How to Evolve Tyrogue into Hitmontop in Pokémon FireRed
Evolving Pokémon is one of the most engaging aspects of the Pokémon franchise, and obtaining specific Pokémon often requires unique methods. Hitmontop, the handstand Pokémon, is one such creature. Unlike evolving a Pidgey into a Pidgeotto or a Caterpie into a Metapod simply by leveling up, evolving Tyrogue into Hitmontop in Pokémon FireRed involves a more nuanced approach based on its Attack and Defense stats. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to successfully evolve Tyrogue into Hitmontop in Pokémon FireRed, equipping you with all the necessary information and step-by-step instructions to add this impressive Pokémon to your team.
## Understanding the Evolution Mechanism
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the underlying mechanics that govern Tyrogue’s evolution. Tyrogue is a Fighting-type Pokémon known for its unique evolutionary path. Unlike most Pokémon that evolve solely based on level, Tyrogue’s evolution depends on the relationship between its Attack and Defense stats when it reaches level 20:
* **Hitmonlee:** If Tyrogue’s Attack stat is higher than its Defense stat at level 20, it will evolve into Hitmonlee.
* **Hitmonchan:** If Tyrogue’s Defense stat is higher than its Attack stat at level 20, it will evolve into Hitmonchan.
* **Hitmontop:** If Tyrogue’s Attack and Defense stats are exactly equal at level 20, it will evolve into Hitmontop.
This guide focuses on the scenario where you want to evolve Tyrogue into Hitmontop, meaning you need to ensure its Attack and Defense stats are equal when it reaches level 20. This requires careful planning and execution, which will be detailed in the following steps.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Evolving Tyrogue into Hitmontop
### 1. Acquiring Tyrogue
Unfortunately, Tyrogue is not a Pokémon that can be caught in the wild in Pokémon FireRed. The only way to obtain Tyrogue in FireRed is by breeding Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan with Ditto at the Pokémon Day Care on Route 5. Breeding requires careful planning and a bit of luck, so let’s break it down:
* **Catching Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan:**
* Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan are both available at the Fighting Dojo in Saffron City. Instead of choosing between Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan after defeating all the trainers, you get to pick only one. Choose either Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan, as both can breed with Ditto to produce Tyrogue eggs.
* **Catching Ditto:**
* Ditto can be found in the Pokémon Mansion on Cinnabar Island or in Cerulean Cave (after becoming the Champion). Ditto is relatively rare, so be prepared to spend some time searching for it. Use moves like False Swipe to weaken it without knocking it out, and use status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis to make it easier to catch.
* **Breeding:**
* Once you have either Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan and a Ditto, head to the Pokémon Day Care on Route 5. Place both Pokémon in the Day Care and wait for an egg to be produced. This process can take some time, so be patient. The older the Pokémon, the faster an egg will be produced. Also, Pokémon with matching Original Trainer IDs (OT IDs) take longer to breed.
* After a while, the Day Care Man will stand outside facing the fence, indicating that an egg has been produced. Talk to him to receive the egg. Make sure you have an empty slot in your party to receive the egg.
* Hatch the egg by walking around in the game. The number of steps required to hatch an egg varies, but generally, it takes several thousand steps. You can speed up the hatching process by having a Pokémon with the ability Flame Body or Magma Armor in your party; these abilities halve the number of steps required to hatch an egg.
* Once the egg hatches, you will have a Tyrogue ready to be trained.
### 2. Understanding Tyrogue’s Base Stats and IVs
Before training Tyrogue, it’s crucial to understand its base stats and Individual Values (IVs). These factors significantly influence how Tyrogue’s stats will grow as it levels up. While you can’t directly influence IVs in FireRed, understanding them helps you strategize your training.
* **Base Stats:** Tyrogue has relatively low base stats across the board, which makes its training more challenging but also more rewarding. Its base stats are as follows:
* HP: 35
* Attack: 35
* Defense: 35
* Special Attack: 35
* Special Defense: 35
* Speed: 35
* **Individual Values (IVs):** IVs are hidden values that range from 0 to 31 for each stat. They are determined when the Pokémon is generated (i.e., when the egg is received) and cannot be changed. IVs act as a bonus added to the base stats, affecting the final stat value. While you cannot see IVs in-game in FireRed, you can use online IV calculators to estimate them based on Tyrogue’s stats at different levels. Note that using these calculators becomes more accurate as Tyrogue levels up.
### 3. Strategic Training to Equalize Attack and Defense
The most critical part of evolving Tyrogue into Hitmontop is ensuring that its Attack and Defense stats are equal when it reaches level 20. This requires careful planning and training. Here’s a detailed strategy:
* **Initial Training (Levels 1-10):**
* Start by battling Pokémon that yield both Attack and Defense Effort Values (EVs). EVs are hidden stat bonuses that Pokémon earn through battles. Pokémon defeated give certain EVs depending on their species. In FireRed, each stat can have a maximum of 255 EVs, and a Pokémon can have a maximum of 510 EVs in total.
