Getting to the Fortree Gym is a key milestone in your Pokémon Emerald adventure. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you reach the Fortree City Gym Leader without a hitch and are prepared to claim your next Gym Badge. Can I get to Fortree City early? Yes, you can reach Fortree City after defeating the third Gym Leader in Mauville City. The journey involves navigating through Route 117 and Route 118.
Who is the Fortree Gym Leader? The Fortree Gym Leader is Winona, a trainer specializing in Flying-type Pokémon. Her gym is a unique experience, filled with puzzles and challenging trainers. This guide will prepare you for the Fortree City Gym location and the trials within.
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The Path to Fortree City
Your journey to Fortree City begins immediately after you secure the third Gym Badge in Mauville City. After your victory over Wattson, head west out of Mauville City onto Route 117.
Route 117: A Scenic Detour
Route 117 is a vibrant route filled with trainers and opportunities to catch new Pokémon. It’s also home to the Pokémon Day Care, a convenient place to leave your Pokémon if you need to level them up or breed them.
Key Features of Route 117:
- Trainers: You’ll encounter several trainers here, including Parasol Lady, Beauty, and Youngster. These battles are good practice for what’s to come.
- Pokémon: Common Pokémon on this route include Zigzagoon, Marill, and Oddish. You might also find Kecleon, a Pokémon known for its ability to camouflage.
- Pokémon Day Care: This facility is crucial for Pokémon trainers. You can leave two of your Pokémon here to gain experience over time, or use it for breeding.
Navigating Route 117:
Simply move westward. The path is straightforward, leading you directly to Route 118. Keep an eye out for items and trainers along the way.
Route 118: The Rival Encounter
As you enter Route 118, you’ll be greeted by an unexpected visitor: your rival. This battle is a significant test of your team’s strength and will likely involve a Pokémon that has a type advantage against your starter.
Preparing for the Rival Battle:
Before engaging your rival, it’s wise to heal your Pokémon at a Pokémon Center. The Mauville City Pokémon Center is the closest one. Ensure your team is well-rounded and has Pokémon with diverse attacking types.
- If you chose Treecko: Your rival will likely have a Combusken. Grass and Flying-type moves will be effective.
- If you chose Torchic: Your rival will likely have a Marshtomp. Grass and Electric-type moves are your best bet.
- If you chose Mudkip: Your rival will likely have a Grovyle. Fire and Flying-type moves are highly effective.
After the Battle:
Once you defeat your rival, they will mention something about Steven and give you an item. This encounter serves as a wake-up call, reminding you of the challenges ahead. Continue westward, and you’ll find yourself on Route 118.
Crossing the River: The Surf HM
Route 118 is characterized by a wide river that blocks your path westward. To cross it, you’ll need the HM03, Surf. Fortunately, Steven is nearby. He’ll be waiting by the coast on Route 118.
Meeting Steven:
As you head west, you’ll see Steven Stone, the future Champion of the Hoenn region, looking out at the sea. He’ll engage you in conversation and then give you the HM03 (Surf). This item is essential for progressing.
Using Surf:
Surf allows your Pokémon to travel across bodies of water. You can teach this HM to many Water-type Pokémon. Make sure you have a Pokémon that can learn Surf in your party. Before you can use it to travel across the river, you’ll need to defeat Winona, the Fortree City Gym Leader, as she is the one who will later give you the ability to use Surf outside of battle. However, for now, Steven gives you the HM so you can use it to reach him after the bridge.
Route 119: The Verdant Path
After obtaining Surf, you’ll need to make your way back across the river. Once you’re on the other side, continue west onto Route 119. This route is a long, winding path through a dense forest, filled with tall grass and challenging trainers.
Key Features of Route 119:
- Trainers: Expect to face skilled trainers like Youngster, Lass, and Bird Keeper.
- Pokémon: This route is rich in Bug-type and Grass-type Pokémon, such as Beautifly, Dustox, and Lotad. You might also encounter the elusive Absol.
- Hidden Items: Be sure to explore thoroughly, as there are many hidden items and useful TMs to find.
- Weather Institute: A significant landmark on this route is the Weather Institute. If you’ve dealt with the Aqua or Magma Grunts in Verdanturf Town and Slateport City, you might find a grant here who can give you a Castform.
Navigating Route 119:
The route is divided by a waterfall that requires the use of Surf to bypass. You’ll need to navigate through the tall grass, battling trainers and catching new Pokémon.
