Hobbies And Interests
Choosing Your First Pokémon
One of the most exciting parts of playing "FireRed" is getting to choose your first Pokémon from Professor Oak. In this game, you're presented with the original three, which you might not have seen in quite some time. Even though aspects might look familiar, remember the basics of setting out on your Pokémon journey: The first Pokémon you choose will set the tone for the beginning of the game. Charmander, a fire-type, will be easier to work with up against some of the first wild Pokémon and trainers you run into. Squirtle, a water-type, needs more attention and training to level up to a point where it learns better moves for use in battle. Bulbasaur, a grass-type, won't be as effective against the first types of Pokémon and trainers you will battle because many of them are also grass-type. With enough training, all of these Pokémon have the potential to grow into powerful members of your lineup, but choose wisely. Base your decision on how much of a challenge you want in the beginning of your journey.
Battling Trainers
The best thing you can do to keep your Pokémon lineup in top shape is battle every trainer that comes across your path. It's easy to lose patience in "FireRed" when you're trying to keep up with Team Rocket, but in order to beat it, you need to be at the top of your game. Many trainers only carry one or two Pokémon on them, and they're easily defeated. By battling trainers, you'll avoid having to confront them when you come back to the route and gain experience points for your Pokémon in the process. Every win pushes you a little closer toward beating the game. You'll be more prepared for gym leaders and Team Rocket after battling to stay in shape. Plus, not only will you be bulking up your Pokémon, but you'll be bulking up your Poké wallet, as well.
Stocking Up on Goods
The Poké Mart is one of the places you must visit in every city you travel to. Different goods and potions are sold at each Poké Mart, so seeing all of them is worth both your time and money. If you battle each trainer you come across, you should have sufficient funds by the time you reach any new town's Poké Mart. The best thing you can do is splurge every time you visit a different city because you don't know when you'll be able to shop again. Carry at least four Poké Balls on you at all times to catch what ever interesting Pokémon you may run into in the wild. Pokémon have a reputation for breaking out of Poké Balls on the first or second try, so having more than enough Poké Balls on hand is better than being caught off guard with none. Once you come across a store that sells Full Heal, you no longer need to shop for specific status healers. Stock up on Full Heals to cure any status problems your Pokémon may have in battle (like poisoning or sleep). Max Potions and Full Restores are also ideal to buy in bulk because they heal up to any number of Hit Points, but they can be pricey. If your Pokémon are still at moderate levels with HP under 100, Super Potions and Hyper Potions can still get the job done in battle. Keep a dozen potions on you at all times that cater to your lineup, especially before you head into a Team Rocket headquarters where there is no opportunity to heal up. Money is always well spent at Poké Marts, not wasted.