The very first route - Route 1 aka Vaniville Pathway - is basically an one-way road devoid of anything, although it does look nice. While you appreciate the shiny new graphics, head straight north to reach the next town where you’ll actually have something to do!

Aquacorde Town¶

Upon entering Aquacorde, someone to your left will yell out. Head over to the table with people sitting around it. You’ll sit down (whoa, that’s new!) and speak with what appears to be ‘the gang’.

You’ll immediately be asked to choose a nickname for yourself. Go ahead and choose one of the three they suggested, or something completely different. Once you’ve chosen and confirmed, they’ll mention that you can choose your starter Pokémon now! How nonchalant of them. And here they are:

Once you’ve chosen, you’ll be offered to nickname your Pokémon. Do so if you want. After you choose your Pokémon, your rival and Shauna from earlier will grab the two that you didn’t choose. And then you’ll get your Pokedex ! You can use the Pokedex to automatically record information about the Pokémon you meet on your travels.

You’ll also get given Prof’s Letter , which needs delivering to your mother. After that, the two guys will wander off. Turns out you need to get permission from your mother first before you go on an epic adventure. Pokémon logic is slowly becoming more like real logic! May as well head back to your mother now.

Start heading south and you’ll get stopped by Shauna as you’re leaving. Throwback to Gen I, it’s time for a starting Pokémon battle!

Trainer Battle: Pokemon Trainer Shauna¶

If Chespin was your starter

If Fennekin was your starter

If Froakie was your starter

It’s an easy enough battle, just spam the enemy with your strongest Pokémon move. They’re at a type disadvantage to you, so use the move that’s of the same type as your Pokémon and they’ll quickly faint. Once you’ve taken her out, she’ll generously heal up your Pokémon (you’ll have to do this yourself later).

Head back to Vaniville Town; to your house again. Speak with your mum once you’re inside and she’ll practically start pushing you out the door telling you to start your adventure. Back to Pokémon logic! She’ll give you a Town Map though. That should come in handy! If you don’t know how to use it, say so to get given the tutorial on it.

Either way, once outside, your mum’s Rhyhorn will come over and say a goodbye and your mum will send you off. Guess it’s time to go. Head back to Aquacorde Town.

Once you’re back, it’s time to start exploring town. Head north and down the set of stairs. At the bottom you’ll see a person wandering about. Talk to him and he’ll give you a free Potion , how nice.

In this area you’ll find the Pokémon Center off to your right, as well as the Potion Pokémart . To your left you’ll find the Poke Ball Pokémart . The shop lists are as below:

There’s no one else of consequence to talk to here, so feel free to visit the Pokémon Center (although your Pokémon’s currently fine). Don’t worry about buying any Poké Balls; you’ll get plenty given to you when you head out so you can catch Pokémon.

From there; you should head on out! Head north over the bridge. You’ll momentarily be stopped by the hiker there; warning you that Pokémon live in tall grass and explaining that your Pokémon will protect. Once he’s done, continue on into Route 2.