Pokémon Yellow (Game Boy) - RetroAchievements/guides GitHub Wiki

Pokemon Yellow

1) Synopsis
Set Difficulty 3/10
Approximate time to master 20-25 (with fast-forward), 60-80 (without fast-forward)
Minimum numbers of playthroughs needed 1
Number of missable achievements 11
Does difficulty affect achievements? Not applicable
Hardest achievement of the set Gotta Catch 'em All - Yellow

2) Introduction

Pokémon Yellow is the fourth version of Generation 1, and the third version for us in the west. This version is an enhancement over Pokémon Red and Blue, having some quality-of-life features but mostly attempting to draw in more people due to the popularity of the anime at the time. While the story is still the exact same as the original game, some anime characters like Officer Jenny and Jessie and James are more prevalent, and the starter Pokémon is Pikachu. This Pikachu is special as it can't evolve, and will always follow the trainer and can be interacted with.

The achievement set consists of a total of 77 achievements, created by users Blazekickn, stfN1337, and dude1286. This set covers everything there is to do in the main story, as well as some additional challenges that mostly revolve around you using your own pikachu, and a bunch of friendship achievements to see if Pikachu is happy with you or not. Be sure to shower him with love, as he will be your best friend during this game--whether you want to or not.

3) Walkthrough

Step 1: Story-related achievements

All of these achievements happen during the story, which means from the start to beating the Pokémon league. For your playthrough, I highly recommend going to the options right away and setting the battle style to "set", and doing a Pikachu-only run. There are some achievements where you may only use Pikachu, and it also makes the grind to level 100 easier as you'll be around level 80-90 when arriving at the league. You also need to beat the entire Pokémon League with just Pikachu so whether you like it or not, your Pikachu will have to be close to max level anyway. This Pikachu-only playthrough is not as hard as it sounds, especially not with items such as X-Defend and X-Attack. Recommended moves to teach Pikachu are Double Team, Thunderbolt, and Body Slam (TM found in the S.S. Anne).

The following achievements for this step are missable (in chronological order):

Step 2: Pokédex Completion and Trades

There are a total of 129 Pokémon to obtain in Pokémon Yellow, not including trades. You only need one Eeveelution, either fossils from Mt. Moon, and either Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan for example. There are no real missable Pokémon aside from one-chance encounters, such as all legendaries and Snorlax. Keep in mind that there are also only 5 Moon Stones in the game, and there are four Pokémon that need them: Nidorino, Nidorina, Jigglypuff, and Clefairy. Wigglytuff is also able to be bought from the Game Corner in case you have no Moon Stones left. Before you start this step, I also recommend getting 50 Pokémon as quickly as possible and then talk to Professor Oak's aide near Fuchsia City for an Exp. All.

Missable achievements:

Step 3: Miscellaneous achievements

A few achievements that don't fit in any other category, and can generally be done at any time. The sole exception to this rule is the missable achievement of this step. Do NOT beat any trainers on Routes 12-15 before having obtained the PokéFlute. To attempt this achievement, you need a Pokémon with the HM Cut and if you're doing a Pikachu-only run, it is recommended to take ethers/elixers to restore PP without leaving the area.

Missable achievement:

Step 4: Pikachu Mood Achievments

All of these achievements involve talking to Pikachu when its mood is right. General tips are given during this step, but I recommend talking to Pikachu often so you have to put in less effort near the end.

Missable achievements:

Step 1: Story-related achievements | Total points: 193

Pokemon - I Choose You! (1)
Obtain a Pokedex from Prof. Oak.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Smell You Later! [m] (5)
Defeat your Rival on Route 22 before traveling to Pewter City.

-=MISSABLE=-

First battle against your rival, west of Viridian City. This battle is only available before travelling to Pewter City.

Showdown in Pewter City (5)
Earn the Boulder Badge in Pewter City.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Attack of the Prehistoric Pokemon (1)
Acquire a fossilized Pokemon in Mt. Moon.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Prepare for Trouble! [m] (10)
Defeat Jessie and James of Team Rocket inside Mt. Moon using only Pikachu.

-=MISSABLE=-

Defeat the trainer battle against Jessie and James with only Pikachu in Mt. Moon, after the fossils. You are allowed to bring other Pokémon, but you can not switch to them in battle.

