Where To Go After Vermilion City Next Area Guide
After earning the Thunder Badge from Lt. Surge and securing the Cut hidden technique aboard the S.S. Anne, many Pokémon trainers find themselves wondering where to head next in their Kanto region adventure. Leaving Vermilion City marks a major turning point in the game, as the world opens up with multiple interconnected routes and crucial items to collect. Understanding the ideal path forward ensures you do not miss essential abilities or get stuck in dark caves later in your journey.
Exploring Route 11 and Diglett's Cave
East of Vermilion City lies Route 11, a stretch packed with eager trainers and wild encounters. Although a sleeping Snorlax blocks further travel east toward Lavender Town at this stage, the route serves a vital purpose. Near the entrance of the route sits Diglett's Cave, a natural shortcut leading straight back toward the northern parts of Kanto.
Traveling through Diglett's Cave brings you out near Route 2, just south of Pewter City. This quick passage bypasses earlier obstacles and allows trainers to access valuable items previously out of reach. Additionally, capturing a Diglett or Dugtrio inside the cave can provide a massive speed and typing advantage for upcoming battles.
Obtaining HM Flash on Route 2
Once you exit Diglett's Cave on Route 2, head south to find a building housing one of Professor Oak's aides. If you have caught at least 10 different species of Pokémon in your Pokédex, the aide rewards you with HM05 Flash. This move is completely required to illuminate the pitch-black caverns of Rock Tunnel ahead.
In addition to grabbing the Flash ability, exploring this section of Route 2 lets you collect items blocked earlier by small trees. You can use your newly acquired Cut ability to clear pathways and gather hidden treasures. Once finished here, return back through Diglett's Cave to Vermilion City or travel north toward Cerulean City.
Crossing Routes 9 and 10 to Rock Tunnel
To continue the main storyline, make your way back up to Cerulean City and take the eastern exit past the burgled house onto Route 9. Using Cut on the small tree allows you to battle through Route 9's winding paths and defeat numerous trainers. Follow this path east until you arrive at Route 10, where a Pokémon Center offers much-needed healing right outside the Rock Tunnel entrance.
Rock Tunnel is a long and challenging subterranean maze connecting Route 10 to Lavender Town. Teaching Flash to one of your Pokémon before entering turns the dark cave visible and manageable to navigate. Descending ladders and navigating through multiple floors will eventually bring you safely out the southern side into Lavender Town.
Arriving in Lavender Town and Heading to Celadon City
Reaching Lavender Town offers a brief respite, though its famous Pokémon Tower remains partially inaccessible until you acquire a specific item. From Lavender Town, you can head west along Route 8 toward the bustling metropolis of Celadon City. Taking the Underground Path past the barred Saffron City gates leads directly onto Route 7 and into Celadon City.
Celadon City offers a wide array of activities, including the fourth Gym battle against Erika, the Department Store, and the secret Rocket Hideout. Securing the Silph Scope here will allow you to return to Lavender Town and fully resolve the mysteries of the Pokémon Tower. Following this structured route keeps your story progression smooth and ensures your team stays well-leveled throughout Kanto.