5 Tips for Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen Newcomers

by

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are now available on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, bringing these beloved classics to modern gamers. Originally released on Game Boy Advance in 2004, these updated versions—remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Blue—introduce the games to a new generation of Pokémon fans who may be experiencing them for the very first time.

So, you’re just starting out with FireRed and LeafGreen? Awesome! As someone who’s played these games a bunch, here are five things I wish I’d known when I first started playing – they’ll really help you out!

1. TM and HM Usage

Technical Machines (TMs) and Hidden Machines (HMs) worked differently in older Pokémon games than they do now. Today, you can use TMs as many times as you like, but in the past, each TM could only be used once. This meant you had to carefully consider which Pokémon you taught a TM to, because you wouldn’t be able to use it again.

Hidden Machines, or HMs, were a common part of early Pokémon games and were essential for reaching new areas. Unlike Technical Machines (TMs), HMs could be used repeatedly, but once a Pokémon learned one, it couldn’t easily forget it. For example, if you teach your Charmeleon the “Cut” HM in FireRed or LeafGreen, you’ll need to reach Fuchsia City to have it removed, and that’s not possible until later in the game. Therefore, carefully consider which Pokémon you teach HMs to, as they might be stuck with that move for a long time.

2. Nugget Bridge Hack for Unlimited Money

A popular and amusing trick in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen involves the Nugget Bridge, just north of Cerulean City. You’ll need to defeat a series of trainers consecutively. When you finally reach the last trainer, they’ll reward you with a Nugget – a valuable item you can sell for a good price. But don’t relax just yet, because that same trainer will then challenge you to a battle!

A clever way to earn a lot of money is to repeatedly battle a specific trainer. Each time you challenge them, they’ll give you a Nugget before the fight. You can collect a huge number of these Nuggets and sell them for a ton of cash. With so much money, you’ll be able to buy all the Poke Balls and Potions you need, and it’s especially helpful if you want to purchase rare Pokémon at the Celadon City Game Corner.

3. Catch as Many Pokemon as Possible for Post-Game Purposes

A major addition in FireRed and LeafGreen compared to the original Red and Blue games is the Sevii Islands. You’ll encounter these islands during the main game, but most of them won’t be fully accessible until after you’ve become the champion. The Sevii Islands are actually a group of seven islands, each with its own special Pokémon and items to discover.

If you want to access all seven islands in the game, you’ll need to earn the Rainbow Badge. To get this badge, you first have to defeat the Elite Four and then receive the National Pokédex from Professor Oak. You can only get the National Pokédex by catching at least 60 different Pokémon and recording their data in your Pokedex. To avoid having to catch a bunch of Pokémon just to unlock the National Pokédex later, it’s a good idea to catch as many different Pokémon as you can while playing through FireRed and LeafGreen. While focusing on building a strong team is important, catching a wide variety of Pokémon will help you unlock the National Pokédex faster.

4. Exp. Share Does Not Work the Same Way

With the release of Pokémon X and Y, Game Freak significantly altered how the Exp. Share worked. Instead of just being held by one Pokémon, it began distributing experience points to the entire team after battles – a feature that’s been included in every main Pokémon game since. Previously, the Exp. Share functioned very differently.

The Exp. Share doesn’t work for your whole team at once. You give it to just one Pokémon, and if that Pokémon isn’t the one battling, it will receive half of the experience points earned from a battle. The Pokémon that is battling will get the other half.

Exp. Share is really helpful for leveling up Pokémon that struggle in battles. However, if you use it constantly, your stronger Pokémon will earn fewer experience points. Be mindful of this, as it can significantly affect how your team grows and improves.

5. Prepare for More of a Challenge

Just a heads-up: Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are noticeably harder than the newer Pokémon games. A big reason for this is how experience points work. While recent games let you level up your Pokémon pretty quickly, it takes a lot more effort and time to do so in FireRed and LeafGreen.

Keep in mind that you might encounter some challenges while playing these games. While FireRed and LeafGreen were made for a younger audience and aren’t as difficult as a game like Elden Ring, players new to this generation of Pokémon will likely find them more challenging than expected.

Read More

2026-02-28 00:42