest and most important cities in Kanto.

Important locations include:

• Celadon Department Store
• Game Corner
• Celadon Mansion
• Celadon Gym
• Team Rocket Hideout

The Department Store is especially useful because it sells many valuable items.

Celadon Gym — Erika

Gym Leader: Erika

Type: Grass
Badge: Rainbow Badge

Erika specializes in Grass-type Pokémon.

Fire-, Flying-, and other effective attacks can be useful against her team.

Team Rocket Hideout

The Team Rocket Hideout is located beneath the Game Corner.

You’ll need to navigate multiple floors while battling Team Rocket members.

Eventually, you’ll confront Giovanni.

One of the most important rewards from this storyline is the Silph Scope, which allows you to properly identify the ghosts in Pokémon Tower.

Pokémon Tower — The Rescue

Return to Pokémon Tower after obtaining the Silph Scope.

You’ll now be able to identify the ghosts and progress further through the tower.

Team Rocket is also involved in the events taking place there.

Eventually, you’ll rescue Mr. Fuji and receive the Poké Flute.

Fuchsia City

Fuchsia City contains two extremely important locations:

• Safari Zone
• Fuchsia Gym

The city also plays an important role in obtaining HM04 Strength.

Safari Zone

The Safari Zone uses a special catching system that differs from normal Pokémon battles.

Instead of weakening Pokémon through traditional battles, you use Safari Balls and other Safari mechanics.

The Safari Zone also contains several important items and Pokémon.

One of the most important objectives is finding the Safari Zone Warden’s Gold Teeth.

HM03 — Surf

HM03 Surf is obtained in the Safari Zone.

Surf is one of the most important HMs in Pokémon Red because it allows Pokémon to travel across bodies of water.

It also opens access to numerous areas that were previously inaccessible.

HM04 — Strength

After finding the Safari Zone Warden’s Gold Teeth, you can return them to him.

You’ll receive HM04 Strength.

Strength allows compatible Pokémon to move certain boulders.

Fuchsia Gym — Koga

Gym Leader: Koga

Type: Poison
Badge: Soul Badge

Koga specializes in Poison-type Pokémon.

Psychic- and Ground-type attacks can be particularly effective.

His Gym also uses invisible walls, making navigation part of the challenge.

Saffron City

Saffron City is located in the center of Kanto.

Important locations include:

• Silph Co.
• Saffron Gym
• Fighting Dojo

The city becomes a major part of the story because of Team Rocket’s takeover of Silph Co.

Silph Co.

Team Rocket has taken control of Silph Co.

You’ll need to explore the building, battle Team Rocket members, find key items, and eventually confront Giovanni.

During this part of the story, you’ll also receive a Lapras.

After defeating Team Rocket, the situation in Saffron City changes and you can continue toward the Gym.

Saffron Gym — Sabrina

Gym Leader: Sabrina

Type: Psychic
Badge: Marsh Badge

Sabrina specializes in Psychic-type Pokémon.

Her Gym uses teleportation panels, requiring you to find the correct path through the building.

Psychic-type Pokémon are particularly dangerous in Generation I, so prepare your team carefully.

Seafoam Islands

Seafoam Islands is a large cave system located between the mainland and Cinnabar Island.

You’ll encounter various Pokémon and Trainers while navigating the caves.

The area also contains one of Kanto’s legendary Pokémon.

Articuno

Articuno is an Ice/Flying-type Legendary Pokémon.

It can be found deep inside Seafoam Islands.

Because legendary Pokémon are difficult to replace if accidentally defeated, saving your game before attempting to catch Articuno is a useful precaution.

Cinnabar Island

Cinnabar Island is located southwest of Kanto.

Important locations include:

• Pokémon Mansion
• Pokémon Lab
• Cinnabar Gym

The island is also connected to the story surrounding Mew and Mewtwo.

Pokémon Mansion

Pokémon Mansion is an abandoned building filled with wild Pokémon, items, and documents.

The journals found inside provide clues about Mew and the experiments that eventually led to Mewtwo.

