The Fortree City Gym, home to the formidable Winona, presents a unique challenge in the world of Pokémon Emerald. To reach this pivotal location and face Winona, you’ll need to navigate through the dense foliage and tricky terrain of Fortree City itself. The Fortree City Gym location is in the central part of Fortree City, accessible by heading north from the Pokémon Center and then taking a right turn. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting to the Fortree City Gym, conquering its puzzle, and preparing for Winona’s Gym challenge.
Preparing for Your Journey to Fortree City
Before you even set foot in Fortree City, ensuring you have the right Pokémon and items can make your journey significantly smoother. Fortree City is known for its unique architecture, with many buildings built within or around trees. This environment often plays into the challenges you’ll face, especially within the Gym itself.
Essential Items to Pack
- Repels: While not strictly necessary for reaching the Gym, Repels can help you avoid unwanted wild Pokémon encounters as you explore Fortree City and its surroundings. This is especially useful if you’re focused on reaching the Gym quickly.
- Potions and Full Heals: As you progress through the game, you’ll inevitably encounter trainers and wild Pokémon. Having a good stock of healing items is crucial for keeping your team in top condition.
- Escape Rope: This item is invaluable for quickly exiting caves or dungeons. While not directly used within Fortree City, it’s a good general item to have in your inventory for any unexpected situations.
- HMs: Certain HMs might be useful for navigating the overworld or for Pokémon that will be essential for the Gym battle. We’ll discuss specific Pokémon later.
Key Pokémon for the Fortree City Gym Challenge
Winona is a Gym Leader specializing in Flying-type Pokémon. This means her team will primarily consist of Pokémon with wings, high Speed, and often the Flying-type or Pokémon that can learn Flying-type moves. To counter this, you’ll want Pokémon that have advantages against Flying-types.
- Rock-type Pokémon: Rock-type attacks are super effective against Flying-types. Pokémon like Geodude, Graveler, or Rhyhorn are excellent choices. If you can get your hands on a Golem or Rhydon, even better.
- Electric-type Pokémon: Electric-type moves are also super effective against Flying-types, particularly those that are also Water-type (though Winona’s team doesn’t prominently feature this dual typing). Pikachu, Voltorb, or Electrike can be very useful.
- Ice-type Pokémon: Ice-type moves deal super effective damage to Flying-types. Swinub, Snorunt, or even the early-game Abra evolving into Kadabra can learn Ice Punch if available.
- Pokémon that can learn Rock-type moves: Even if a Pokémon isn’t a Rock-type itself, if it can learn powerful Rock-type moves (like Earthquake, which is super effective against Flying-types and hits hard), it can be a valuable asset.
Pokémon Emerald Fortree Gym Specifics
It’s important to remember that the strategies and Pokémon available can vary slightly between different Pokémon games. This guide focuses specifically on Pokémon Emerald Fortree City Gym and its unique challenges.
Navigating Fortree City to Reach the Gym
Fortree City is a visually distinct location, with its treehouse-like structures and lush greenery. Getting to the Gym isn’t overly complex, but it does require a bit of exploration within the city’s layout.
Arrival in Fortree City
Upon arriving in Fortree City, you’ll likely come from Pacifidlog Town or other routes connected to it. The city is immediately recognizable by its unique architecture.
The Pokémon Center and Mart
Your first stop should always be the Pokémon Center to heal your team and visit the Poké Mart to restock on items. The Pokémon Center in Fortree City is located centrally, making it a good starting point for your exploration.
Exploring Fortree City’s Layout
Fortree City is structured with multiple levels and interconnected pathways. Many trainers will be present, so be prepared for some battles as you make your way to the Gym.
Key locations in Fortree City:
- Pokémon Center: Central, for healing and saving.
- Poké Mart: Next to the Pokémon Center, for supplies.
- Brendan/May’s House: You can visit the rival’s house to receive a useful item or reward.
- The Gym: Located north of the Pokémon Center, and then a turn to the east.
Getting Past Obstacles
The primary “obstacle” in reaching the Gym is often the trainers scattered throughout the city. Each trainer you defeat brings you closer to leveling up your Pokémon and gaining experience. Don’t shy away from these battles; they are essential for preparing for Winona.
Trainer Encounters on the Path to the Gym:
| Trainer Name | Pokémon | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Bird Keeper | Wingull, Taillow | Lv. 27 |
| Bird Keeper | Swablu | Lv. 28 |
| Nincada Trainer | Nincada | Lv. 27 |
| Black Belt | Makuhita | Lv. 27 |
| Black Belt | Meditite | Lv. 27 |
| Collector | Nuzleaf, Lotad | Lv. 26 |
Note: Trainer levels and specific Pokémon may vary slightly based on in-game events.
