gaming Pokemon Pros: Tips for a n00b?

[Adorkable 2,737]

Oh by the gods, here it comes.

 

Alright alright, I'll admit it, I haven't played much Pokemon before. But please, before you raise your pitchforks and light those torches, let me just say that Pokemon was removed from my childhood, and in this cause, I would join the mob.

 

It's a complicated situation, but some knuckleheads told my parents that Pokemon were evil (I know, right?) and I was banned by them from watching the show, playing the games, and playing the card games. It was really sad.

 

 

EVIL!

 

Anyways, jokes aside, I'm a grown man now and I can pretty much watch and play what I want to without having to answer to anyone but myself.

 

 

So, now to the topic's point. I've recently gotten Pokemon Red for my phone (via emulator) and I've pretty much been wondering this whole time how to get...you know, good.

 

I don't really mean how to play it, I know how to run around and (kind of) fight, but remember, I'm a total n00b at Pokemon. I plan on working the anime (original!) into my schedule sometime in the future, but until then I'm just going to stick with the game. Maybe even go purchase a 2DS for X or Y sometime in the future if I can figure out the basics.

 

So right now, I've just beaten Brock with my Charmander, which is (I think?) pretty good, considering Fire type Pokemon don't usually have much affect against Rock type.

 

I have a few Pokemon, but of course, Charmander is my highest with (right now) a level 14 status, he actually just evolved into Charmeleon.

 

I was hoping all the PokePros out there on the forum could lend a beginner a helping hoof, since you guys have years of experience, I was hoping you could give a few pointers, tips, just whatever to help me get started.

 

Like one thing I've been wondering, what's a fairly good strategy to level up my Pokemon? Like, Charmeleon being my primary Pokemon, of course his level surpasses my others. I just don't really know of a good way how to balance this out so I can have a fair team of Pokemon to win Gym Battles with.

 

Like I said, I just beat Brock, but I know there's plenty more out there. I'm sure I'll have questions soon for those who enjoy answering them so much. ^^ So stay tuned!

 

Thanks for your help, guys and girls! ^^ (

 

Edited April 7, 2014 by Adorkable

[Scootalove 10,689]

A fairly good strategy to level up your Pokemon is to have your Pokemon battle some random wild Pokemon, make sure to heal with potions and other healing remedies. Have them properly trained to take on the gym trainers once they are ready.

[Adorkable 2,737]

A fairly good strategy to level up your Pokemon is to have your Pokemon battle some random wild Pokemon

 

Is that a common strategy for leveling your Pokemon up? I mean, is that how everyone else does it?

[GaleFenrir 281]

Another means of distributing experience to your lower leveled mons is to put them at the front of your party. If they can handle a fight, then good, they get 100% exp. If not, you can switch into your charmeleon, and have him handle the fight. Both your first pokemon and your charmeleon would get 50% of that battle's exp, even if it was charmeleon who did all the work.

 

That strategy is especially helpful once you catch a pokemon who has no real means of attacking. For example, the pokemon abra and magikarp have no attacks, but they evolve into some of the best pokemon in the game.

Edited April 7, 2014 by Aged Rain

[Scootalove 10,689]

Is that a common strategy for leveling your Pokemon up? I mean, is that how everyone else does it?

That's how I started out. Everyone else has different strategies on leveling up their Pokemon, it's mostly my method on doing it.

[XxConfusedUnicornxX 834]

Well... I say just go with the flow.

[The Taxman 274]

First off, GameFaqs can really help you if you want a full-out walkthrough of the game. Also, try checking out Bulbeedia in case you want to know when a Pokemon evolves. 

Second, Psychic types are REALLY powerful in RBY (that's Red, Blue, and Yellow) so get one. An Abra is useless as you can't trade, so a Drowzee should be fine. 

Third, get a Water type. It's one of the most reliable types in the game. Two options are Starmie, a Water/Psychic type (two of your problems solved at once) or a Vaporeon (Very high HP, great Special, decent Defense).Starmie is a bit trick to use due to it's low Defense, so I suggest you try Vaporeon,

Fourth, never teach any of your main Pokemon HM's. Every HM in the game is awful except Surf and Fly. Give your Charizard fly and your Water type Surf. A Rattata can do the rest. (This is commonly referred to as a 'HM Slave' and I suggest you bring one as it'll be helpful, plus five Pokemon can get through the game anyway).

Some other Pokemon to consider are the Oddish family (all-around good stats and have lots of helpful attacks), the Primape family (learns Ground attacks and has very high Attack and good Speed), the Clefairy family (lots of diversity), and the Poliwag family (good stats and can pack a punch). Again, consult Bulbpedia. 

[Celtore 2,770]

Have fun! That's the best tip I can offer. Don't look at sites like bulbapedia or smogon to build competitive teams until post-game; train the pokemon you want to use without restricting yourself. This doesn't create optimal teams, but it does provide for a great experience and a fun playthrough. And after all, isn't that what gaming's all about?