- The Waterfall: To proceed, you must find a path that leads you behind the waterfall. This usually involves using your Pokémon’s ability to navigate narrow passages or finding a hidden route.
Route 120: Approaching Fortree City
Once you pass the waterfall on Route 119, you’ll emerge onto Route 120. This route continues the dense forest theme but also introduces some open areas and bridges.
Key Features of Route 120:
- Trainers: More challenging trainers await, including Bird Keepers and Black Belts.
- Pokémon: Continue to find Grass and Bug types, but also look out for Pokémon like Skarmory and Swellow.
- Steven’s House: You’ll also find Steven’s house on this route. If you haven’t visited him already, you can do so now.
The Final Stretch:
Continue westward through Route 120. The path will eventually lead you to the entrance of Fortree City.
Arriving in Fortree City
Fortree City is a unique city built amongst the trees, with houses and pathways constructed on platforms high above the ground. Its distinctive architecture is a reflection of its natural setting.
What to do upon arrival:
- Heal Your Pokémon: The first thing you should do is head to the Pokémon Center to fully restore your team’s health and PP.
- Visit the Gym: The Fortree City Gym location is easily identifiable. It’s the large building in the center of the city.
- Explore the City: While the gym is your primary objective, take some time to explore. You might find useful items, talk to NPCs for hints, and even discover some hidden secrets.
The Fortree Gym: A Flying-Type Challenge
Winona’s gym is known for its unique design and the challenging Bug-type Pokémon Fortree Gym trainers that inhabit it. The gym is primarily a Flying-type Gym challenge, meaning you’ll need Pokémon strong against Flying types to succeed.
Gym Layout and Puzzles:
The Fortree Gym is designed as a series of interconnected rooms with platforms and switch puzzles.
- The Platforms: The gym floor is made up of platforms that you must traverse. Some platforms require you to step on them in a specific order or use switches to activate them.
- The Switches: Scattered throughout the gym are switches. Activating these switches will either raise or lower certain platforms, creating new paths or blocking old ones.
- The Pillars: There are also decorative pillars in the gym. Some of these pillars can be pushed to activate switches or open up new areas.
Fortree Gym Puzzles Explained:
The primary puzzle in the Fortree Gym involves activating a sequence of switches to navigate the various platforms.
- First Area: Upon entering, you’ll see several platforms and a switch. The initial puzzle usually involves activating a switch to raise a platform that allows you to proceed.
- Second Area: This area typically involves a series of interconnected platforms and switches. You’ll need to carefully observe the layout and experiment with the switches to find the correct path forward.
- The Winona Battle: After navigating the puzzles and defeating the Fortree Gym trainers, you’ll reach Winona herself.
Fortree Gym Trainers:
Before you face Winona, you’ll have to battle several other trainers within the gym. These trainers will test your mettle and help you prepare for the main event.
- Common Trainer Types: Expect to face Bird Keepers and other trainers specializing in Flying-type Pokémon.
- Pokémon You’ll Face: Trainers will use Pokémon like Taillow, Swellow, Pelipper, and Tropius. Some might even have a Roselia, which is part Grass-type and resists Flying attacks.
Table of Common Fortree Gym Trainers and Their Pokémon:
| Trainer Name | Pokémon | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Bird Keeper Bob | Taillow, Swellow | 29-31 |
| Ace Trainer | Pelipper, Tropius | 32 |
| Bird Keeper | Swellow | 31 |
(Note: Levels and exact Pokémon can vary slightly based on game progression and specific trainer encounters.)
How to Beat Fortree Gym: Strategies and Pokémon Recommendations
Facing Winona requires a solid strategy and a well-prepared team. Her Flying-type Pokémon can be tough, especially with their speed and access to powerful moves.
Winona’s Team in Emerald:
Winona’s team in Pokémon Emerald consists of:
- Tropius (Level 31) – Grass/Flying
- Skarmory (Level 31) – Steel/Flying
- Swellow (Level 33) – Normal/Flying
- Pelipper (Level 30) – Water/Flying
- Altaria (Level 35) – Dragon/Flying
Effective Pokémon Types:
The most effective types against Winona’s Flying-type Pokémon are:
- Rock: Resists Flying and hits super effectively.
- Electric: Hits Flying types super effectively.
- Ice: Hits Flying types super effectively.
- Fighting: While not super effective against pure Flying types, Fighting moves can be useful against Altaria’s Dragon typing and can deal neutral damage to many of Winona’s Pokémon.