The Water Flower of Cerulean City (5)
Earn the Cascade Badge in Cerulean City.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Gatekeeper of the Nugget Bridge (10)
Defeat your Rival on Cerulean City's Nugget Bridge.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Battle Aboard the St. Anne (10)
Defeat your Rival aboard the S.S. Anne in Vermilion City.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Electric Shock Showdown (5)
Earn the Thunder Badge in Vermillion City.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Pokemon Scent-sation (10)
Earn the Rainbow Badge in Celadon City.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Make it Double! [m] (10)
Defeat Jessie and James inside the Team Rocket Hideout in Celadon City using only Pikachu.

-=MISSABLE=-

Defeat the trainer battle against Jessie and James with only Pikachu in the Team Rocket Hideout in Celadon City. You are allowed to bring other Pokémon, but you can not switch to them in battle.

Protect the World From Devastation (10)
Defeat Team Rocket in their Hideout in Celadon City.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Not the most appropriate arena... (10)
Defeat your Rival inside the Pokemon Tower in Lavender Town.

Story related, cannot be missed.

The Tower of Terror (1)
Encounter the Ghost of the Pokemon Tower

Story related, cannot be missed.

Unite All Peoples Within Our Nation [m] (10)
Defeat Jessie and James inside the Pokemon Tower in Lavender Town using only Pikachu.

-=MISSABLE=-

Defeat the trainer battle against Jessie and James with only Pikachu in the Pokémon Tower in Lavender Town. You are allowed to bring other Pokémon, but you can not switch to them in battle.

The Sleeper Awakens (5)
Use the Pokeflute to awaken and capture a Pokemon.

-=MISSABLE=-

This achievement is technically not just story-related, but there are only two opportunities to catch a Snorlax, of which one fight is mandatory. Be sure to catch it, otherwise it will ruin your completion.

The Ninja Poke-Showdown (10)
Earn the Soul Badge in Fuchsia City.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Do we REALLY have to do this now? (5)
Defeat your Rival inside the Silph Co. in Saffron City.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Denounce the Evils of Truth and Love [m] (10)
Defeat Jessie and James inside the Silph Co. in Saffron City using only Pikachu.

-=MISSABLE=-

Defeat the trainer battle against Jessie and James with only Pikachu in the Silph Co. in Saffron City. You are allowed to bring other Pokémon, but you can not switch to them in battle.

Extend Our Reach to the Stars Above (10)
Force Team Rocket out of Silph Co. in Saffron City.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Psychic Showdown (10)
Earn the Marsh Badge in Saffron City.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Volcanic Panic (10)
Earn the Volcano Badge in Cinnabar Island.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Team Rocket's Blasting Off Again! (10)
Earn the Earth Badge in Viridian City.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Gatekeeper of Victory Road (10)
Defeat your Rival on Route 22 while traveling to the Pokemon League.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Pokemon Master! (10)
Defeat the Elite Four and the Champion of the Pokemon League.

Story related, cannot be missed.

Step 2: Pokédex Completion and Trades | Total points: 129

Fish Out Of Water (3)
Get ripped off in the Pokemon Center on Route 3.

Buy a Magikarp from one of the NPCs in the Pokémon Center for 500 Pokédollars.

Take care of Bulbasaur! (5)
Obtain Bulbasaur from Melanie in Cerulean City.

You can get a Bulbasaur by talking to Melanie in her own house in Cerulean City, next to the Pokémon Center. She only gives the Bulbasaur to you if your Pikachu is happy enough, which he most likely will be if you are doing a Pikachu-only run and don't lose battles too often. If it's still too troublesome, keep feeding your Pikachu potions when he's full health to increase happiness without losing potions.

Charmander - The Stray Pokemon (5)
Obtain Charmander from Guy in Route 25.

North of the Nugget Bridge is a hiker standing next to a rock. Talk to him to obtain Charmander.

Here Comes the Squirtle Squad! (5)
Obtain Squirtle from Officer Jenny in Vermilion City.

Talk to Officer Jenny after defeating Lt. Surge to obtain a Squirtle.