* Good early-game options for EV training include:
* **Attack EVs:** Mankey (Route 4), Ekans (Route 4).
* **Defense EVs:** Sandshrew (Route 4), Geodude (Route 3).
* Mix and match battles against these Pokémon to ensure a balanced growth in both Attack and Defense. Keep a record of the EVs you are earning to help plan ahead. Using a notepad or spreadsheet can be beneficial.
* **Mid-Game Training (Levels 11-19):**
* As Tyrogue levels up, continue to focus on balancing Attack and Defense EVs. At this stage, you might need to fine-tune your training based on how Tyrogue’s stats are progressing.
* If Attack is slightly higher than Defense, focus on battling Pokémon that yield Defense EVs. Conversely, if Defense is slightly higher, focus on Attack EVs.
* Good mid-game options for EV training include:
* **Attack EVs:** Primeape (Route 23), Arbok (Route 24).
* **Defense EVs:** Graveler (Rock Tunnel), Onix (Rock Tunnel).
* **Using Vitamins (Optional):**
* Vitamins like Protein (increases Attack) and Iron (increases Defense) can be used to boost Tyrogue’s stats. However, vitamins can only be used until a stat reaches 100 EVs. Use them strategically to give a slight boost if one stat is lagging behind.
* Vitamins can be purchased at the Celadon Department Store.
* **Monitoring Stats:**
* Regularly check Tyrogue’s stats at Pokémon Centers to track its progress. Keep a close eye on the Attack and Defense stats, and adjust your training accordingly. Remember, the goal is to have these stats be exactly equal at level 20.
### 4. The Crucial Level 20
When Tyrogue is about to reach level 20, this is the most crucial moment. Before the level-up, double-check the Attack and Defense stats:
* **If Attack is higher than Defense:**
* Engage in battles specifically against Pokémon that yield Defense EVs. You might need to find weaker Pokémon to control the amount of EVs gained to avoid over-leveling Tyrogue.
* **If Defense is higher than Attack:**
* Engage in battles specifically against Pokémon that yield Attack EVs. Again, controlling the EV gain is essential, so choose weaker opponents if necessary.
* **If Attack and Defense are already equal:**
* Save the game before battling to level up Tyrogue to level 20. This way, if something goes wrong, you can reset and try again.
Once you are confident that the Attack and Defense stats will be equal, battle a Pokémon that will bring Tyrogue to level 20. After the level-up animation, Tyrogue should evolve into Hitmontop.
### 5. Troubleshooting and Contingency Plans
Despite careful planning, things might not always go as expected. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
* **Tyrogue Evolved into Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan:**
* If Tyrogue evolved into Hitmonlee (Attack higher) or Hitmonchan (Defense higher), you will need to start over with a new Tyrogue egg. This highlights the importance of saving the game before the crucial level 20 evolution. Resetting allows you to adjust your training and try again.
* **Difficulty Balancing EVs:**
* Balancing EVs can be challenging, especially if you accidentally over-train a particular stat. If this happens, you can use certain berries to reduce EVs. However, these berries are not readily available in FireRed and are more of a late-game or post-game option.
* **Pomeg Berry:** Reduces HP EVs.
* **Kelpsy Berry:** Reduces Attack EVs.
* **Qualot Berry:** Reduces Defense EVs.
* **Hondew Berry:** Reduces Special Attack EVs.
* **Grepa Berry:** Reduces Special Defense EVs.
* **Tamato Berry:** Reduces Speed EVs.
* These berries can be obtained through various methods, such as trading with other players or transferring them from other Pokémon games (if possible).
### 6. Alternative Strategies and Tips
* **Using Stat-Boosting Items:**
* While vitamins are useful early on, items like X Attack and X Defense can be used temporarily during battles to influence the stat gains. However, these effects are temporary and do not directly impact EV training.
* **Trading with Friends:**
* If you have friends who also play Pokémon FireRed, consider trading Tyrogues to help each other. This can make the breeding and training process more efficient.
* **Patience and Persistence:**
* Evolving Tyrogue into Hitmontop requires patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed on your first try. Keep practicing and refining your strategy, and eventually, you will achieve your goal.
## Conclusion
Evolving Tyrogue into Hitmontop in Pokémon FireRed is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By understanding the underlying evolution mechanics, carefully planning your training, and closely monitoring Tyrogue’s stats, you can successfully add this unique Pokémon to your team. Remember to be patient, persistent, and strategic in your approach. With the detailed steps and instructions provided in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve your goal and enjoy the satisfaction of obtaining Hitmontop. Good luck, and happy training!