Appendix:Platinum walkthrough/Section 3: Difference between revisions

Afterwards you can travel along battling Trainers and picking up items. Right here is where you first encounter a wild {{p|Abra}}. It may be useful to know that they have a 5% of holding a [[Twisted Spoon|TwistedSpoon]], an item that can enhance the power of any {{type|Psychic}} moves your Pokémon may have. However, it is recommended that you come back later with a Pokémon that knows {{m|Thief}}, {{m|Covet}}, or {{m|Trick}} to collect this item in order to make it easier to get. Also, since they {{m|Teleport}} away on the first turn of battle, you may find it very difficult to catch one until you have a more effective variant of [[Poké Ball]] on hand.

A hiker greets you at the entrance of Oreburgh Gate. He gives you {{HM|06|Rock Smash}}, but you can't use it outside of battle until you have the {{badge|Coal}}. Proceed east and you have the option to battle a Camper and Picnicker, respectively. If you chose {{p|Chimchar}} as your starter, catching a {{p|Psyduck}} in this tunnel and raising it to learn {{m|Water Gun}} may be a big help in the upcoming [[Gym]] match.

This city is the location of your first Gym challenge... but the [[Gym Leader]] isn't awaiting your challenge: He's in [[Oreburgh Mine]], located south of the Pokémon Center. From this city, you also have the option of heading through the north exit to {{rt|207|Sinnoh}} to find some new wild Pokémon.

In one of the houses here, there is a woman, Hilary, who will [[trade]] you her {{p|Abra}}, nicknamed Kazza, in exchange for a Machop. Additionally, remember the [[Oreburgh Mining Museum]], as it will be useful if you find [[Fossil]]s later in the game.

 

 

 

If you need a {{p|Machop}} for the upcoming Gym Battle you can travel here to Route 207 and find one, as well as a {{p|Ponyta}}. Ponyta is the only wild {{type|Fire}} you can find at this point in the game, and you should consider adding it to your team if you chose a starter other than Chimchar. Beside that, you won't be able to travel far on this Route until much later in the game.

After walking down the steps leading to the inside of the mine, you will enter a rectangular room. Upon reaching the large block of coal in the center of the room, turn right, and then walk south until you reach the end of the wall, at which point you should see a red-haired man in a mining helmet a few steps to your left. Talk to him, and he will introduce himself as [[Roark]], the town's Gym Leader, and show you how to use Rock Smash. He then tells you that he will be back at the Gym, ready to challenge you. Exit the mine and head to the Gym.

Roark's first two Pokémon shouldn't be too much trouble. The {{p|Geodude}} knows {{m|Rock Throw}} and {{m|Stealth Rock}}, and its best stat is [[Defense]]. Stealth Rock will damage any Pokémon you switch into battle (Most Pokémon will lose 1/8 of their [[HP]] if hit. It will damage more if the Pokémon is weak to Rock-type moves, and less if it is resistant.). Rock Throw is just an attack, which is thankfully somewhat inaccurate. A good Grass- or Water-type attack will likely take Geodude out in one hit. Roark's {{p|Onix}} may be a bit more challenging, mostly because it has more Defense and [[Speed]], and can use {{m|Screech}} to lower your Pokémon's Defense in addition to Rock Throw and Stealth Rock. If you get hit with Screech, you may want to switch before Roark sends out Cranidos. Cranidos is rather fast for this point of the game, and has a scary amount of [[Attack]] that will do massive damage with {{m|Headbutt}} or {{m|Pursuit}}, particularly if Onix used Screech or if Cranidos previously used {{m|Leer}} against you. Try switching in a Pokémon with Intimidate like Shinx or Luxio to lower Cranidos's threat, but beware of Stealth Rock. It doesn't have the best defenses though, so one Water, Grass, or Fighting-type attack should send it out for the count.