Catching Dratini in FireRed and LeafGreen: Your Expert Guide
So, you want a Dratini in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen? Great choice! Dratini looks cool and evolves into Dragonite. But finding one can be tough. It’s rarer than good coffee in Pallet Town. Don’t worry! This guide helps you add this elusive Pokémon to your team.
Locations to Find Dratini
Dratini has two main spots in FireRed and LeafGreen. Let’s check them out.
Safari Zone: Fishing for Dragons (Literally)
First is the Safari Zone. This isn’t about lions and zebras. It’s Pokémon Safari. There are grass, hidden items, and water areas with Dratini.
- Head to the Water: Inside the Safari Zone, go straight to any water body.
- Super Rod is Key: Use the Super Rod. Forget about the Old Rod or Good Rod. If you lack one, visit the fisherman south of Lavender Town on Route 12.
- Cast Your Line (and Pray): Equip the Super Rod and fish. There’s a chance you’ll hook a Dratini. Don’t expect it on the first try. Be patient.
- Bait and Rocks: Safari Zone Shenanigans: In the Safari Zone, use Bait or Rocks. Bait makes Pokémon less likely to flee but harder to catch. Rocks make them easier to catch but more prone to escape. For Dratini, use some Bait.
Celadon City Game Corner: Where Coins Buy Dragons
The second location is the Celadon City Game Corner. Here, forget about fishing rods. We’re dealing with coins.
- Coin Exchange is Your Friend: You can buy Dratini directly with coins at the Game Corner. No fishing or random encounters.
- Skip the Slots (Unless You’re Feeling Lucky… or Desperate): Yes, you could win coins at the slots. But let’s be real, slot machines are rigged. Better to battle trainers for cash and then buy coins.
Methods for Obtaining Dratini: A Quick Recap
To recap, here are your two main options for Dratini:
- Fishing in the Safari Zone: For those who prefer outdoor thrills and don’t mind some virtual fishing.
- Game Corner Coin Exchange: For those who want a more direct way, and don’t mind spending Poké Dollars.
Game Corner: Delving into the Details
Let’s focus on the Game Corner option a bit more since there are important details.
The Coin Exchange Rate: Is it Worth It?
A Dratini costs 2100 coins at the Game Corner. You can buy coins at the front desk. The rate is 500 coins for 10,000 Poké Dollars. This means a Dratini costs 42,000 Poké Dollars. Yes, it’s expensive. But yes, it’s guaranteed. Sometimes, surety is worth it.
The “Foolproof” Slot Machine Strategy (Spoiler: It’s Not)
Now about those slots… Someone claimed a “foolproof” method: “Hold down on the D-pad when starting.” This supposedly aligns the reels for guaranteed wins. Does it work? Sometimes it feels like it does. But it might be placebo. Buying coins is far less stressful and quicker unless you enjoy slots.
Evolution of Dratini: From Serpent to… Well, Dragon
You’ve got your Dratini! Congrats! What’s next? Evolution!
- Level 30: Dragonair Time: Train Dratini to level 30. It evolves into Dragonair. Dragonair is the elegant phase with flowing lines and calm vibes.
- Level 55: Enter Dragonite: Keep training! Get Dragonair to level 55 for the ultimate evolution: Dragonite. Dragonite is strong, can fly, and is generally awesome.
There you go! Your guide to catching Dratini in FireRed and LeafGreen. Now go out there and catch ’em, or buy ’em. Whatever you prefer. Just remember, that Dragonite won’t train itself!
