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How to Reach Pastoria City in Pokémon Platinum: A Seasoned Trainer’s Guide

So, you’re itching to challenge the Pastoria City Gym and snag that coveted Fen Badge in Pokémon Platinum? Excellent choice! This vibrant city, nestled in the heart of Sinnoh, is more than just a gym; it’s a crucial step in your journey to becoming a Pokémon League Champion. The path to Pastoria isn’t always straightforward, especially if you’re new to the region or haven’t played in a while. Worry not, intrepid trainer! Here’s your definitive guide:

How do I get to Pastoria City in Pokémon Platinum? The most common and intended route to Pastoria City involves progressing through the game’s main storyline. You will travel south from Hearthome City on Route 205, then navigate through the southern portion of Route 206. After that, you’ll continue southward on Route 207 into the bottom section of Route 208, eventually entering Route 212. This route is swampy and can be difficult to traverse without the right Hidden Machines (HMs) and some patience. Once you have navigated Route 212, you will arrive in Pastoria City.

Navigating the Swamps: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Getting to Pastoria City involves a couple of routes and a bit of swampy navigation, so here’s a detailed breakdown:

Starting Point: Hearthome City

Hearthome City is your immediate launching pad. After dealing with the events there (including possibly competing in a Pokémon Contest), head south out of the city.

Traversing Route 205 and Route 206

Route 205 is your initial southward journey which leads to Route 206. Route 206 can be walked straight through with no problem, and will automatically lead to Route 207.

Down Route 207, Towards the Swamps

Route 207 leads to the bottom segment of Route 208, where you will continue south and eventually reach Route 212.

Conquering Route 212: The Swampy Gauntlet

Ah, Route 212. This is where things get interesting (and a little muddy). Be prepared for several trainers looking for a battle and a landscape dotted with swampy patches. This is where Patience is needed.

Embrace the Mud: The swampy areas slow you down significantly, but strategically navigating them is key. Stick to the drier paths where possible to maintain your speed.
Hidden Items: Keep an eye out for hidden items scattered throughout the swamp. Using the Dowsing Machine app on your Pokétch is highly recommended to locate these treasures.
Trainer Battles: Route 212 is crawling with trainers, so be prepared for frequent battles. Having a diverse team with good type coverage will be invaluable.
Pokemon to catch: Many trainers consider Route 212 to be a great route to catch pokemon on. It can be worthwhile to bring several Pokeballs with you.

Victory and Arrival: Reaching Pastoria City

After what may feel like an eternity wading through the mud, you’ll finally emerge into Pastoria City. Bask in the sight of civilization!

Essential Preparations for Your Journey

Before you even set foot on Route 212, make sure you’re adequately prepared. Trust me, a little foresight goes a long way.

Healing Items: Stock up on Potions, Super Potions, and Antidotes. Poison is rampant in the swamps.
Repels: Using Repels can help minimize random encounters, allowing you to focus on navigating the tricky terrain.
A Strong Team: Ensure your Pokémon are at a decent level (around level 30-35) to handle the trainers on Route 212.
Type Coverage: Having Pokémon with diverse move types is crucial. Water, Grass, and Electric types are particularly useful against the Pokémon you’ll encounter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s address some of the most common questions trainers have about reaching Pastoria City:

1. Can I Fly Directly to Pastoria City?

Unfortunately, no. You can only fly to locations you’ve already visited. Since you’re trying to reach Pastoria City for the first time, Fly is not an option initially.

2. Is there an alternative route to Pastoria City?

Not really. The intended game route is through Route 212. While some trainers have attempted unconventional routes, they often involve glitches or exploits that aren’t practical or recommended for a standard playthrough.

3. What level should my Pokémon be before attempting Route 212?

I recommend having Pokémon around level 30-35. The trainers on Route 212 have Pokémon in that level range, and you’ll want to be at least on par with them.

4. What Pokémon types are most effective on Route 212?

Grass, Electric, Water, and Fighting types are particularly effective. Grass and Electric deal with Water-types common in the swamp, Water counters Ground-types, and Fighting can handle any Normal-types.

5. Are there any important items to find on Route 212?

Yes! Keep an eye out for items like the Great Ball, Antidote, and TM11 (Sunny Day). Using your Dowsing Machine can help uncover these hidden treasures.

6. How do I deal with the mud patches on Route 212?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid the mud patches entirely. The best strategy is to navigate around them strategically, sticking to drier paths whenever possible. Patience is key.

7. Do I need any specific HMs to get through Route 212?

No, you don’t need any HMs to reach Pastoria City. However, the HM Surf will allow you to traverse the water. If you don’t want to traverse the swamps, finding Surf will be vital.

8. What should I do after arriving in Pastoria City?

Once you’re in Pastoria City, head to the Great Marsh if you want to try your luck at catching some rare Pokémon. More importantly, challenge Gym Leader Crasher Wake at the Pastoria City Gym to earn the Fen Badge.

9. Can I get stuck on Route 212?

It’s unlikely you’ll get completely stuck, but it’s easy to get disoriented in the swamp. Make sure to save frequently and keep track of your progress. If you get lost, consult a map or online guide.

10. Is the Great Marsh required to reach Pastoria City?

No, the Great Marsh is an optional area. While it’s a fun side activity and a chance to catch unique Pokémon, it’s not necessary to visit it to reach or progress in Pastoria City.

11. Are there any particularly challenging trainers on Route 212 I should be aware of?

Several trainers have Pokémon in the low-to-mid 30s. Be particularly wary of trainers with Croagunk and Buizel, as they can pack a punch if you’re unprepared.

12. What if my Pokémon faint on Route 212?

If your Pokémon faint, you’ll be transported back to the last Pokémon Center you visited (most likely Hearthome City). This is why it’s crucial to stock up on healing items and save frequently to minimize setbacks.

Reaching Pastoria City in Pokémon Platinum is a rite of passage. By preparing well and understanding the challenges of Route 212, you’ll be well on your way to conquering the Pastoria Gym and continuing your journey to become a Pokémon League Champion. Now get out there and explore, trainer! Sinnoh awaits!