Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen/Route 22

'These routes are a good place to collect more Pokémon. Route #2 is full of, along with a specimen or two that are rarely found in this area. Remember to weaken a Pokémon in battle before using a Poké Ball on it, or else it will be able to break free. The first time you come through Route #2, head into Viridian Forest to continue your journey.'

Route 22
2 new Pokémon can be found here: Mankey and Spearow (Spearow is rarer). Spearow is an alternative choice for Pidgey with stronger attacks and only 1 evolution and Mankey is the type fighter with good attacks that will help the next gym, but are weak in Viridian Forest.

Battle
Your rival will have only two Pokémon, Pidgey and Charmander/Bulbasaur/Squirtle, both at level 9. Pidgey can be easily defeated with a Thundershock (Pikachu can be found in Viridian Forest). Bulbasaur and Charmander can be beaten with Peck or Gust by Spearow or Pidgey; Squirtle can be beaten easily with Thundershock.

Route 2
When you're done in Route #22, make your way back to Viridian City and exit through the north path to reach Route #2. Much of this route is inaccessible to you early on in the game, but that will change in time. For now, your only concern is reaching the entrance to Viridian Forest. Don't bother hunting for Caterpies or Weedles out here, they're more plentiful in the forest.

Second visit
After you beat LT. Surge in Vermilion's Gym, you will be able to come back to route 2. You will get to the area which you couldn't get to in the beginning of the game. In the first house you see a kid who will want to trade an for a

Items
There are also some new items that you can pick up on this route now.


 * HM 05 (P. Oak's assistant)
 * Ether
 * Paralyze Heal