King of the Dojo (5)
Defeat the master of the Fighting Dojo and claim your prize in Saffron City.

Defeat the Dojo master next to the Saffron City Gym and claim one of his Pokémon as prize.

Uno, Dos, Tres (25)
Capture a trio of legendary Pokemon.

-=MISSABLE=-

This achievement involves catching Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. You only have one chance to catch them, after which they will be gone forever, so be sure to have enough Ultra Balls and save before the battle.

  1. Articuno can be found on the lowest floor of the Seafoam Islands, east of Cinnabar Island. HMs Surf and Strength are needed.
  2. Zapdos can be found in the Power Plant east of the Rock Tunnel entrance. HM Surf is needed.
  3. Moltres can be found in the Victory Road. HM Strength is needed.

Creation Gone Wrong (10)
Capture a legendary Pokemon in Cerulean Cave.

-=MISSABLE=-

Mewtwo is at the end of the Cerulean Cave, after the game has been beaten. You only have one chance to catch it, so be sure to save before fighting it. A Master Ball to catch Mewtwo is highly recommended.

King of Fighters (3)
Complete a trade on Route 5.

Required Pokémon: Cubone.

In the underground tunnel north-entrance, talk to the trainer near the stairs to initiate a trade.

It's Mr. Mime Time! (3)
Complete a trade on Route 2.

Required Pokémon: Clefairy.

In the house south of Diglett's Cave, talk to the trainer to initiate a trade.

Can You Dig It? (3)
Complete a trade on Route 11.

Required Pokémon: Lickitung.

In the passage east of Vermillion City, talk to the trainer upstairs to initiate a trade.

The Problem with Parasect (3)
Complete a trade on Route 18.

Required Pokémon: Tangela.

In the passage west of Fuchsia City, talk to the trainer upstairs to initiate a trade.

Literal Pile of S*** (3)
Complete a trade on Cinnabar Island.

Required Pokémon: Kangaskhan.

In the Cinnabar Island Lab, talk to the trainer to initiate a trade.

Saved a Trip to the Islands! (3)
Complete a trade on Cinnabar Island.

Required Pokémon: Growlithe.

In the Cinnabar Island Lab, talk to the trainer to initiate a trade.

The Real Number One (3)
Complete a trade on Cinnabar Island.

Required Pokémon: Golduck.

In the Cinnabar Island Lab, talk to the trainer to initiate a trade.

Gotta Catch 'em All - Yellow (50)
Catch all 129 obtainable Pokemon on a single save file.

-=MISSABLE=-

This requires you to get every single obtainable Pokémon in the game. Don't kill any legendaries and Snorlax, and be careful with Moon Stone usage, and you should be more than fine. A few tips and tricks:

  1. As mentioned during the walkthrough, get 50 Pokémons to obtain the Exp. All from the Professor's Aide near Fuchsia City. This item will spread experience over all Pokémon in the party. If you went with a Pikachu-only playthrough, I recommend just battling the Pokémon League over and over again with your Pikachu and the Pokémon that need to be leveled, as you can just spam Thunderbolts- and Body Slams when near max level to beat the league and if you lose, it shouldn't be a problem as you only lose a bit of money. You could also level all Pokémon individually but that will take far longer. Making Dratini part of your grinding team right from the get-go is recommended due to it needing to be level 55 to fully evolve.
  2. Spend all money winnings from the league on buying coins from the Game Corner. It's faster than actually doing the slots. If you still prefer to do the slots, there is a cheese strategy by always focusing on the system in the bottom right.
  3. Focus on the Safari Zone first, and capture every Pokémon there that you don't have yet. Specific Pokémon in the Safari Zone (Pinsir, Scyther, Kangaskhan etc.) are going to be a massive pain to catch, so you might as well try and get every other Pokémon while you are farming there.
  4. Consider catching evolutions instead of leveling them up to evolution to save time. Many Pokémon evolve in the level 30-40 range, so catching them is a good alternative.

Step 3: Miscellaneous achievements | Total points: 116

Preparing to Be the Very Best (1)
Assemble a full team of Pokemon.

Have 6 Pokémon in your team at once.