Edited April 7, 2014 by Celtore

[Radiance64 7,053]

Pokémon Red huh...

Well, that game doesn't really get too hard until the endgame, so doing whatever should be fine, as long as you have at least a decently balanced team in the end(f.e.: don't just level your starter, catch and use other pokes you like as well). Don't be afraid to consult a type chart if you get confused in battle or a walkthrough if you really need it either. Have fun!

[Moonlight Magician 494]

I'd suggest learning most of the type match ups and don't restrict yourself in building your team. I wouldn't worry about which Pokémon are good competitively. Try out many Pokémon and decide which ones you like best! And most importantly: HAVE FUN!!!

[GoneForeverBye 184]

Wall of Likely Useless Information Incoming!!

 

I would not (or ever) call myself an expert on Pokémon, but I would like to bring some points up that may or may not be helpful. Either way, I'll go ahead and try.

 

So first of all, you must have a varied team to cover for type advantages. These are the 'fire is weak to water' scenarios, except there are 17 or so different types, all of which have multiple advantages and disadvantages (Note: the exact number of types will vary based on which game you play. If you play a generation 1 game (that is, Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow, you'll only have 15), if you play a generation 2-5 game (that is, any Pokémon game on the Gameboy Colour all the way to Nintendo DS (BUT NOT 3DS), then you'll have 17 different types which the addition of Dark and Steel. Generation 6 (3DS) has 18, with the addition of Fairy. Note that new types are added in an attempt to factor out against previously-too powerful types (more on this later!!).

 

Super effective = x2 damage

Not very effective = 1/2 damage

 

You're advised to look up a type advantage/disadvantage chart and study the general effects. Of course, you'll be able to get the information from the game itself, but it requires perception and memorization (for example, you hit a Pokémon with an attack - is it super effective? Is it not?). The latter would be nice if you were a purist who would like to have a bit more challenge, but someone such as me would not have the patience.

 

Second, you must know your own Pokémon to some degree. Of course, you're likely aware your Charmeleon is a Fire type, no? Like mentioned above, factor in type advantages and disadvantages. Besides that, make sure to check out your Pokémon's statistics (Menu > Pokémon > Pokémon of choice > Summary > press left or right to go to right section) and see where their strengths and weaknesses are. For example, your Charmeleon would probably have high Speed and Special Attack statistics, so you may base your moveset around hard-hitting attacks backed by speed.

 

Also, you should know that if a move's type is the same as the Pokémon's (Ember and Charmeleon are both Fire), then there will be a x1.5 power boost. Of course, if taking into account Pokémon types, it'd mean your Pokémon would be able to do x3 damage as opposed to x2 (or 3/4 damage as opposed to 1/2).

 

However. Although you'd be tempted to use a moveset that consists entirely of Fire attacks, that would likely be a mistake. Instead, you'd try to add different move types to a single Pokémon, in order to factor out against any weakness. For example, you likely have Metal Claw. If you haven't beaten the first Gym yet, Metal Claw will do your Charmander wonders! Why? Fire is weak against Rock, but Rock is weak against Steel type, meaning that your Fire type could overpower the first Gym with ease, probably. You're advised to take this general idea and take it further: see if you can add moves that'd be of use to you. Discard moves that are of no use to you.

 

(Wait!! You likely DON'T have metal claw -- that's only in the FireRed remake... >.<)

 

This also works for your entire team in general - get varying Pokémon which all factor out for others's weaknesses, such as getting a Grass type to cover for your Fire type.

 

By the way, now I mentioned the first Gym, you'd better prepare yourself for the second Gym - water-based. There, your Charmeleon will simply not cut it unless your Level is ridiculously high by that point. You'd have to catch a different Pokémon to work with for the time being (or just overlevel as hell).

 

To end things off, I'd like to bring up a point. Remember how I previously mentioned that some Types are a bit overpowered? Well, if you're playing Generation 1, for example, try getting a Psychic type such as Abra, which will evolve into an Alakazam. Why? Like mentioned before, if you're playing a Generation 1 game, it will become REALLY powerful! And no overestimation either. You see, in Generation 1 Psychics only had two weaknesses - Ghost and Bug. Now, due to a glitch in the game, Ghosts, instead of being super effective, did x0 damage. Ouch. As for Bug? Well, there were no Bug typed attacks powerful enough to pose a threat (the strongest of all being the same as your measly starter attack, Scratch).

 

But wait, now I mentioned Alakazam... you usually cannot get it on your own, because you are required to trade over Kadabra at least once to make it evolve into its final stage. However, if you're playing on an Emulator, you can rectify this problem by... erm... (wait, you'll likely have to transfer your save to a computer and trade there and then transfer back... likely).

