The fourth Gym Leader you’ll face in Pokémon Emerald is Flannery, the Gym Leader of Lavaridge Town. To reach her, you must first overcome the challenges posed by the previous three Gyms, namely Roxanne in Rustboro City, Brawly in Dewford Town, and Wattson in Mauville City.
Welcome, aspiring Hoenn region Pokémon Masters! You’ve braved the rocky paths of Rustboro City to defeat Roxanne, sailed the choppy seas to challenge Brawly in Dewford Town, and navigated the electric currents leading to Wattson in Mauville City. Now, a new, fiery challenge awaits: Flannery and her scorching Pokémon in Lavaridge Town. This guide will meticulously detail every step of your journey to reach this fiery frontier, ensuring you arrive prepared and ready to claim your fourth Gym Badge.
Image Source: portforward.com
The Road to Lavaridge Town: A Step-by-Step Expedition
Your journey from Mauville City to Lavaridge Town is an adventure filled with new routes, helpful NPCs, and the ever-present wild Pokémon. We’ll break down each segment of this expedition, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
Heading South from Mauville City
After securing your third Gym Badge from Wattson, you’ll want to head south out of Mauville City. Your path will lead you onto Route 110. This route is known for its trainers and the steady stream of Pokémon.
Route 110 Highlights:
- Trainers: Expect to encounter various trainers with Pokémon that are slightly stronger than those you faced on your way to Mauville City. This is a great opportunity to level up your team.
- Items: Keep an eye out for hidden items, which often include useful Poké Balls, healing items, or TMs.
- Wild Pokémon: Route 110 features a variety of Pokémon, including some Electric-type and Grass-type creatures.
Navigating the Cycling Road Section
As you progress south on Route 110, you’ll encounter a section of Cycling Road. This is a long, straight path where you’ll race against other cyclists.
- Biking is Key: To traverse Cycling Road efficiently, you’ll need your Bicycle. If you haven’t obtained one yet, you would have received it in Mauville City after helping Wattson.
- Trainer Battles: Along Cycling Road, you’ll have several trainer battles. These are excellent for gaining experience points and testing your team’s current strength.
- Item Pickups: There are also item clusters scattered along Cycling Road.
The Cave of Origin and the Path Forward
After Cycling Road, you’ll reach the entrance to Route 111. However, your immediate goal isn’t to go straight up Route 111. Instead, you’ll want to head west towards Verdanturf Town. You’ll need to backtrack slightly from the end of Cycling Road and head west to reach Route 104’s southern entrance, which will then lead you to Verdanturf Town.
- Route 104 (Southern Half): This section of Route 104 is familiar territory if you made your way to Petalburg Gym earlier in your journey. You might have encountered the Trick House here.
- Verdanturf Town: This small, peaceful town is your next destination. It’s a good place to heal your Pokémon and interact with the locals.
Verdanturf Town and the Underground Path
Verdanturf Town itself doesn’t host a Gym. However, it’s a crucial stepping stone. You’ll find a character named Wanda here, who is worried about her grandfather. Helping her will be important.
The Underground Path and Route 117
From Verdanturf Town, you’ll head east onto Route 117. This route is known for its spacious feel and the presence of the Pokémon Day Care.
Route 117 Features:
- Pokémon Day Care: A convenient place to level up Pokémon passively or breed them.
- Trainers: More trainers to battle and gain experience from.
- Wild Pokémon: You’ll find a variety of Pokémon here, including some that are resistant to Normal and Flying type attacks.
The Cave of Origin Entrance
As you continue east on Route 117, you’ll reach the entrance to Route 118. Before proceeding east, you need to go north onto Route 118. This is where the path to the next major area begins.
- Route 118: This route is notable for its bridge and the presence of wild Pokémon that are good for training.
The Cave of Origin
Now, you’ll enter the Cave of Origin. This cave is a significant location in the Hoenn region’s lore and serves as a passage to the next area.
Cave of Origin Navigation:
- Puzzles: The Cave of Origin doesn’t present complex puzzles but rather requires careful navigation through its caverns.
