Routes 30 and 31 contain a variety of new Pokémon (especially Crystal), so bring several Poké Balls. Bug type Pokemon are plentiful here in all versions. {{bp|Caterpie}} appears in Gold while {{bp|Weedle}} appears in Silver. Two new Pokémon also appear: {{bp|Ledyba}} (morning in Silver) and {{bp|Spinarak}} (night in Gold). Unfortunately, they are all very weak (even {{bp|Butterfree}} and {{bp|Beedrill}}) and will be useless in the first gym. Bellsprout, though weak at the first gym, is decent and very useful if you did not choose Chikorita as your starter. Crystal gets all of the previously mentioned Pokémon, plus three more! {{bp|Gastly}}, {{bp|Zubat}} and {{bp|Poliwag}} are organized only at night and are rare but worth capturing them. Poliwag appears only on that route, Gastly and Zubat will be found in other places more easily, so do not worry if you miss those two.
Routes 30 and 31 contain a variety of new Pokémon (especially if you are playing Crystal) so bring many Poké Balls. Bug type Pokemon are plentiful here in all versions. {{bp|Caterpie}} and {{bp|Spinarak}} can be found on Gold while {{bp|Weedle}} and {{bp|Ledyba}} can be found on Silver. Unfortunately, the new families aren't that great, but you can still have some decent utility from {{bp|Butterfree}} (can learn {{bpm|Sleep Powder}} and moves alike) and {{bp|Beedrill}} (has a decent attack stat). {{bp|Bellsprout}} may be weak at the first gym but it's decent and very useful if you didn't choose {{bp|Chikorita}} as your starter. Also, try to catch an extra Bellsprout, not because they're that great, but because they can be used to trade for a very useful {{bp|Onix}} in [[Pokémon Gold and Silver/Violet City|Violet City]]. Crystal players can get all of the previously mentioned Pokémon, plus three more! {{bp|Gastly}}, {{bp|Zubat}} and {{bp|Poliwag}} can only be found at night and are somewhat rare but worth to catch. They can be found in other places more easily so don't worry if you don't find them here.
At this point, if you can, train your starter enough to evolve it to its second form. Cyndaquil will evolve into a Quilava at level 14, Chikorita will evolve into Bayleef at level 16, and Totodile will evolve into Croconaw at level 18. Most enemies here are weak to Fire and Flying-type attacks, so use this to your advantage.
One new twist is the ability to trade phone numbers with certain trainers once you've defeated them in battle (they will say phone next to their rewards). If you agree, they'll call you periodically to chat, challenge you to rematches, and most importantly, inform you of Pokémon "swarms." Without that info, it's hard to catch Pokémon like {{bp|Dunsparce}} in the nearby [[Pokémon Gold and Silver/Dark Cave|Dark Cave]].
One new twist is the ability to trade phone numbers with certain trainers once you've defeated them in battle (they will say phone next to their rewards). If you agree, they'll call you periodically to chat, challenge you to rematches, and most importantly, inform you of Pokémon "swarms." Without that info, it's hard to catch Pokémon like {{bp|Dunsparce}} in the nearby [[Pokémon Gold and Silver/Dark Cave|Dark Cave]].
==Catch a Bellsprout (or two)==
The dividing line between Route #30 and Route #31 is right about where the trainer named Don waits. To the north of him you'll find pretty much the same Pokémon you found below, but with the addition of {{bp|Bellsprout}} and {{bp|Gastly}}. Try to catch an extra Bellsprout—not because they're that great, but because they can be used to trade for a very useful {{bp|Onix}} in [[Pokémon Gold and Silver/Violet City|Violet City]].
===Run an errand and get TM 50===
===Run an errand and get TM 50===
A little later in the game, a guard in the guard house that separates [[Pokémon Gold and Silver/Goldenrod City|Goldenrod City]] and [[Pokémon Gold and Silver/Route 35|Route #35]] will send you to deliver a message to the guy in front of the lake, so remember where he is! Finishing this errand is the only way to get '''TM 50''', Nightmare.