To reach the Gym, you essentially need to head north from the Pokémon Center. You’ll pass by various houses and trainers. Keep moving north until you reach the northernmost section of the city. From there, take a turn to the east. The Gym will be clearly visible.
The Fortree City Gym Puzzle
The Fortree City Gym is renowned for its unique puzzle involving switches and doors. This puzzle is designed to test your observation skills and your ability to strategize. The Fortree City Gym puzzle requires you to activate a series of switches in the correct order to open the path forward.
Deciphering the Fortree City Gym Layout
The Gym’s layout is somewhat maze-like, with trainers positioned strategically. The core of the puzzle involves navigating through rooms, interacting with objects, and ultimately reaching Winona.
Gym Layout Overview:
The Gym is structured in several rooms. Each room will have trainers, and some will contain switches that control the doors in the following rooms. The objective is to hit the correct switches to create a path to Winona.
The Switch Mechanism
The switches in the Fortree City Gym are disguised as part of the Gym’s décor. They are typically on the walls or on platforms. When you interact with a switch, it can either open a door or close a different one. The key is to figure out the sequence.
The Puzzle Explained:
- Initial Rooms: You will enter rooms with trainers. After defeating the trainers, you’ll notice doors that are either open or blocked.
- Finding the Switches: Look for switches located within these rooms. These switches might be hidden behind parts of the Gym’s architecture or require you to walk up to specific spots.
- Trial and Error: The puzzle often involves a degree of trial and error. You might need to flip a switch, see which doors open or close, and then try another.
- The Correct Path: The goal is to activate the switches in such a way that all the required doors open, allowing you to proceed to the final room where Winona awaits.
A Common Approach to the Fortree City Gym Puzzle:
While the exact switch placement can be a bit varied in player experience, the general principle is consistent:
- In the first few rooms, you’ll encounter trainers and a switch.
- Activate the switch. This will often open a path to the next room, but it might also close another.
- Continue through the Gym, defeating trainers and activating switches.
- The key is that the switches control multiple doors. You need to find the sequence that opens the path all the way through.
Tip: Pay close attention to the visual cues. Sometimes, a newly opened door will be visible from a previous room, giving you a hint about which switch to activate next.
Reaching Winona
Once you successfully navigate the puzzle and defeat all the trainers blocking your path, the final door will open, granting you access to the room where Gym Leader Winona is waiting.
Fortree City Gym Requirements
Before you can even attempt the Fortree City Gym, you need to have met certain in-game progression requirements. These typically involve defeating previous Gym Leaders and progressing through the main story.
Story Progression
- You generally need to have defeated the Gym Leaders in Rustboro City (Roxanne) and Dewford Town (B ugyan).
- After these victories, your path will naturally lead you towards Fortree City.
Pokémon Available
By the time you reach Fortree City, you should have access to a variety of Pokémon that can help you. If you haven’t caught any of the recommended Pokémon types mentioned earlier, consider revisiting routes or areas you’ve passed through. For example, if you need a Rock-type, the caves near Rustboro City are a good place to look. If you need an Electric-type, Route 110 or the New Mauville area might be helpful.
Facing Winona: Gym Leader Winona Strategy
Now that you’ve arrived at the Fortree City Gym and conquered its puzzle, it’s time to prepare for Winona’s Gym challenge. Winona is known for her skilled use of Flying-type Pokémon, and her team can be quite challenging if you’re unprepared.
Winona’s Pokémon Team
Winona’s signature Pokémon is the elegant Pelipper, but she also utilizes other strong Flying-types.
Winona’s Team in Pokémon Emerald:
| Pokémon | Type(s) | Notable Moves | Strengths Against | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tropius | Grass/Flying | Razor Leaf, Synthesis, Outrage, Fly | Ground, Rock, Water | Flying (x4), Fire, Ice, Poison, Bug, Electric |
| Swellow | Flying/Normal | Aerial Ace, Endeavor, Double Team, Fly | Ground, Rock, Grass | Rock (x4), Electric, Ice |
| Pelipper | Water/Flying | Surf, Wing Attack, Protect, Mist | Fire, Ground, Rock | Rock (x4), Electric |
| Skarmory | Steel/Flying | Steel Wing, Toxic, Sand Attack, Fly | Grass, Bug, Fighting | Fire, Electric |
| Altaria | Dragon/Flying | Dragon Breath, Sing, Fly, Cotton Guard | Dragon | Ice (x4), Rock (x4), Dragon, Fairy |
Note: This is a typical representation of Winona’s team. Move sets and levels are approximate and can be subject to minor variations.
Gym Leader Winona Strategy: Exploiting Weaknesses
The key to defeating Winona is to exploit the weaknesses of her Flying-type Pokémon.