- Wild Pokémon: Be prepared for cave-dwelling Pokémon, some of which may be Ground or Rock types.
- Items: Look for useful items scattered within the cave.
Emerging onto Route 112 and the Fiery Path
Upon exiting the Cave of Origin, you’ll find yourself on Route 112. This route leads you towards the volcanic region.
- Route 112: This route is characterized by its dusty terrain and the presence of the Fiery Path entrance.
The Fiery Path: A Steaming Passage
The Fiery Path is a volcanic cave system that is essential for reaching Lavaridge Town. It’s filled with heat and obstacles.
Fiery Path Challenges:
- Boulders: You’ll encounter boulders that you need to push out of the way using the “Strength” HM. If you haven’t obtained Strength yet, this is a crucial item to look for. It’s usually given by your father, Norman, after you defeat him at the Petalburg Gym. This means you likely already have it from your earlier journey to Petalburg City.
- Heat: The environment is hot, but this doesn’t affect your Pokémon directly in terms of damage.
- Trainers: Some trainers are stationed within the Fiery Path.
- Wild Pokémon: Expect to find Fire-type and Rock-type Pokémon, so bring Pokémon that are strong against them.
Important Note on Strength HM: You would have received the Strength HM from your father, Norman, after defeating him at the Petalburg Gym. If you haven’t done this yet, your primary objective must be to return to Petalburg City and challenge him there. Without Strength, you cannot progress through the Fiery Path.
Arriving in Lavaridge Town
After navigating the Fiery Path, you’ll emerge onto Route 112 again, closer to your destination. A short trek north will bring you to Lavaridge Town.
Lavaridge Town:
- Hot Springs: The town is famous for its hot springs, which can heal your Pokémon.
- Pokémon Center: A standard Pokémon Center to fully restore your team.
- Gym Location: The Gym Leader, Flannery, is located within the town.
Preparing for Flannery: The Fire-Type Challenge
Flannery specializes in Fire-type Pokémon. This means you need a team that can effectively counter her strategy.
Flannery’s Pokémon Team (Typical):
| Pokémon | Level | Type | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slugma | 20 | Fire | Water, Ground, Rock |
| Numel | 20 | Fire/Ground | Water, Grass, Ice |
| Torkoal | 22 | Fire | Water, Ground, Rock |
Note: Levels may vary slightly depending on your game progression.
Recommended Pokémon and Strategies:
- Water-Type Pokémon: These are your best bet. Pokémon like Lombre, Marill, or even a Wailmer caught in areas around Dewford Town or Petalburg City will excel here.
- Ground-Type Pokémon: Ground-type Pokémon are also strong against Fire-types, especially Torkoal which is also Ground-type. Mudkip or its evolutions are excellent choices.
- Rock-Type Pokémon: Some Rock-type attacks can be effective, but be cautious as some of Flannery’s Pokémon might resist them.
- Avoid Grass and Bug Types: These types are generally weak against Fire-type attacks.
- Status Conditions: Moves like “Swagger” or attacks that can cause paralysis or sleep can be helpful, but be prepared for Flannery’s Pokémon to potentially recover or use status-healing items.
Utilizing the Hot Springs
Before heading to the Gym, take advantage of the hot springs in Lavaridge Town. They fully heal your Pokémon, ensuring your team is in peak condition for the battle ahead.
The Gym Battle: Flannery’s Fiery Gauntlet
With your team prepared and your path cleared, it’s time to face Flannery.
Gym Mechanics and Strategy
- Heated Arena: The Gym itself is a series of rooms with trainers and puzzles.
- The Switch Puzzle: The Lavaridge Gym is known for its switch puzzle. You’ll need to activate switches to open doors. Some switches will trigger traps or teleport you, so careful observation is key.
- Trainer Battles: Before reaching Flannery, you’ll need to defeat other trainers within the Gym. These trainers will also use Fire-type Pokémon, so continue to use your Water and Ground types.