A little later in the game, a guard in the guard house that separates [[Pokémon Gold and Silver/Goldenrod City|Goldenrod City]] and [[Pokémon Gold and Silver/Route 35|Route #35]] will send you to deliver a message to the guy in front of the lake, so remember where he is! Finishing this errand is the only way to get '''TM 50''', Nightmare.
| [[File:Pokemon 060Poliwag.png|left]] Poliwag are very common in Crystal, appearing at night in several overworld routes. Poliwag isn't too impressive by itself, but if you evolve it into a {{bp|Poliwhirl}} you can then use a Water Stone or trade it with a King's Rock to get a powerful {{bp|Poliwrath}} or {{bp|Politoed}}. But don't evolve it too early: Each of those forms can learn two exclusive moves, but none of them are anywhere near as good as the Hydro Pump that Poliwag and Poliwhirl would learn if you didn't evolve them until much later.
| [[File:Pokemon 060Poliwag.png|left]] Poliwag are very common in Crystal, appearing at night in several overworld routes. Poliwag isn't too impressive by itself, but if you evolve it into a {{bp|Poliwhirl}} you can then use a Water Stone or trade it with a King's Rock to get a powerful {{bp|Poliwrath}} or {{bp|Politoed}}. But don't evolve it too early: Each of those forms can learn two exclusive moves, but none of them are anywhere near as good as the Hydro Pump that Poliwag and Poliwhirl would learn if you didn't evolve them until much later. Still, if you want a Fighting-type move for your Poliwrath, you will need to evolve it at least before level 35.
Poliwag is very helpful in the fact that it can learn HMs: Surf, Whirlpool, Waterfall and evolutions {{bp|Poliwhirl}}, {{bp|Poliwrath}}, {{bp|Politoed}} can learn Strength.
Poliwag is very helpful in the fact that it can learn HMs: Surf, Whirlpool, Waterfall and evolutions {{bp|Poliwhirl}}, {{bp|Poliwrath}}, {{bp|Politoed}} can learn Strength.
| [[File:Pokemon 010Caterpie.png|right]] This Bug Pokémon reaches its highest form, Bug/Flying {{bp|Butterfree}}, at level 10. The speedy evolution is nice, and Butterfree is useful for a while after it learns Confusion at level 10. Unfortunately, its awkward mix of types and lack of other good early moves makes it a poor long-term choice.
| [[File:Pokemon 010Caterpie.png|right]] This Bug Pokémon reaches its highest form, Bug/Flying {{bp|Butterfree}}, at level 10. The speedy evolution is nice, and Butterfree is useful for a while after it learns {{bpm|Confusion}} at level 10. Early on it's still good since it has a mix of status moves and Confusion as a good dealing damage move, but after you find more Pokémon that can use status inducing moves it becomes mediocre.
| [[File:Pokemon 013Weedle.png|left]] Like Caterpie, Weedle evolves into its final form at level 10. That Pokémon, {{bp|Beedril}}, actually gets a handful of strong moves: Fury Attack at level 10, and Twineedle, Pursuit, and Pin Missile later on. Beedrill is hardly the game's best Bug Pokémon, but it will hold you over until you get a {{bp|Scyther}}.
| [[File:Pokemon 013Weedle.png|left]] Like Caterpie, Weedle evolves into its final form at level 10. That Pokémon, {{bp|Beedril}}, actually gets a handful of strong moves: Fury Attack at level 10, and Twineedle, Pursuit, and Pin Missile later on. Beedrill is hardly the game's best Bug Pokémon, but it will hold you over until you get a {{bp|Scyther}}.
| [[File:Pokemon 167Spinarak.png|right]] Spinarak is a nocturnal Pokémon with a good variety of Poison, Normal, Bug, Ghost, and Psychic attacks. One move exclusive to this Pokémon and its evolved form ({{bp|Ariados}} at level 22) is Spider Web, a useful technique that prevents a Pokémon from running away.
| [[File:Pokemon 167Spinarak.png|right]] Spinarak is a nocturnal Pokémon with a good variety of Poison, Normal, Bug, Ghost, and Psychic attacks. One move exclusive to this Pokémon and its evolved form ({{bp|Ariados}} at level 22) is Spider Web, a useful technique that prevents a Pokémon from running away. Unfortunately, it's still a mediocre Pokémon with poor stats in almost every category.
| [[File:Pokemon 041Zubat.png|left]] Big news for Zubat fans: Gold/Silver/Crystal introduces a third evolution for this under-appreciated Poison/Flying-type. {{bp|Crobat}}, who evolves from a very "tamed" {{bp|Golbat}}, doesn't have any new moves, but it can learn Fly and is much quicker than Golbat.
