What to Do After You Beat Brock in Pokémon? A Comprehensive Guide
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Beating Brock, the Rock-type Gym Leader in Pewter City, is a significant milestone in any Pokémon journey. Whether you’re playing Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, LeafGreen, HeartGold, or SoulSilver, this victory signifies the start of your adventure into the wider world. But what comes next? What do you do after finally claiming the Boulder Badge and perhaps a TM? This guide will walk you through the immediate steps and the exciting adventures that await.
Immediate Actions Post-Brock
Claim Your Rewards
First things first, make sure you’ve collected everything from the Pewter City Gym. Typically, after defeating Brock, you’ll receive the following:
- The Boulder Badge: This is your first Gym Badge and is essential for progressing through the game. It also has practical benefits. In some games, it allows Pokémon up to a certain level (usually Level 20) to obey you in battle, and it sometimes allows the use of specific HMs outside of battle as well
- A TM (Technical Machine): The TM you receive varies depending on the game. In Red, Blue, and Yellow, it’s TM34 (Bide), while in FireRed and LeafGreen, it’s TM34 (Bide) and SoulSilver gives you TM80 (Rock Slide). These TMs teach your Pokémon a new move which can be highly beneficial.
Prepare for the Next Leg of Your Journey
Before rushing off, it’s wise to prepare for the next leg of your adventure. This involves a few crucial steps:
- Heal Your Pokémon: Always make sure your team is fully healed before venturing further. Visit the Pokémon Center in Pewter City to restore your team to peak condition.
- Restock Items: Visit the Poké Mart to restock on essential items like Potions, Poké Balls, and perhaps Antidotes. As your journey becomes more challenging, being prepared with adequate supplies will be crucial.
- Plan Your Team: Review your current team. Consider whether any new Pokémon encounters would benefit your team’s type matchup balance.
Heading East: Route 3 and Beyond
The next step in your journey typically involves leaving Pewter City through the east exit, which leads to Route 3. This new route is where you encounter new trainers, Pokémon, and obstacles.
Route 3 Exploration
- New Pokémon: Be prepared to encounter a variety of new Pokémon, such as Spearow, Mankey, and others, depending on the version of the game you’re playing. Catching new Pokémon can help diversify your team and provide new strategic options in battles. If you find a Mankey here, it can be a great asset for the next gym, especially if you chose a Charmander!
- Trainer Battles: Be ready for battles against other trainers on the route. These battles are a great way to train your team and get experience points.
- Item Discovery: Explore the route thoroughly, as there are usually hidden items to be found. These can include Potions, Poké Balls, and other useful tools.
Mt. Moon
Following Route 3 leads to the entrance of Mt. Moon, a large cave filled with wild Pokémon and other challenges. Mt. Moon can be a bit of a maze so take your time exploring all the pathways!
- Wild Encounters: Mt. Moon is home to a variety of wild Rock and Bug-type Pokémon such as Zubat, Geodude, and Paras. Prepare accordingly, making sure you have Pokemon who can take advantage of those type matchups.
- Rocket Grunts: In some versions of the game, you will encounter Team Rocket Grunts in Mt. Moon. These battles are often tougher than the regular trainer battles.
- Hidden Items: Be sure to explore all areas to find items like evolution stones or other hidden treasures that can help on your journey!
Long Term Post-Brock Considerations
Unlocking the Flash Ability
In some of the games like Pokémon Red and FireRed, you receive the Boulder Badge, and this badge unlocks the ability to use Flash to light up dark dungeons. However, to actually use it, you need to find HM05 Flash first. Make sure to do this before venturing into areas where it may be needed.
Understanding Your Badge’s Impact
The Boulder Badge is more than just a token of your victory. It signifies your progress and ability to command your Pokémon. It also serves as a milestone that influences other aspects of your gaming experience:
- Level Cap: It allows Pokémon up to Level 20 to obey you. This means that over-leveled Pokémon received in trades will start to be disobedient if the level cap is not overcome.
- Game Progression: The Boulder Badge allows you to proceed further along the game’s main story line. You cannot advance to later routes without winning the gym battles and collecting their badges.
- HM Usage: In certain versions of the games, the Boulder Badge allows you to use Hidden Machines like Flash outside of battle, enabling you to travel through dark caves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What level should my Pokémon be to fight Brock?
A good level range to fight Brock is around Level 14-15. This provides a buffer against his Rock-type Pokémon.
2. Which Pokémon are best to defeat Brock?
Grass and Water-type Pokémon are highly effective against Brock’s Rock types. Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or even a strategically trained Mankey are great options.
3. What TM do you get after beating Brock?
The TM you receive varies. In Red, Blue and Yellow it is TM34 (Bide), in FireRed it is TM34 (Bide) and in Soul Silver, it is TM80 (Rock Slide).
4. Can I get a Mankey before fighting Brock?
Yes, you can find Mankey on Route 22 before fighting Brock. This is a good choice if you started with Charmander. If you want to increase your chances of getting Mankey, then catch a Rattata on Route 1 or 2 first before catching any pokemon on Route 22.
5. What do I do after Mt. Moon?
After Mt. Moon, you will progress onto Route 4 heading towards Cerulean City, your next main destination on your journey.
6. What are the next gyms to aim for?
After defeating Brock, your next gym is in Cerulean City (Misty), then Vermilion City (Lt. Surge), then Celadon City (Erika). After these you can travel over to Fuchsia City (Koga).
7. How do I beat Brock if I chose Charmander?
The best strategy is to train a Mankey on Route 22 for its Fighting-type advantage, but training Charmander and using Metal Claw can also work well.
8. What is the point of the Boulder Badge?
The Boulder Badge is essential to progressing the main story line of the game. It also allows you to command higher-leveled Pokémon and use some HMs outside of battle.
9. What is Brock’s strongest Pokémon?
Historically, it’s his Onix, but it later evolves into his even stronger Steelix.
10. Is Brock weak to water types?
Yes, Brock’s Rock-type Pokémon are double weak to Grass and Water types. This is a huge advantage in the gym battle.
11. Can you battle Red again in SoulSilver?
Yes, you can battle Red again after defeating the Elite Four again in Pokémon SoulSilver.
12. Did Brock ever get a Steelix?
Yes, in the anime and games, Brock’s Onix eventually evolves into a Steelix.
13. Who is stronger, Brock or Misty?
In terms of game mechanics, Misty’s Water-type Pokémon have a type advantage and higher level range making her more challenging than Brock in the series.
14. Where can I get Flash?
You can typically get HM Flash from an NPC on the Route before reaching the Digletts cave, just before Vermillion City.
15. What is the 7th Gym in FireRed?
The 7th Gym in FireRed is on Cinnabar Island, and you must defeat Blaine, a Fire-type Gym Leader. You will also need to have acquired the key to this Gym from exploring the Pokemon Mansion.
By following these steps and keeping these FAQs in mind, you will be well on your way to becoming a true Pokémon Master! Remember to explore, train, and have fun on your incredible journey!