Player character
The customizable young Trainer who explores Kanto, catches Pokémon, and challenges the Pokémon League.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move the player character |
|---|---|
A | Talk, inspect, confirm selections, and choose commands |
B | Cancel selections or open the in-game quick menu where applicable |
Start | Open the main menu |
Select | Use the registered item or perform the current registered function |
Control notes
Controls refer to the original Game Boy version.
Battle commands are selected from the on-screen menu.
How it plays
How does Pokémon Green play?
The player views the world from a top-down perspective and controls a young Pokémon Trainer traveling through Kanto. Towns, routes, caves, forests, and buildings connect into a progressively larger adventure.
The main objectives are to collect Pokémon, earn eight Gym Badges, defeat the Elite Four, and complete the Pokédex. Battles are turn-based: the player selects moves, uses items, switches Pokémon, or attempts to flee from wild encounters. Experience points raise levels and can trigger evolution.
Trading and battling with another Game Boy through the Link Cable are important progression features. Some Pokémon can only be obtained through trading with another version.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Pokémon Green?
Build a balanced team with different types rather than relying on one powerful Pokémon. Keep several Pokémon trained near the same level so that unfavorable matchups do not halt progress.
Capture Pokémon with complementary strengths, save status-healing items for long cave routes, and return to a Pokémon Center before major Gym or rival battles. Explore optional areas carefully because useful items and rare Pokémon are often off the main path.
Use the Link Cable when possible: trading expands the Pokédex and is required for Pokémon that evolve only through trading.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Rival
The player's competitive rival, who chooses a starter Pokémon and repeatedly challenges the player throughout the journey.
Professor Oak
A Pokémon researcher who gives the player a starter Pokémon and the Pokédex.
Giovanni
The leader of Team Rocket and the final Gym Leader in Viridian City.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Talk to non-player characters and inspect unusual tiles; important items and progression clues are often easy to miss.
- 2
Save before major battles and before attempting to catch a rare Pokémon.
- 3
Keep a Pokémon with a useful field move available, but remember that field moves cannot normally be removed without special help.
Community discussion
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