| [[File:Pokemon 041Zubat.png|left]] Big news for Zubat fans: Gold/Silver/Crystal introduces a third evolution for this under-appreciated Poison/Flying-type. {{bp|Crobat}}, who evolves from a very "tamed" {{bp|Golbat}}, doesn't have any new moves, but it can learn Fly and is much quicker than Golbat. Crobat is actually the fastest Pokémon that can learn {{bpm|Mean Look}}, so if you're having trouble trying to catch some annoying Pokémon that likes to run, Crobat is your best choice.
| [[Image:Pokemon 165Ledyba.png|right]] You'll have to wake up early to catch a Ledyba. Bug/Flying type Ledyba and its evolved form {{bp|Ledian}} are primarily defensive Pokémon, learning moves like Reflect, Safeguard, and Light Screen. They do learn a few early attacks like Comet Punch, but their Attack is too low to put them to good use.
| [[Image:Pokemon 165Ledyba.png|right]] You'll have to wake up early to catch a Ledyba. Bug/Flying type Ledyba and its evolved form {{bp|Ledian}} are primarily defensive Pokémon, learning moves like Reflect, Safeguard, and Light Screen. They do learn a few early attacks like Comet Punch, but their Attack is too low to put them to good use.
| [[File:Pokemon 069Bellsprout.png|left]] Bellsprout and its evolved forms, {{bp|Weepinbell}}, and {{bp|Victreebel}} are still among the least useful Grass Pokémon, and their one new move (Sweet Scent) isn't worth much. But if you didn't pick a {{bp|Chikorita}} as a starter, you may find Bellsprout to be temporarily useful. They start with Vine Whip, which is good against the Gastly in Sprout Tower and great against Rock-type Pokémon in the upcoming Union Cave.
| [[File:Pokemon 069Bellsprout.png|left]] Bellsprout and its evolved forms, {{bp|Weepinbell}}, and {{bp|Victreebel}} are still among the least useful Grass Pokémon, and their one new move (Sweet Scent) isn't worth much. But if you didn't pick a {{bp|Chikorita}} as a starter, you may find Bellsprout to be temporarily useful. They start with Vine Whip, which is great against Rock and Ground-type Pokémon in the upcoming Union Cave.
Bellsprout and its evolved forms can learn HMs: Cut and Flash which will soon be encountered.
Bellsprout and its evolved forms can learn HMs: Cut and Flash which will soon be encountered.
| [[File:Pokemon 092Gastly.png|right]] Gastly is a very useful Pokémon in Gold, Silver, and Crystal. It now starts with Hypnosis, and can learn four all new moves. One of the first is Mean Look, which prevents opponents from running away. Between that, Hypnosis and its Ghost-type resistance to Normal attacks, Gastly is the perfect Pokémon for catching other wild Pokémon. But you'll have to stay up late to catch one since they only come out at night.
| [[File:Pokemon 092Gastly.png|right]] Gastly is a very useful Pokémon in Gold, Silver, and Crystal. It now starts with Hypnosis, and can learn four all new moves. One of the first is Mean Look, which prevents opponents from running away. Between that, Hypnosis and its Ghost-type resistance to Normal attacks, Gastly is the perfect Pokémon for catching other wild Pokémon. But you'll have to stay up late to catch one since they only come out at night.
|}
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{{Footer Nav|game=Pokémon Gold and Silver|prevpage=Back to New Bark Town|nextpage=Dark Cave}}
{{Footer Nav|game=Pokémon Gold and Silver|prevpage=Back to New Bark Town|nextpage=Dark Cave}}
Route #30 and Route #31 are relatively uncomplicated roads—unfortunately, you'll have to wander off the path to climb uphill. You'll be wandering through tall grass again, but it will help your Pokémon become strong—if you win.
New Pokémon to catch
Routes 30 and 31 contain a variety of new Pokémon (especially if you are playing Crystal) so bring many Poké Balls. Bug type Pokemon are plentiful here in all versions. Caterpie and Spinarak can be found on Gold while Weedle and Ledyba can be found on Silver. Unfortunately, the new families aren't that great, but you can still have some decent utility from Butterfree (can learn Sleep Powder and moves alike) and Beedrill (has a decent attack stat). Bellsprout may be weak at the first gym but it's decent and very useful if you didn't choose Chikorita as your starter. Also, try to catch an extra Bellsprout, not because they're that great, but because they can be used to trade for a very useful Onix in Violet City. Crystal players can get all of the previously mentioned Pokémon, plus three more! Gastly, Zubat and Poliwag can only be found at night and are somewhat rare but worth to catch. They can be found in other places more easily so don't worry if you don't find them here.