You’ll also need to find the Secret Key inside the mansion.

The Secret Key unlocks the Cinnabar Gym.

Cinnabar Gym — Blaine

Gym Leader: Blaine

Type: Fire
Badge: Volcano Badge

Blaine specializes in Fire-type Pokémon.

Water-, Ground-, and Rock-type attacks are useful options against his team.

After defeating Blaine, only one Gym remains.

Viridian Gym — Giovanni

The final Gym is located in Viridian City.

Its leader is revealed to be Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket.

Gym Leader: Giovanni

Type: Ground
Badge: Earth Badge

Giovanni’s team includes:

• Rhyhorn
• Dugtrio
• Nidoqueen
• Nidoking
• Rhydon

Water-, Grass-, and Ice-type attacks can be useful against his Ground-focused team.

After defeating Giovanni, you will have all eight Gym Badges.

All Eight Gym Badges

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Important HMs

HMs are special moves that can also be used to interact with the environment.

Try not to fill your strongest Pokémon with unnecessary HM moves.

Using dedicated HM users can help preserve important battle moves for the rest of your team.

Important TMs

Pokémon Red contains many Technical Machines that teach permanent moves to compatible Pokémon.

Some notable TMs include:

TM24 — Thunderbolt

A powerful Electric-type move available through the Vermilion Gym storyline.

TM26 — Earthquake

One of the most powerful Ground-type moves available in the game.

TM29 — Psychic

A powerful Psychic-type move that can be extremely useful against many opponents.

TM13 — Ice Beam

A powerful Ice-type move that provides excellent coverage.

TM14 — Blizzard

A powerful Ice-type attack with lower accuracy.

TM38 — Fire Blast

A powerful Fire-type move obtained through Blaine.

Because many TMs in Generation I are single-use, consider carefully which Pokémon should receive them.

Legendary Pokémon

Pokémon Red contains several Legendary Pokémon that can be encountered during the adventure.

Articuno

Type: Ice/Flying
Location: Seafoam Islands

Articuno is one of the three Legendary Birds.

Zapdos

Type: Electric/Flying
Location: Power Plant

Zapdos is one of the most powerful Electric-type Pokémon available in the original game.

Moltres

Type: Fire/Flying
Location: Victory Road

Moltres is the third Legendary Bird.

It can be encountered during the later stages of the adventure.

Mewtwo

Type: Psychic
Location: Cerulean Cave

Mewtwo is the major post-game Legendary encounter in Pokémon Red.

Cerulean Cave becomes accessible after completing the Pokémon League.

Mewtwo can be found deep inside the cave.

What About Mew?

Mew is the 151st Pokémon in the original Pokédex.

Unlike the other Pokémon discussed above, Mew was not normally obtainable through standard gameplay.

Its original availability was tied to special Nintendo events and distributions.

Pokémon Red Version Exclusives

Pokémon Red and Blue contain version-exclusive Pokémon.

This means certain Pokémon cannot normally be obtained in one version without trading.

Some Pokémon associated with Pokémon Red include:

• Ekans
• Arbok
• Oddish
• Gloom
• Vileplume
• Mankey
• Primeape
• Growlithe
• Arcanine
• Scyther
• Electabuzz

If you want to complete the original Pokédex, you’ll need to trade with Pokémon Blue or another compatible game.

Completing the Pokédex

The original Pokédex contains 151 Pokémon.

However, Pokémon Red alone cannot normally provide every Pokémon.

You’ll need trading to obtain certain version exclusives and Pokémon that evolve through trading.

This means completing the Pokédex was designed to be a social experience involving multiple versions of the game.

Fossil Pokémon

Mt. Moon gives you an important choice.

Dome Fossil

Revives into:

Kabuto → Kabutops

Helix Fossil

Revives into:

Omanyte → Omastar

You normally cannot obtain both Fossil families through the same Fossil choice, making trading important for Pokédex completion.

Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan?

The Fighting Dojo in Saffron City provides another important choice.

