Viridian City Gym Locked? Here’s How to Open It in FireRed & LeafGreen

With the release of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch on February 27, 2026, many players will be experiencing these games for the first time. This will likely lead to a lot of questions, particularly about navigating the Kanto region and how to challenge the gym leaders.

As you explore the first big town after leaving Pallet Town, Viridian City, you’ll quickly spot the Pokemon Gym. But don’t rush in—the Gym Leader isn’t there yet! You might be wondering what’s going on with the gym and how to get inside. Is there a secret or puzzle to solve? This Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen guide has all the answers you’re looking for.

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How Do You Get Inside the Viridian City Gym in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen?

Let Me In!

Actually, the Viridian City Gym isn’t one of the first gyms you’ll challenge – it’s not the second or third either! It’s the eighth and final gym you need to beat before you can take on the Elite Four at the Indigo Plateau.

To get inside, you first need to finish the main story in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen. This means beating all seven Gym Leaders and then defeating Giovanni, the head of Team Rocket, at their hideout in Saffron City.

By doing this, you’ll also save the president of Silph Co., who will give you a Master Ball. This special Ball guarantees you can catch any Pokémon, so it’s best used on a rare and powerful one like Mewtwo or one of the legendary bird Pokémon.

Once you defeat Giovanni and earn your seventh gym badge, you can go back to Viridian City to challenge him again at the gym and claim the final badge.

If you’re wondering what kind of Pokemon Giovanni will have, here’s the lineup!

Giovanni Gym Battle Lineup Level Type Weakness(es)
Dugtrio 42 Ground Water, Ice, Grass
Nidoqueen 44 Poison/Ground Water, Ice, Ground, Psychic
Rhyhorn 45 Ground/Rock Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Ground, Steel
Nidoking 45 Poison/Ground Water, Ice, Ground, Psychic
Rhyhorn 50 Ground/Rock Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Ground, Steel

After defeating Giovanni, you’ll receive the Earth Badge and TM26, which teaches the powerful Earthquake move. Earthquake is a Ground-type attack that deals a significant 100 damage. Plus, with the Earth Badge, all of your Pokémon will listen to your commands in battle, no matter their level!

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2026-02-24 21:43