- Rock-type Attacks: As mentioned, Rock-type attacks are your best friend here. They deal 4x damage to Pokémon with the Flying type and are super effective against others. If you have a Pokémon with strong Rock-type moves like Rock Slide or Ancient Power, use them.
- Electric-type Attacks: Electric-type moves are super effective against Flying-types. They can quickly take down Swellow and Pelipper.
- Ice-type Attacks: Ice-type moves are also super effective against Flying-types, especially Altaria which has a 4x weakness to Ice.
- Strategic Switching: Be prepared to switch your Pokémon based on who Winona sends out. For example, if she sends out Skarmory, an Electric or Fire-type move would be beneficial.
Countering Specific Pokémon
- Tropius: This dual Grass/Flying type has a massive 4x weakness to Ice. An Ice-type move will decimate it. Alternatively, strong Fire or Bug-type attacks will also be effective against its Grass typing.
- Swellow: Its Normal/Flying typing means it’s weak to Rock and Electric. A strong Rock-type attack or an Electric-type Pokémon can handle Swellow swiftly.
- Pelipper: As a Water/Flying type, Pelipper has a 4x weakness to Rock and a regular weakness to Electric. Rock-type attacks are highly recommended.
- Skarmory: This Steel/Flying type is immune to Ground and Poison but weak to Fire and Electric. Be cautious of its high Defense. An Electric-type move or a strong Fire-type attack will be effective.
- Altaria: This Dragon/Flying type has a 4x weakness to Ice and a standard weakness to Rock and Dragon. An Ice-type attack is your best bet for a quick KO.
Recommended Pokémon for the Battle
Based on the weaknesses, here are some excellent Pokémon to have on your team for the Winona battle:
- Graveler/Golem: With high Defense and access to Rock Throw or Magnitude, Graveler can be a powerful asset. Evolving it into Golem via trading will boost its stats even further.
- Magneton/Magnezone: If you have access to an Electric-type with good Special Attack, like Magneton (evolving from Magnemite) or a strong Electric-type like Manectric, they will be invaluable.
- Swinub/Mamoswine: If you found a Swinub and trained it, its Ice-type moves like Ice Shard or Ancient Power will be crucial.
- Kadabra/Alakazam: While frail, their high Speed and Special Attack can allow them to outspeed and damage many of Winona’s Pokémon with Psychic or Shock Wave.
- Flygon: If you managed to catch and train a Trapinch into Flygon, its Dragon typing makes it resistant to Flying-type attacks and it can learn Earthquake, which is super effective against Flying-types.
Victory and the Gym Badge
After successfully defeating Winona, you will be rewarded with the Feather Badge. This badge signifies your mastery over the Fortree City Gym challenge and allows your Pokémon to use the HM Fly outside of battle. You will also receive TM40 Aerial Ace from Winona, a powerful Flying-type move that never misses.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fortree City Gym
Q1: How do I get to Fortree City?
A1: Fortree City is typically accessed from the east of Route 119, which you reach after passing through Lilycove City and continuing west. You might need Surf to navigate certain water routes.
Q2: What level should my Pokémon be to beat Winona?
A2: It’s generally recommended to have your Pokémon in the mid-to-high 30s, around level 35-38, to comfortably face Winona and her team.
Q3: Can I use a Water-type Pokémon against Winona?
A3: While Water-type moves are super effective against Ground and Rock types, they are resisted by Flying-types. However, a Water/Flying type like Pelipper would resist Water-type attacks. It’s generally better to focus on Rock, Electric, and Ice types.
Q4: Is there an easy way to solve the Fortree City Gym puzzle?
A4: The puzzle relies on activating switches that open specific doors. There isn’t a single “easy” button, but paying close attention to which doors open and close after activating a switch will help you deduce the correct path. It often involves trial and error through the few rooms with switches.
Q5: What Pokémon learns Rock-type moves early in Pokémon Emerald?
A5: Geodude, which can be found in Granite Cave, learns Rock Throw early on. Geodude evolves into Graveler, which can then evolve into Golem with trading.
Q6: What is the significance of the Feather Badge?
A6: The Feather Badge is the fifth Gym Badge you can earn in Pokémon Emerald. It allows your Pokémon to use the HM Fly outside of battle, making travel much faster. It also increases the obedience level of traded Pokémon up to level 50.
Q7: What is the best Pokémon to counter Altaria?
A7: Altaria is a Dragon/Flying type and has a 4x weakness to Ice-type moves. Any Pokémon that can learn Ice Beam, Blizzard, or Ice Shard will be extremely effective against it.
By following this guide, you should have a clear path to the Fortree City Gym and the knowledge needed to overcome Winona’s challenge. Good luck, Trainer!