Halfway (10)
Get all 6 Pokemon in your party to Level 50. (No Legendaries)

Get all Pokémon in your party to level 50. If you don't want to grind for this achievement, just catch some Pokémon in the Cerulean Cave as they are all above level 50.

Going All the Way (10)
Get the Pokemon in Slot 1 from Level 99 to Level 100.

Level up your Pokémon in Slot 1 from 99 to 100. If you did a Pikachu-only run, your Pikachu should be around level 80-90 when reaching the league, so just keep fighting the league over and over again for those final levels. If you didn't do a Pikachu-only run, get a Mewtwo and use the same tactic as mentioned before.

Who Needs Flash? (10)
Navigate Rock Tunnel from Route 9 to Lavender Town without using Flash.

Don't use Flash while going from the Route 9 Rock Tunnel entrance to the exit. This achievement can be repeated at any time. Due to us playing on emulators, you can easily make out the path you need to take, but if you need a map, check out this guide.

Safari Perfectionist (10)
Talk to the guy that gives you HM03 in the Safari Zone with 209 steps left. (One Session, No Surf)

Take the path shown in this map. This should be able to be done even after having received HM03.

The Long Way Gauntlet [m] (25)
Defeat all Trainers from Routes 12-15 without leaving the "Route 12-15" area. (One Session)

As mentioned during the walkthrough, do not go to these routes until you have both the PokéFlute and a Pokémon in your team with Cut. You don't have to go on water. Potions and Ethers/Elixers are highly recommended.

  • Route 12 has 4 trainers (all Fishermen).
  • Route 13 has 11 trainers (2 Bird Keepers, 1 Rocker, 5 Jr. Trainers, 2 Beauties, 1 Fisherman).
  • Route 14 has 7 trainers (3 Bird Keepers, 4 Bikers).
  • Route 15 has 11 trainers (4 Jr. Trainers, 3 Bird Keepers, 2 Beauties, 2 Bikers). Note that one of the trainers is behind the cut tree.

That's Shocking! (50)
Beat the Elite Four and the Champion of the Pokemon League with only Pikachu in your party. (One Session, No Surfing Pikachu)

I've been warning you this entire guide to focus only on Pikachu so if you didn't, have fun grinding your Pikachu close to max level for this achievement, because you are going to need it. As mentioned during the intro, I recommend having the moves Thunderbolt, Body Slam (TM aboard S.S. Anne), and Double Team. The fourth move is your choice, but Thundershock always works due to its high PP. Bring a lot of X Attacks, X Defends and X Specials if an elite four ends up being too tough, and Ethers/Elixers to restore PP.

  1. Lorelei is pretty easy, just keep spamming Thunderbolt to win.
  2. For Bruno, use 6 double teams and some X-items. The first Onix isn't too dangerous, but the second one is if you don't use this preparation. Use Body Slams on the Onixes, and Thunderbolts on the other Pokémon.
  3. Agatha is also easy, just keep spamming Thunderbolt to win.
  4. Kill Lance's Gyarados first, then use the double team/X-Items strategy if needed on the Dragonair that comes afterwards. Gyarados' Hyper Beam is surprisingly dangerous and has a high crit chance, so don't risk it.
  5. Your only true worry here is the Sandslash. You won't have the luxury to use the double team/X-Items strategy due to an Earthquake that loves to crit, so use Body Slam twice to kill it A.S.A.P. You can use the strategy on Alakazam, but the remainder of the Pokémon shouldn't be too tough to deal with.

