Beginner’s Guide to Pokémon Yellow Version

Pikachu’s Special Adventure

Welcome to a unique chapter in the Kanto saga! In Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition, you don’t choose your starter like other Generation 1—you begin with a Pikachu who follows you on screen, setting the stage for an adventure inspired by the original anime series. This guide will help you navigate the special quirks and opportunities of this beloved, one-of-a-kind game in Pokémon Series.

See other game guides : Guides and Walkthroughs in Gaming, Beginner’s Guide to the Pokémon Game Series, Beginner’s Guide to Pokémon Red, Blue & Green

1. Your Partner: Understanding Your Pikachu

You start with a Pikachu that cannot evolve into Raichu in the traditional way. It is your constant companion and a unique challenge.

• A Weaker Start, A Stronger Bond: Your Pikachu starts at Level 5, weaker than the traditional starters (who began at Level 5 with evolved moves). Its early moves are limited. You must rely on catching other Pokémon quickly to survive.
• Friendship & Mood: Your Pikachu has a friendship and mood system. Talk to it in the menu. If it’s happy and has high friendship, it will be more effective in battle (via a hidden “critical hit” bonus) and may even refuse to evolve if you ever get a Thunder Stone, preferring to stay as your Pikachu.
• It’s Not Your Only Pokémon! This is the most common beginner mistake. While Pikachu is special, you must catch and train other Pokémon immediately to progress. Pikachu alone cannot win this game.

2. The Starter Trio is Still Available (But Later)

A major draw of Yellow is that you can eventually obtain all three classic Kanto starters.

• Bulbasaur: From Professor Oak’s aide in Cerulean City, after you have at least 50 Pokémon species recorded in your Pokédex and have beaten the Nugget Bridge trainers.
• Charmander: From the captain on Route 24, just north of the Nugget Bridge, once you’ve cleared it.
• Squirtle: From Officer Jenny in Vermilion City, after you have helped the town’s chief and his lost Growlithe (obtained from a girl in the Pokémon Fan Club).
• Strategy: Plan for this. These starters are gifted at low levels (Level 10), so you’ll need to train them, but they are incredibly valuable for rounding out your team.

3. Early Game Survival: Your First Critical Hour

The opening is the hardest part of Yellow. Here’s your immediate plan:

1. Leave Pallet Town: Head north into Route 1. Avoid all tall grass. Your Pikachu only knows ThunderShock (ineffective on Normal-types) and Tail Whip. You cannot win a fight yet.
2. Get Poké Balls in Viridian City: Go straight to the Poké Mart. Professor Oak’s aide will give you Oak’s Parcel. Deliver it back to Oak in Pallet Town to receive your Pokédex.
3. Return to Viridian City: Now you can buy Poké Balls. Buy at least 15-20.
4. Your First Catch: Go to Route 1 or Route 22. Immediately catch a Pidgey or Rattata. This is your first real battler. Level it up alongside Pikachu.

4. Brock’s Gym is Different: Prepare Accordingly

In Yellow, Brock’s Gym features a Geodude and an Onix, just like the anime. Pikachu’s electric moves are useless here.

• The Classic Solution: Catch a Mankey on Route 22 (west of Viridian City). It learns Low Kick at Level 9, a Fighting-type move that is super effective against Rock-types. Level it up to at least Level 9-10.
• The Alternative: Catch a Nidoran (male or female) on Route 22. At around Level 12, Nidoran♂ learns Double Kick, a Fighting-type move. Nidoran♀ learns it a few levels later.
• Do NOT try to challenge Brock with only Pikachu and a Normal-type.

5. Building Your Anime-Inspired Team

The game is designed to let you build a team reminiscent of the TV show.

• Ash’s Core: You will naturally acquire Pikachu, Butterfree (from a Caterpie), Pidgeotto (from a Pidgey), and the three starters. Feel free to role-play!
• But Be Strategic: While fun, Ash’s exact lineup isn’t optimized. Ensure you have type coverage. For example, keeping a Water-type like your gifted Squirtle (or later, a Lapras) is crucial for handling Rock, Ground, and Fire types.

6. Special Encounters & Yellow Exclusives

• Jessie & James: The iconic Team Rocket duo appear in certain locations (like the Celadon Game Corner), adding a fun anime flair.
• Surfing Pikachu Minigame: This is a late-game, optional mini-game that requires a special Pikachu (not your starter). Don’t worry about it during your main adventure.
• Different Wild Encounters: Some Pokémon appear in different places or at different frequencies compared to Red/Blue. For example, you can find Sandshrew and Ekans on earlier routes.

7. Key Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Pikachu’s Power: Don’t neglect it. As your friendship grows, it will perform better. Teach it strong TM moves like Thunderbolt (TM24, bought in Celadon Dept. Store) and Double Team.
• Save Before Every Gym: The difficulty spikes are real. Save your game.
• Use the PC: Your box system is essential for storing the many Pokémon you’ll be gifted and catching. Rotate your team to keep training fresh.
• Enjoy the Novelty: The joy of Yellow is in the small details—Pikachu following you, the slightly different storyline, and the feel of a personalized adventure.

Your journey in Yellow is a more personal and challenging one. It demands smarter early-game planning and rewards you with a team full of fan-favorite Pokémon. Care for your Pikachu, befriend the classic starters, and embrace the spirit of the anime. The road to the Pokémon League is waiting, and it’s more colorful than ever.