Player character
The customizable trainer chosen by the player, with a male or female protagonist option.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Arrow keys | Move the player character |
|---|---|
A | Talk, examine, confirm, and select |
B | Cancel or run while moving Running requires the Running Shoes. |
Start | Open the main menu |
Select | Use registered key items or rearrange items where applicable |
Control notes
Controls refer to the Game Boy Color version and its original button labels.
How it plays
How does Pokémon Crystal Version play?
The player explores Johto from a top-down perspective, moving through towns, routes, caves, forests, and buildings. Objectives include earning eight Gym Badges, collecting and training a team, completing the Pokédex, and defeating the Elite Four and Champion.
Random encounters and trainer battles use turn-based combat. Pokémon gain experience, learn moves, evolve, and can be exchanged or battled through link connections. Story events, item collection, and access to new areas gradually expand the journey.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Pokémon Crystal Version?
Build a balanced team with several types and keep Pokémon near the same level as the next Gym's strongest opponent. Status moves, type advantages, and reliable healing items are often more valuable than using only high-power attacks.
Explore thoroughly for hidden items, optional routes, and HM access. Save before important Legendary encounters, and use sleep or paralysis plus Ultra Balls to improve capture chances.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Rival
The player's recurring competitor, who begins with a stolen Pokémon and repeatedly tests the player's progress.
Professor Elm
The New Bark Town researcher who gives the player a starting Pokémon and investigates Pokémon breeding and unusual eggs.
Suicune
A Legendary Pokémon central to Crystal's additional story events and the player's pursuit through Johto.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Defeat the Elite Four and become ChampionUnlock access to the Kanto postgame region and its additional Gym challenges.
Advance through the Suicune-related story eventsUnlock Crystal Version’s expanded Suicune storyline.
Choose the female trainer at the start of a new gamePlay through the full adventure as the series’ first selectable female protagonist.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Talk to non-player characters more than once; many provide useful items or clues.
- 2
Keep a Pokémon that knows required field moves, but avoid filling the entire battle team with HM users.
- 3
The in-game clock affects events, encounters, and some shop availability.
Community discussion
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