Step 4: Pikachu Mood achievements | Total points: 30

A N G E R Y (1)
0 <= Friendship <= 50 Mood: Bad

Smug Little Rat (1)
0 <= Friendship <= 50 Mood: Normal

You're lucky I'm feeling generous today (1)
0 <= Friendship <= 50 Mood: Good

Look at me when I'm talking to you! (1)
51 <= Friendship <= 100 Mood: Bad

Ear Twitches (1)
51 <= Friendship <= 100 Mood: Normal

Not Mad, Just Disappointed (1)
51 <= Friendship <= 100 Mood: Good

Angry Ear Twitches (1)
101 <= Friendship <= 160 Mood: Bad

Friendly Pikachu (1)
101 <= Friendship <= 130 Mood: Normal

So Happy (1)
101 <= Friendship <= 130 Mood: Good

Happier Pikachu (1)
131 <= Friendship <= 160 Mood: Normal

High Five! (1)
131 <= Friendship <= 160 Mood: Good

Depressed Pikachu (1)
161 <= Friendship <= 255 Mood: Bad

Cheery Mood (1)
161 <= Friendship <= 200 Mood: Normal

Hug Me! (1)
161 <= Friendship <= 200 Mood: Good

Pikachu Loves Me! (1)
201 <= Friendship <= 250 Mood: Normal

Really Loves Me! (1)
201 <= Friendship <= 250 Mood: Good

Best Friends Forever (1)
251 <= Friendship <= 255 Mood: Normal

Just Like Ash (1)
251 <= Friendship <= 255 Mood: Good

Like I mentioned during the walkthrough, it is recommended to check up on Pikachu often, like after every win or loss. Once you're aiming for the achievements you're missing, keep the following in mind:

  • The easiest way to increase friendship is to give Pikachu potions (even at full health). The easiest way to decrease friendship is to store Pikachu in a PC box over and over.
  • Friendships are sorted by groups with 3 moods each: 0-50, 51-100, 101-130, 131-160, 161-200, 201-255. Once you get a reaction that is within one of these groups, you can work on changing Pikachu's mood to get the others within that group.
  • The easiest way to change Pikachu's mood is by losing/winning a battle or doing the before-mentioned friendship methods.

Gotta Catch em' (1)
Catch a Pokemon and then talk to Pikachu.

Exactly what the description says, catch a Pokémon and talk to Pikachu right away.

Buckethead (1)
Use a fishing rod and then talk to Pikachu.

Exactly what the description says, use a fishing rod and then talk to Pikachu. It doesn't matter if the rod triggers a random encounter or not.

No need for the B Button (1)
Try to evolve Pikachu and then talk to them.

Buy a Thunder stone from the Celadon Department Store, then use it on Pikachu to trigger this reaction.

Signature Move [m] (1)
Teach Pikachu Thunder or Thunderbolt and then talk to them.

-=MISSABLE=-

This achievement becomes missable once you have used the TMs of Thunderbolt/Thunder and didn't talk to Pikachu right away. TM25 Thunder is found in the Power Plant, TM24 Thunderbolt is a reward from beating Lt. Surge.

Just Give Me 5 More Minutes (1)
Talk to Pikachu while he has the Sleep status. (No Pokemon Center)

The easiest way to fall asleep is to find a Drowzee, east of Vermillion City. Let them cast Hypnosis on Pikachu, then run from the battle and talk to Pikachu.

Better Bring Full Heal (1)
Talk to Pikachu while he has any status besides Sleep.

The easiest way to get a status effect is by finding an Oddish or Gloom, east of Fuchsia City. Let them paralyze Pikachu, then run from the battle and talk to Pikachu.

Jigglypuff Used Sing (1)
Talk to Pikachu after having fallen asleep due to Jigglypuff's song. (NOT THE STATUS EFFECT)

In the Pewter City Pokémon Center, talk to the Jigglypuff to trigger Pikachu falling asleep.

Scared of Ghosts (1)
Talk to Pikachu in the Pokemon Tower.

Go the the Pokémon Tower in Lavender Town and talk to Pikachu while inside.

Surprised Pikachu Face [m] (1)
Have Pikachu be confused by the transformed Bill and be amazed when he changes back.

-=MISSABLE=-

This triggered for me automatically but just to be sure, when entering Bill's house for the first time, talk to Pikachu after every action done.

Clefairy Used Attract [m] (1)
Have Pikachu fall in love with the Clefairy in the Pokemon Fan Club.

-=MISSABLE=-

This triggered for me automatically but just to be sure, when entering the Pokémon Fan Club in Vermillion City for the first time, talk to Pikachu after having talked to the Clefairy.

You're not getting away from me that easily (1)
Try to release your Pikachu.

Store your Pikachu in the PC, then try to release it.

Look, I'm Dancing! (1)
Have Pikachu stand behind a ledge for a while.

Find any ledge (for example, north of Pallet Town), then hop over it but let Pikachu stand behind it. Don't move and wait until something happens with Pikachu.