Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen/Route 22



Before you travel through the Viridian Forest you should head west out of Viridian City to visit this route. You'll get to battle your rival again and also have the opportunity to catch a Mankey, the only fighting type you'll have access to until you reach the Rock Tunnel later in the game. If you're patient you can also catch a Spearow, which is a great alternative to Pidgey if you're looking for a flying type for your party. Don't forget to weaken a Pokémon in battle before using a Poké Ball on it, or else it will be able to break free and you'll have to try again.

Rival Battle #1
You'll find your rival on route 22 after the first tall grass, but before the second. Your rival will only have two Pokémon, Pidgey and the starter, 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.