Pokémon Red Walkthrough: Complete Guide to Level Up, Catch Gyms, and Take on Route 1

If you’re diving into the world of Pokémon Red for the first time or looking to streamline your adventure, a step-by-step walkthrough is the perfect guide. Whether you’re hunting for rare Pokémon, planning your journey through Route 1, or trying to optimize your item management, this detailed Pokémon Red walkthrough covers everything you need to know. Perfect for both newcomers and seasoned players preparing for fan speed runs, speedruns, or full exploration.


Understanding the Context

Why a Pokémon Red Walkthrough Matters

The Pokémon Red game, originally released in 1996 and revived in modern versions like Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl, offers a nostalgic journey through Vermilion City, Route 1, and beyond. A structured walkthrough helps you:

  • Avoid missing key Pokémon or items
  • Save hours of trial-and-error hunting
  • Unlock challenges and exclusive content
  • Plan efficiently for Jugincrease, Gym raids, and boss fights

Key Insights

Step-by-Step Pokémon Red Walkthrough Highlights

Chapter 1: Getting Started in Vermilion City

Begin by choosing your hub area—Vermilion City—and familiarize yourself with basic mechanics like battling, leveling, trading, and the Pokédex.

Key Early Tasks:

  • Level up from PS1 to Level 30 to unlock key areas
  • Catch or trade for Starter Pokémon (Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur)
  • Explore Route 1’s early encounters
  • Equip your Pokémon and explore buildings

Chapter 2: Complete Gym Raids

Route 1 features eight Gyms; defeating them grants access to new Pokémon including Lopunny, Blaze, and Aggron. A solid Red walkthrough includes:

  • Strategy tips for each Gym battle (type advantages, common movesets)
  • Settings for saving progress mid-Gym fight
  • Item usage to max HP or exploit weaknesses

Final Thoughts

Chapter 3: Breeding and Capturing Rare Pokémon

Vermilion City abounds with EV-less and rare Pokémon. Use:

  • Poké Balls (Regular, Max Effort, MP Balls) effectively
  • Breeding mechanics: find compatible Pokémon at trainers or via trade
  • Catch via Eeveelution or direct capturals in the wild

Chapter 4: The Journey to Route 2 (After Lavender Town)

Once completed, proceed through Route 1 up to Roxanna. Highlights include:

  • Backroom dungeons and key saves
  • Battle tips against Cresselia and Espeon
  • Prioritizing Lithia suspiciously rare exclusive Pokémon
  • Managing your Pokémon party size and EV optimization

Optimize Your Playthrough with These Tips

  • Save Early: Regularly checkpoints near towns like Kukui or Lavender for safe saves.
  • Warm-Up Movesets: Practice common status moves and counter moves before tough fights.
  • Backpack Management: Focus on versatile items—Potion, Protect, Sands of Nagonia—early on.
  • Use Vel and Swag Bag wisely: Track items with Speedruns.net help to maximize efficiency.
  • Explore Side Routes: Discover hidden paths and PokéStops for extra gold and treasured egg Knights.

Where to Find a Full Pokémon Red Walkthrough?

For convenience, accessible step-by-step guides, video walkthroughs, and cheat strategies are available on sites like: