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Pokémon Fire Red Rocket Editionis one of my favoritePokémon Romhackswith a unique premise that’s well executed and fun from start to finish.
There are also plenty of mechanics you won’t learn until it’s too late. If you want to start a life of crime with your best foot forward, here’s everything you need to know about this excellent fanmade title.
You will need two things to playPokémon Fire Red Rocket Edition.A Game Boy Advance Emulator and a Fire Red Rocket Edition Rom.
You can use any Emulator you like, but I’ve used mGBA forever with zero issues. You can download it fromtheir official website.
The complete ROM is available as aZIP file here. Unzip the file, and you can open it in the mGBA Emulator by pressing the “File” button on the top toolbar and then “Load ROM.”
Story Synopsis
Pokémon Fire Red Rocket Edition’sstory takes place at the same time as the original Red/Blue games. Many story beats in the classics occur here butfrom a different perspective. You play as a lowly Team Rocket Grunt on their quest to climb the ranks and assist in the group’s endeavors.
The zero-to-hero story of a brave Trainer from Pallet Town becoming a grand champion still occurs, butRocket Editionfocuses on everything bubbling in the background. Professor Oak isn’t a nice guy, Lance isn’t a kindhearted champion, and you’re kidding yourself if you think Red is just a gifted trainer.
Everything will be revealed as you’re promotedin Team Rocket, get to know Giovanni and realize he’s not the megalomaniac the original games told you he was.
Key Features
If you’re bored with traditional Pokémon and want to try a game with Fakemon instead, why not givePokémon Opaloa spin?
Which Starter is best in Fire Red Rocket Edition?
As a Team Rocket Grunt,you don’t get to pick traditional starters. You’re given a Rattata by default and can choose between a Spearow or a Pidgey. By all accounts,Pidgey is the better choice.
Pidgey is viable throughout the entire game, and Pidgeot is no slouch once you evolve it. While it’s not technically a Starter,you will find an Eevee in Celadon City(the same City as the Team Rocket hideout).
Feel free to evolve Eevee as you see fit, butI used a Thunderstone to get Jolteon, which came in handy later on. Unless you want it for those Team Rocket vibes, you will want to replace Rattata as soon as possible.
How to Steal Pokémon
I know I said you “get to choose” between Pidgey and Spearow, but I didn’t explain how that comes to pass, you monster.
The coolest feature ofFire Red Rocket Editionis the ability to steal Pokémon. Once you beat a Trainer, you can choose a Pokémon to take for yourself. The catch is you can only rob specific Trainers based on your Team Rocket Rank.
For example, as a Grunt, you can only steal Pokémon from kids and the elderly.You will be promoted several times throughout the storyand can eventually even steal from Gym Leaders and the Elite Four!
This feature does have a few limitations. The biggest issue is that itincentivizes ignoring Gym Battlesuntil you’re of the appropriate rank to steal a Gym Leader Pokémon. I knew about this mechanic before starting the game and didn’t bother with Gyms until the post-game, where I could take any Pokémon I wanted.
Gyms are Optional
Gyms are an excellent source of EXP, especially inFire Red Rocket Edition, where EXP and money are pretty scarce. That said, you can reach the credits screen without fighting a single Gym leader, as the grind for badges isn’t really part of the Team Rocket story.
I beat every Gym after the story concluded, and the only downside to playing this way is that the leaders were pushovers. I’ve included every leader’s roster in this guide, but you’re able to avoid them entirely if you prefer.
If you prefer to tackle the Gyms earlier, you can do so when you reach Fuchsia City. I’ve explained the side quest in the post-game section of the guide, and you can trigger the first part of the mission by visitingFuchsia City Gymand speaking to the Gym Leader.
Money Is Scarce
One thing you will quickly notice inFire Red Rocket Editionis thesevere lack of money. You earn basically nothing from defeating Trainers, and it’s a far cry from anything you’d typically earn in a Pokémon game.
Finances are a huge problem to manage, and you will almost always want to backtrack to heal in Pokémon Centers instead of spending precious Potions.
An essential tip I can give you is tobuy Lemonade from the Celadon City Department Center. Lemonade is far cheaper than the equivalent Potions and will save you in clutch battles.
Pokémon Fire Red Rocket Edition Walkthrough
Rocket Edition is heavily story-driven, soit’s almost impossible to get lost or stuck. To streamline the guide, I’ve only explained areas where you may have difficulties and key battles throughout your adventure.
If you’ve playedRed/Blue, you already know what to expect from Mt. Moon. It’s a large area full of Trainers, but on the plus side, it’s excellent for some EXP.
You will battle Red in Mt. Moon, and this encounter is unique asyou’re supposed to fall to a mandatory loss. Red will pull out a Level 25 Charmeleon, likely sweeping your entire team. Let it happen, as it’s part of the story.
Cerulean City
It’s easy to get lost around Cerulean City if you ignore the dialogue. You mustvisit the Daycare Center to the south and speak to everyone to advance the story.This area is one of many with a much more sinister undertone than in the mainline games.
Once you’re done, you must head north over the bridge to Bill’s house. While you don’t have to worry about Gym battles, the five Trainers on the bridge are exceptionally tough for the Pokémon you will have at this point. Your opponent’s rosters aren’t remarkable, but expect to be underleveled if you’ve avoided a few battles.
You can return to the Pokémon Center between fights, andI strongly recommend searching the grass to the westonce you cross the bridge. You can find an Abra here, which will eventually become an Alakazam. It’s an absolute monster inFire Red Rocket Edition.
Cerulean City: Showdown with Blue
On the way back from Bill’s, you’ll fight your first proper trainer, Blue. This is a pretty tough fight, considering your limited team.
Normal/Flying
Wartortle bulks up with Withdraw before spamming Bite and is easily the most dangerous Pokémon in Blue’s team. If you’re struggling, you can catch the Abra I mentioned earlier. You can also go for an Oddish in the same area asAbsorb is a great move to spamagainst Blue’s Wartortle.