When you return to Route #30 after completing your errand, trainers will attack you whenever you make eye contact. As you can see from their rosters below, their Pokémon are weak, but they can wear you down. You can try to avoid them, but it's better to fight when you can: they're the best source of money and EXP in the game.
One new twist is the ability to trade phone numbers with certain trainers once you've defeated them in battle (they will say phone next to their rewards). If you agree, they'll call you periodically to chat, challenge you to rematches, and most importantly, inform you of Pokémon "swarms." Without that info, it's hard to catch Pokémon like Dunsparce in the nearby Dark Cave.
Run an errand and get TM 50
A little later in the game, a guard in the guard house that separates Goldenrod City and Route #35 will send you to deliver a message to the guy in front of the lake, so remember where he is! Finishing this errand is the only way to get TM 50, Nightmare.
Free berries from Wade
After you beat Wade along Route 31, give him your phone number. In Crystal, he'll call from time to time, and if you go visit him immediately afterward, he may give you one of a wide variety of Berries.
Poliwag are very common in Crystal, appearing at night in several overworld routes. Poliwag isn't too impressive by itself, but if you evolve it into a Poliwhirl you can then use a Water Stone or trade it with a King's Rock to get a powerful Poliwrath or Politoed. But don't evolve it too early: Each of those forms can learn two exclusive moves, but none of them are anywhere near as good as the Hydro Pump that Poliwag and Poliwhirl would learn if you didn't evolve them until much later. Still, if you want a Fighting-type move for your Poliwrath, you will need to evolve it at least before level 35.
Poliwag is very helpful in the fact that it can learn HMs: Surf, Whirlpool, Waterfall and evolutions Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Politoed can learn Strength.
This Bug Pokémon reaches its highest form, Bug/Flying Butterfree, at level 10. The speedy evolution is nice, and Butterfree is useful for a while after it learns Confusion at level 10. Early on it's still good since it has a mix of status moves and Confusion as a good dealing damage move, but after you find more Pokémon that can use status inducing moves it becomes mediocre.
#13 Weedle
#167 Spinarak
Like Caterpie, Weedle evolves into its final form at level 10. That Pokémon, Beedril, actually gets a handful of strong moves: Fury Attack at level 10, and Twineedle, Pursuit, and Pin Missile later on. Beedrill is hardly the game's best Bug Pokémon, but it will hold you over until you get a Scyther.
Spinarak is a nocturnal Pokémon with a good variety of Poison, Normal, Bug, Ghost, and Psychic attacks. One move exclusive to this Pokémon and its evolved form (Ariados at level 22) is Spider Web, a useful technique that prevents a Pokémon from running away. Unfortunately, it's still a mediocre Pokémon with poor stats in almost every category.
#41 Zubat
#165 Ledyba
Big news for Zubat fans: Gold/Silver/Crystal introduces a third evolution for this under-appreciated Poison/Flying-type. Crobat, who evolves from a very "tamed" Golbat, doesn't have any new moves, but it can learn Fly and is much quicker than Golbat. Crobat is actually the fastest Pokémon that can learn Mean Look, so if you're having trouble trying to catch some annoying Pokémon that likes to run, Crobat is your best choice.
You'll have to wake up early to catch a Ledyba. Bug/Flying type Ledyba and its evolved form Ledian are primarily defensive Pokémon, learning moves like Reflect, Safeguard, and Light Screen. They do learn a few early attacks like Comet Punch, but their Attack is too low to put them to good use.
#69 Bellsprout
#92 Gastly
Bellsprout and its evolved forms, Weepinbell, and Victreebel are still among the least useful Grass Pokémon, and their one new move (Sweet Scent) isn't worth much. But if you didn't pick a Chikorita as a starter, you may find Bellsprout to be temporarily useful. They start with Vine Whip, which is great against Rock and Ground-type Pokémon in the upcoming Union Cave.
Bellsprout and its evolved forms can learn HMs: Cut and Flash which will soon be encountered.
Gastly is a very useful Pokémon in Gold, Silver, and Crystal. It now starts with Hypnosis, and can learn four all new moves. One of the first is Mean Look, which prevents opponents from running away. Between that, Hypnosis and its Ghost-type resistance to Normal attacks, Gastly is the perfect Pokémon for catching other wild Pokémon. But you'll have to stay up late to catch one since they only come out at night.
Ledyba
Hoppip
Pidgey
Caterpie
Metapod
Weedle
Kakuna
Hoothoot
Rattata
Spinarak
Zubat
Poliwag
Bellsprout
Gastly