Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen: 3 Things to Know

Trainers, Pokémon Day is tomorrow, and it is my pleasure to prepare for my next replay of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. These are the definitive ways to explore the Kanto region (sorry, Let’s GO), and the only thing better than ports would be if modern remakes were made for them. However, the original games are timeless and can stand toe-to-toe with any modern Pokémon entries. However, new fans are going to be enjoying these classics for the first time. So, here are three things to know about Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.

No Physical/Special Split

The GameHaus has to make it very clear that these are ports of the original GBA games. They will have the old move split before Gen 4 split the moves by physical contact and special action. In Generations 1-3, the moves were considered physical or special depending on the elemental types. New players can refer to the breakdown below:

Physical: Normal, Fighting, Poison, Ground, Flying, Rock, Bug, Ghost, and Steel

Special: Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Ice, Psychic, Dragon, Dark

Read More: Brock and Misty- How to Beat in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

In some respects, this division makes sense as you’d need to make contact in some respects to poison people, and anything that requires manipulating elements is more akin to magic in a fantasy sense. However, newer fans can appreciate the modern Pokémon games for streamlining the split in ways that help every Pokémon play to their strongest stat instead of being doomed by level-up sets that don’t match up with their types. Some Pokémon in Hoenn, like Absol, were rendered unviable due to having a low special attack stat, but having a special type. Nonetheless, understanding the old system is pertinent to having a fun and relaxing playthrough of these games.

The VS. Seeker is Your Best Friend

In FireRed, LeafGreen, Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, there is a feature that Gamefreak should never. have. taken. out. The VS Seeker allows players to proactively go around routes they have traversed and ping trainers who want a rematch. This will help turn grinding from a slog into entertainment. If people develop a favorite NPC trainer, they can go back and battle that trainer whenever they want. This is the most proactive Pokémon has ever let us be in regards to training and battling characters. Use this feature and players will never fall behind in levels.

Psychic Reigns Supreme in Kanto

Generation 1 and 3 Kanto are notorious for abysmal dex balance. 150 Pokémon is not enough to build competent teams comfortably. While this is fixed postgame, it will be a problem during the main game. In this gen, Psychic has an absurd advantage, and though Ghost is effective, all of Kanto’s main game ghost types are part poison, meaning Sabrina can wipe them with little prep. Our recommendation: Snorlax. Snorlax has always been a special wall, and having Pokémon that can wall Sabrina’s psychic types will serve any player well. If players wish to use a Gengar, that is obviously fine, but don’t be afraid to utilize all options.

Conclusion

FireRed and LeafGreen are two of the most legendary titles in the franchise. As outdated as some mechanics are, they have managed to keep their place as masterpieces in the series canon. Good luck players!

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