You can obtain one of two Fighting-type Pokémon:

Hitmonlee

or

Hitmonchan

Like the Fossil choice, obtaining both normally requires trading.

Building a Balanced Team

You don’t need a perfect team to finish Pokémon Red.

What matters most is having Pokémon that can cover each other’s weaknesses.

A balanced team can include access to different types such as:

• Water
• Fire
• Grass
• Electric
• Ground
• Psychic
• Flying
• Ice

You don’t necessarily need one Pokémon representing every type.

Instead, focus on creating a team that gives you useful answers to different opponents.

How Experience and Leveling Work

Pokémon gain experience through battles.

As they gain experience, they level up and their stats increase.

Some Pokémon also learn new moves or evolve when reaching certain levels.

Other Pokémon require Evolution Stones or trading to evolve.

A useful strategy

Don’t rely entirely on a single Pokémon.

Keeping several Pokémon at reasonable levels gives you more options during difficult battles and makes it easier to exploit type advantages.

Evolution Methods

Generation I uses several different evolution methods.

Level Evolution

Some Pokémon evolve automatically when they reach a specific level.

Evolution Stones

Some Pokémon evolve when exposed to special stones.

Examples include:

• Fire Stone
• Water Stone
• Thunder Stone
• Leaf Stone
• Moon Stone

Trade Evolution

Certain Pokémon evolve only when traded.

This is another reason trading is important in the original Pokémon games.

Victory Road

Victory Road is the final major route before the Pokémon League.

You’ll need to navigate the cave, solve environmental obstacles, battle Trainers, and prepare your team for the Elite Four.

Make sure your team is properly leveled before entering the League.

The Pokémon League

Once you have all eight Gym Badges, you can travel to the Indigo Plateau and challenge the Pokémon League.

The Elite Four must be defeated consecutively.

This means preparation is extremely important.

Before entering, make sure you have enough:

• Potions
• Super Potions
• Hyper Potions
• Revives
• Status-healing items
• Other useful battle items

Elite Four — Lorelei

Lorelei is the first member of the Elite Four.

Her team focuses heavily on Ice-type Pokémon, although several of her Pokémon also have Water typing.

Electric- and Grass-type attacks can be useful depending on the matchup.

Elite Four — Bruno

Bruno is the second member of the Elite Four.

He specializes in Fighting-type Pokémon but also uses Onix.

Psychic- and Flying-type attacks can be useful against his Fighting-type Pokémon.

Elite Four — Agatha

Agatha is the third member.

Her team focuses on Ghost- and Poison-type Pokémon.

Her battles can be tricky because of status effects and disruptive moves.

Psychic-type attacks can be especially useful against her Poison-type Pokémon.

Elite Four — Lance

Lance is the final member of the Elite Four.

He specializes in Dragon-type Pokémon.

Ice-type attacks are particularly useful against Dragon Pokémon in this part of the game.

The Champion Battle

After defeating Lance, you discover that your rival has already reached the League and become Champion.

You must defeat him in the final battle.

His team depends on the starter he selected at the beginning of the game.

Defeat your rival and Professor Oak will recognize your achievement.

Your Pokémon will then be recorded in the Hall of Fame.

What to Do After Becoming Champion

Becoming Champion doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to do.

One of the biggest post-game objectives is exploring Cerulean Cave.

The cave contains powerful Pokémon and eventually leads you to one of the most important encounters in the entire game.

Cerulean Cave

Cerulean Cave becomes accessible after completing the Pokémon League.

The cave contains some of the strongest wild Pokémon available in the original game.

Deep inside the cave you’ll find Mewtwo.

Catching Mewtwo

Mewtwo is one of the most challenging Pokémon encounters in Pokémon Red.

Before attempting to catch it, make sure your team is prepared and that you have enough Poké Balls.

Saving your game before the encounter is also a useful precaution.

Once captured, Mewtwo can become one of the strongest Pokémon on your team.

Pokémon Red Completion Checklist

Use this checklist if you want to experience as much of Pokémon Red as possible.