Key Strategies for Flannery:
- Lead with your Strongest Counter: Start the battle with your most powerful Water or Ground-type Pokémon.
- Watch for Torkoal’s Overheat: Torkoal’s signature move, “Overheat,” is incredibly powerful but lowers its Special Attack significantly. Use this to your advantage.
- Status Effects: If you have a Pokémon with moves like “Thunderbolt” (if you have a Water-type that can learn it) or “Ice Beam,” these can be devastating. Paralysis can also slow down her faster Pokémon.
- Conserve PP: If you’re running low on PP for your strong moves, use items like Potions and Antidotes to keep your Pokémon healthy.
Recap of Your Journey So Far
To summarize, your path to Flannery in Lavaridge Town involves:
- Mauville City: Defeating Wattson.
- Route 110: Traveling south, through Cycling Road.
- Route 104 South & Verdanturf Town: Heading west to Verdanturf.
- Route 117: Moving east towards the Fiery Path.
- Route 118: Venturing north to the Cave of Origin.
- Cave of Origin: Navigating through it.
- Route 112 & Fiery Path: Traveling through the volcanic cave system, using Strength to push boulders.
- Lavaridge Town: Reaching the town and challenging Flannery.
This journey ensures you’ve gathered experience, potentially found useful items, and prepared your team for the challenges ahead. Remember to visit the Petalburg Gym and defeat your father, Norman, if you haven’t already, as this is where you obtain the crucial Strength HM needed for the Fiery Path.
Previous Gym Leaders and Your Progress:
- Roxanne (Rustboro City): Rock-type specialist.
- Brawly (Dewford Town): Fighting-type specialist.
- Wattson (Mauville City): Electric-type specialist.
- Flannery (Lavaridge Town): Fire-type specialist (your current goal).
After Flannery, your next major Gym Leader destinations will include Winona in Fortree City (Flying-type), and later Tate and Liza in Mossdeep City (Psychic-type, a double battle), and Juan in Sootopolis City (Water-type).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What Pokémon are strong against Flannery’s Fire-type Pokémon?
Water, Ground, and Rock-type Pokémon are generally strong against Fire-type Pokémon. Specific moves like “Surf,” “Earthquake,” “Mud Shot,” or “Rock Slide” will be very effective.
Q2: Do I need the Strength HM to reach Lavaridge Town?
Yes, you absolutely need the Strength HM to push boulders blocking your path within the Fiery Path, which is the direct route to Lavaridge Town. You receive Strength from Norman after defeating him at the Petalburg Gym.
Q3: What are the best Pokémon to catch for this part of the game?
Consider catching Water-types like Marill, Lombre, or Wailmer. Ground-types like Geodude or Trapinch are also excellent choices. If you need a good Grass-type for other battles, Lotad or Seedot are good options found earlier in your journey.
Q4: Is there a way to skip parts of the journey?
No, the progression through the Hoenn region is linear in Pokémon Emerald. You must follow the designated routes and overcome the Gym Leaders in order to advance. This structured progression ensures you gain experience and items needed for later challenges.
Q5: What should I do if my Pokémon are too low level?
If your Pokémon are struggling against trainers or wild Pokémon, spend time grinding experience points on Routes 110, 117, and within the Fiery Path. Use the Pokémon Day Care in Verdanturf Town to passively level up Pokémon that you switch out.
Q6: Who is the Gym Leader after Flannery?
The Gym Leader after Flannery is Winona, who specializes in Flying-type Pokémon and is located in Fortree City.
Q7: Where can I find good items before facing Flannery?
Keep an eye out for item balls on all the routes you traverse. The cycling road often has items, and trainers can sometimes give you items or teach you useful moves. In Lavaridge Town itself, you can purchase useful items at the Poké Mart.
By following this comprehensive guide, you should be well-equipped to navigate the Hoenn region, overcome the obstacles between Mauville City and Lavaridge Town, and ultimately face and defeat Flannery to earn your fourth Gym Badge. Happy training, and may your Pokémon be ever strong!