Recommended Pokémon for the Emerald Fortree Gym:
- Graveler/Golem: If you have a Geodude that you can trade and evolve into Golem, or simply a strong Graveler, its Rock-type attacks will be devastating. They are slow but incredibly powerful and can tank hits.
- Manectric: A fast Electric-type Pokémon like Manectric can outspeed many of Winona’s Pokémon and deliver powerful Electric attacks.
- Magneton: Magneton, with its Electric/Steel typing, is an excellent choice. It resists Flying attacks and has STAB Electric moves.
- Aggron: If you have an Aron that has evolved into Aggron, its Rock typing provides a strong offensive and defensive advantage.
- Walrein/Lapras: If you have access to strong Ice-type Pokémon like Walrein or Lapras (though Lapras is harder to obtain in Emerald without trading), their Ice-type moves are superb against Flying types.
- Machamp: While not super effective against pure Flying types, Machamp’s Fighting moves can be very effective against Altaria due to its Dragon typing. It also boasts high attack power.
Fortree Gym Strategy:
- Lead with a strong offensive Pokémon: Consider starting with a Pokémon that can hit hard and fast.
- Exploit type weaknesses: Always aim to use moves that are super effective against Winona’s Pokémon.
- Watch out for Aerial Ace: Many of Winona’s Pokémon know Aerial Ace, a move that never misses. This can be particularly troublesome if your Pokémon are at low HP.
- Consider status effects: Moves like Thunder Wave (Paralysis) or Poison can help slow down or wear down Winona’s team.
- Protect your weaknesses: Be mindful of which of your Pokémon are vulnerable to Flying attacks and switch them out accordingly.
Table of Winona’s Pokémon and Effective Moves:
| Winona’s Pokémon | Type | Weaknesses | Effective Moves/Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropius | Grass/Flying | Ice, Fire, Poison, Flying, Electric | Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Flame Thrower, Aerial Ace |
| Skarmory | Steel/Flying | Fire, Electric | Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, Fire Blast |
| Swellow | Normal/Flying | Rock, Electric, Ice | Rock Slide, Thunderbolt, Ice Beam |
| Pelipper | Water/Flying | Rock, Electric | Thunderbolt, Rock Slide, Zap Cannon |
| Altaria | Dragon/Flying | Ice, Rock, Fairy | Ice Beam, Rock Slide, Blizzard |
(Note: Fairy typing was not introduced until Generation VI, so it is not a weakness in Pokémon Emerald.)
The Gym Badge and TM
Upon defeating Winona, you will receive the Feather Badge and the TM40, Aerial Ace.
- Feather Badge: This badge allows you to use Pokémon up to Level 40 to obey you, regardless of whether they were traded. It also signifies your progress in the game and unlocks new areas.
- TM40 Aerial Ace: This is a powerful Flying-type move that never misses. It’s a great addition to any Pokémon’s move set that can learn it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What Pokémon are good against Winona’s team?
A1: Pokémon with Electric, Rock, or Ice-type moves are most effective. Good examples include Manectric, Magneton, Graveler, Aggron, and any Ice-type Pokémon you may have.
Q2: How do I get to Fortree City?
A2: After defeating the Mauville City Gym Leader, head west onto Route 117, then Route 118. You’ll need to get Surf from Steven on Route 118 to cross the river. Continue west through Route 119 and Route 120 to reach Fortree City.
Q3: What is the type of the Fortree City Gym?
A3: The Fortree Gym is a Flying-type gym, led by Winona.
Q4: What Pokémon does Winona use?
A4: Winona uses Tropius, Skarmory, Swellow, Pelipper, and Altaria in Pokémon Emerald.
Q5: What TM do you get from the Fortree Gym?
A5: You receive TM40, Aerial Ace, after defeating Winona.
Q6: Are there any puzzles in the Fortree Gym?
A6: Yes, the Fortree Gym features a puzzle involving moving between platforms by activating switches.
Q7: What is the best strategy for the Fortree Gym?
A7: The best strategy involves using Pokémon with strong Electric, Rock, or Ice-type attacks to exploit the weaknesses of Winona’s Flying-type Pokémon. Be prepared for Aerial Ace, a move that never misses.
This comprehensive guide should set you on the right path to conquer the Emerald Fortree Gym and continue your journey to become the ultimate Pokémon Master! Good luck!