Main Story

• Choose your starter
• Receive the Pokédex
• Defeat Brock
• Defeat Misty
• Defeat Lt. Surge
• Defeat Erika
• Defeat Koga
• Defeat Sabrina
• Defeat Blaine
• Defeat Giovanni
• Defeat Team Rocket
• Complete Silph Co.
• Complete Pokémon Tower
• Explore Safari Zone
• Complete Victory Road
• Defeat the Elite Four
• Defeat your rival
• Enter the Hall of Fame

HMs

• HM01 Cut
• HM02 Fly
• HM03 Surf
• HM04 Strength
• HM05 Flash

Legendary Pokémon

• Articuno
• Zapdos
• Moltres
• Mewtwo

Collection

• Revive your chosen Fossil
• Obtain Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan
• Catch Pokémon Red exclusives
• Trade for Pokémon Blue exclusives
• Work toward completing the Pokédex

Pokémon Red Tips for New Players

Don’t Rely on One Pokémon

Even if one Pokémon becomes extremely powerful, different opponents can exploit its weaknesses.

Keep several Pokémon trained throughout your adventure.

Save Before Important Encounters

This is especially useful before attempting to catch Legendary Pokémon.

Think Before Using Important TMs

Many TMs in Generation I are single-use.

Make sure you’re happy with your choice before teaching an important move.

Visit Pokémon Centers Frequently

Pokémon Centers restore your team’s HP and PP for free.

Catch New Pokémon

Even if you don’t plan to use every Pokémon, catching new species helps you progress toward completing the Pokédex.

Keep Useful HM Pokémon

Some Pokémon can learn multiple HMs.

Using them can help preserve important moves on your main battle team.

Explore Optional Areas

Kanto contains many optional areas, hidden items, NPC interactions, Pokémon encounters, and secrets.

Don’t be afraid to explore beyond the main path.

Pokémon Red vs. Modern Pokémon Games

Playing Pokémon Red today can feel very different from playing newer Pokémon games.

Generation I lacks many mechanics that later became standard throughout the franchise.

There are no modern features such as:

• Abilities
• Held Items
• Natures
• Pokémon breeding
• Day/night cycles
• Later-generation Pokémon
• Modern online systems
• Many of the type and battle mechanics introduced in later generations

Instead, Pokémon Red focuses heavily on exploration, catching Pokémon, battling, trading, and building a team.

Final Pokémon Red Strategy

You don’t need a perfect team to complete Pokémon Red.

The most important thing is understanding your Pokémon, learning type matchups, maintaining a balanced team, and preparing before important battles.

Keep these principles in mind:

1. Build a balanced team.
2. Keep multiple Pokémon properly leveled.
3. Learn type advantages.
4. Save before important encounters.
5. Manage your healing items.
6. Use HMs carefully.
7. Prepare before every Gym.
8. Explore optional areas.
9. Catch Pokémon whenever possible.
10. Trade if you want to complete the Pokédex.

The journey from Pallet Town to the Pokémon League is the heart of Pokémon Red, but the adventure doesn’t necessarily end after becoming Champion.

You can continue catching Pokémon, completing your Pokédex, exploring Kanto, collecting rare Pokémon, and eventually challenging Mewtwo in Cerulean Cave.

Pokémon Red Quick Reference

Region: Kanto
Generation: I
Platform: Game Boy
Gym Badges: 8
Elite Four: 4
Starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle
Legendary Birds: Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres
Post-game Legendary: Mewtwo
Important HMs: Cut, Fly, Surf, Strength, Flash
Main Villainous Team: Team Rocket
Final Battle: Rival

Final Thoughts

Pokémon Red remains one of the most recognizable RPGs of its generation.

From choosing your first Pokémon in Pallet Town to earning all eight Badges, fighting Team Rocket, defeating the Elite Four, becoming Champion, and eventually searching for Mewtwo, the game offers a surprisingly large adventure despite its simple presentation.

Whether you’re playing Pokémon Red for the first time or returning to Kanto years later, taking the time to explore the region and build your own team is a major part of what makes the original game special.

Your Kanto adventure begins in Pallet Town.