 

So... with that brought up, you're not advised to work with a Bug type... at least, not if you're playing an early Generation game.

 

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Er... I'm wondering whether you could even comprehend any of this... I think I got a bit carried away. B-but still, it's not complicated business, and the learning curve is not very harsh. Keep in mind that the games are designed for children, so if you just kept yourself to leveling up and overpowering all your foes through brute force, then by all means.

 

Some more basic things: have a ready supply of healing items, such as Potions and condition-healers (oh boy, haven't mentioned those yet. Let me go on a 5,000 word rant about them, too! (jk)).  Also, have a good supply of Pokéballs if you're planning to catch something on the way.

 

Conditions are... well, what the names say: conditions. Usually, there is a school-like building early on in the game (I know there is one in Viridan City) that talks about conditions, so rather than me talking about them, you can go on and visit that.

 

Also, someone above mentioned that fighting 'random wild Pokémon' is a good strategy for leveling up. It is the most basic, yes, but it can also be time consuming. Trainer Pokémon are often quite a few levels stronger, and have a x1.5 experience gain boost on top of that, meaning they are much better for leveling up. However, they are in limited quantities, and will run out (in Gen 1, that is). Fighting Wild Pokémon, on the other hand, is slower, but it will always be there.

 

......Erm... now I really think about it... I'd advise you to switch over to FireRed, the Gameboy Advance remake of Pokémon Red. It's a bit... HEAPS better than Pokémon Red. In my opinion. Pokémon Red is fine, but it is awfully dated. It is also inbalanced and diffucult at times, but not due to the right reasons. If you insist on playing the original, would you be interested in at least a small graphical update? (for example, you are likely aware of how pixely your Pokémon look like from the back, right...?) If interested, PM me. If not, ignore me then.

 

Okay, done!!

 

Anyhow, I think that covers everything I wanted to say. I doubt it was any useful. But hey, you can always ask if you need something clarified. I still stay by my claim that you should switch over to Pokémon FireRed for a generally better experience, but if you say no, then okay. If so, I still stand by my claim that you should contact me about that small graphical mod (which alters the Pokémon's battle sprites), which should work with no problem on your emulator, and which I have readily available if you ask. If you're wondering, it looks like this:

 

 

However, you're still going to play in fully black and white, or whatever colour scheme you have on your emulator. Why? Because for colour, you need to set your emulator settings to something specific, and as far as I know, no Phone emulator has access to these settings.

 

Edit: 

• Below me, someone mentioned you should catch a Pikachu in Viridian Forest - I agree. Go for it! It'll do you a lot of good when fighting the second Gym! However, depending on your luck, it might be take ten minutes... or a few hours. For me, it was the latter... As such, I made sure the catch did not go to waste (see below).
• Oh yeah, your hidden message - it's a pain to read, so I waited for someone else to do it. Thanks, Kelpie.
• Anyhow, now you made this thread, I suddenly have this urge to finish off my FireRed playthough... And now I think about it, I still have the playthrough. I wonder how I was doing...
  
  
  
  Whelps, the big reveal that I'm terrible at keeping a balanced team. Also, those are some amazing nicknames I got there. 'McSPARKY', 'KAKAROT'... Mhmh... Everyone is either horribly useless (still hoping to rectify that) by this point or just flat out too useful, making the game a cakewalk (that is, until the Elite Four, where even the too-useful won't cut it...  (Oh wait, they just did. I guess I was wrong yet again...)

Edited April 7, 2014 by Oleg

[Moonlight Magician 494]

Pikachu is a big help in the water-type gym! You can find them in Viridian Forest! They are very rare though. So it may take a while to encounter it.

[Page.Turner 940]

"Twilight Sparkle is best pony and you know it lol"

 

I see what you did there ;D

[~Rule 63~ Lyeco 527]

My tip is go keep training your Pokèmon the grass and fighting strong trainers

And another tip for you that if you are playing Gen 1,2,3, or 4. Use Cut on grass so that you can save money instead of buying repels. And use them in caves and Dungeons.

[KirbyFluttershy 2,523]

Well I've been saying this to many people who asked this question, but Here's my advice.

 

1. You wanna get a variety type of pokemon and moves. Those will be the key in winning your battles and progressing through the game

 

2. You need HM slaves to do the work.

 

3. Keep your healing items well stocked.

 

4. Level grind as possible. 3rd-6th gen: EV training is a must.

 

5 (X/Y only). Use pokemon-amie to max your pokemon's affection to get the perks. Note: the perks don't work in competitive battles, battle institute, and battle maison.

 

6. picking a starter pokemon will affect the difficulty of your gameplay.

 

and 7 (2nd-6th gen only). Get a steel type pokemon to buy you time in recovering your pokemon, but only use it in desperate situations such as elite 4.