The game uses a top-down overworld and turn-based battles. Players travel through towns, routes, caves, and grass areas, talking to NPCs and fighting trainers. In battle, you can attack, use moves, switch Pokémon, use items, or flee. Progress is driven by earning badges, leveling up through experience, learning new moves, and evolving Pokémon into stronger forms.

Red

The player character and aspiring Pokémon Trainer exploring the Kanto region.

Professor Oak

The Pokémon researcher in Pallet Town who gives the player their first Pokémon and Pokédex.

Blue

The player's rival, who competes with them throughout the journey.

Giovanni

Team Rocket's boss and a major antagonist tied to the main storyline.

Build a small core team early instead of spreading experience too thin. Cover multiple type matchups so Gym battles stay manageable. Stock healing and status-curing items before dungeons and long routes. To catch rare Pokémon, weaken them first and inflict status conditions before throwing better Poké Balls.

Tips and tricks

Train in grass before major battles to avoid being underleveled.

Tips and tricks

Type advantages matter a lot, so keep a balanced team.

Tips and tricks

Save before important encounters, especially rare or powerful Pokémon.

User Reviews

A foundational RPG whose simple systems became incredibly addictive.

User Reviews

Kanto is compact but memorable, encouraging repeated playthroughs with different teams.

User Reviews

Still regarded by many players as one of the most important handheld games ever made.