How to Get Into Saffron City in FireRed?
To enter Saffron City in FireRed, you must first obtain a Pokémon beverage from the Celadon City Department Store. Give this drink to the thirsty guards blocking each of the city’s entrances, allowing you access.
Unlocking Saffron City: A Journey Through Kanto
Saffron City, a bustling metropolis and home to the Fighting Dojo and Sabrina’s Psychic Gym, plays a crucial role in the FireRed and LeafGreen storyline. Gaining access to this city is essential for progressing through the game and ultimately challenging the Elite Four. However, your path to victory is initially blocked by persistent guards who are suffering from extreme thirst. Overcoming this obstacle requires a bit of strategic maneuvering and understanding of the Kanto region’s interconnected locations.
The Thirsty Guards: Understanding the Roadblock
The guards stationed at each of Saffron City’s four entrances are not malicious; they are simply parched. They repeatedly deny entry, citing their desperate need for a refreshing drink. Ignoring their pleas will result in being perpetually barred from entering the city. Understanding why they are thirsty is less important than understanding how to quench their thirst!
The Beverage Solution: Celadon City’s Department Store
The solution to the guards’ thirst resides in Celadon City, specifically the Celadon Department Store. Located west of Saffron City, this multi-story shopping center offers a variety of items, including the key ingredient for unlocking Saffron City.
The Acquisition Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Obtaining the needed drink involves a simple, yet crucial, shopping trip.
- Travel to Celadon City: Navigate your way to Celadon City, either through the underground passage or by progressing through the routes west of Vermilion City.
- Enter the Department Store: Head to the Celadon Department Store, a towering building in the city’s central area.
- Navigate to the Rooftop Square: Take the elevator to the rooftop square of the Department Store. Here, you’ll find vending machines.
- Purchase a Beverage: Interact with one of the vending machines and purchase either a Fresh Water, Soda Pop, or Lemonade. Any of these options will work to satisfy the thirsty guards.
- Return to Saffron City: Head back to Saffron City.
Breaking the Barrier: Giving the Guards Their Due
Once you possess the refreshing beverage, it’s time to approach the guards blocking the entrances to Saffron City.
- Approach a Guard: Walk up to one of the guards standing at any of the four city entrances.
- Talk to the Guard: Interact with the guard. The guard will explain their thirst and block your way.
- Offer the Beverage: The game will automatically prompt you to offer your drink.
- Enter Saffron City: The grateful guard will accept the beverage and step aside, granting you access to Saffron City.
- Repeat as Needed: You only need to give a drink to one guard to enter the city. You do not need to give drinks to all of the guards, even though there are four of them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the Item: The most common mistake is simply forgetting to purchase a beverage from the Celadon Department Store. Double-check your bag before heading to Saffron City.
- Incorrect Location: Ensure you are at the Celadon Department Store and not another shop in Celadon City.
- Trying to use TM or HM: There is no TM or HM that can by passed to enter Saffron City.
Saffron City: What to Expect Inside
Saffron City boasts two prominent locations: the Fighting Dojo and Sabrina’s Gym.
- Fighting Dojo: A martial arts training center where you can challenge the Karate Master. Defeating him rewards you with a choice of either Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan.
- Sabrina’s Gym: Home to Sabrina, the Psychic-type Gym Leader. Successfully defeating her grants you the Marsh Badge and the ability to use Fly outside of battle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to give a drink to all four guards?
No, you only need to give a drink to one guard to gain access to Saffron City. Once one guard steps aside, you can freely enter the city.
Which beverage should I buy: Fresh Water, Soda Pop, or Lemonade?
Any of the three beverages – Fresh Water, Soda Pop, or Lemonade – will satisfy the guards. Choose whichever you prefer or find most readily available. They all cost the same amount of money.
Can I get the beverages anywhere else besides the Celadon Department Store?
No, the Fresh Water, Soda Pop, and Lemonade needed to quench the guards’ thirst are exclusively available at the vending machines on the rooftop square of the Celadon Department Store.
What happens if I refuse to give the guard a drink?
If you refuse to give the guard a drink, they will continue to block your path, preventing you from entering Saffron City. You must offer them a beverage to proceed.
Can I use a TM or HM to bypass the guards and enter Saffron City?
No, there are no TMs or HMs that will allow you to bypass the guards. The only way to enter Saffron City is by giving them a drink.
What happens after I beat Sabrina?
After defeating Sabrina, you will receive the Marsh Badge, which allows you to use Fly outside of battle. This significantly speeds up travel across the Kanto region.
Is it possible to enter Saffron City early in the game?
You can technically reach the entrances to Saffron City early, but you will be unable to enter until you obtain a beverage from Celadon City and give it to a guard.
What level should my Pokémon be before challenging Sabrina?
It is recommended that your Pokémon are at least level 38-42 before challenging Sabrina. Her Psychic-type Pokémon can be quite powerful, so a well-leveled team is essential.
Can I battle the Fighting Dojo before challenging Sabrina’s Gym?
Yes, you can battle the Fighting Dojo before challenging Sabrina’s Gym. The order in which you complete these challenges is entirely up to you.
What is the reward for defeating the Karate Master at the Fighting Dojo?
Upon defeating the Karate Master, you are given the choice between Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan, two Fighting-type Pokémon. Choose wisely, as you can only obtain one!
How can I get to Celadon City quickly?
If you have already obtained the Fly HM and a Pokémon that knows the move, you can quickly travel to Celadon City by flying there from any Pokémon Center. Otherwise, you’ll need to walk from Vermilion City through the underground passage.
Does it matter which entrance to Saffron City I use?
No, it doesn’t matter which entrance you use. Once you give a drink to one guard, all entrances become accessible.