When you first enter Pokemon Tower in Lavender Town in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, you’ll eventually run into a mysterious giant ghost blocking your path.
But this isn’t like any other encounter because your team won’t be able to fight it at all. Instead, your Pokemon will become too scared, and you’ll be forced to run away.
And since FireRed and LeafGreen don’t really hold their players’ hands, you won’t have a clue on what you should do next.
If you’re stuck here, don’t worry. In this guide, I’m going to show you how to get past the giant ghost and continue your progress in the story.
The steps are the same whether you’re playing on an emulator or on the Nintendo Switch version of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen.
SPOILERS AHEAD: The info you’re about to read contains spoilers for FR/LG story.
Key Highlights:
- You cannot fight the giant ghost unless you obtain a special item called the Silph Scope first. Without it, your Pokemon won’t be able to move, and you’ll be forced to run away.
- The Silph Scope can be obtained from Giovanni at the secret Team Rocket hideout in Celadon’s Game Corner.
- The ghost of Marowak can be defeated in battle but cannot be captured even with master ball.
Why You Can’t Fight the Giant Ghost
The giant ghost in Pokemon Tower is not meant to be defeated right away. When you first encounter it, your character won’t be able to identify the ghost.
If you try battling it, your Pokemon will be too scared to move, and you will be forced to run away.
This is part of the story progression in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen. Until you obtain a special item, the game will always force you to flee from this ghost.
How to Get Past the Giant Ghost in the Pokemon Tower
To get past the giant ghost, you need an item called the Silph Scope. This invention allows you to identify the ghost’s true identity, allowing you to battle it.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain the Silph Scope in FireRed and LeafGreen and ultimately get past the giant ghost.
Step 1: Go to Celadon City
Head west from Lavender Town through Route 8 and enter Celadon City.
This is a major city where you can also find the Celadon Gym and the Department Store. This is also where you’ll be getting the Silph Scope.
Inside Celadon City, go to the Rocket Game Corner. At first glance, it looks like a normal slots machine casino, but it is actually a front for Team Rocket’s operations.
Step 2: Find Team Rocket’s Secret Hideout
Go to the back of the Game Corner and you’ll see a Rocket Grunt guarding a poster.
Battle him and interact with the poster to reveal a hidden switch. This will open a secret staircase leading to the Team Rocket Hideout.
Step 3: Defeat Giovanni and Get the Silph Scope
Once you have infiltrated the Team Rocket hideout, you need to look for their leader’s office. It will be located on B4F, accessible via elevator.
However, you’ll need a Lift Key to use this elevator, which can be obtained from a Team Rocket grunt on B2F.
After defeating this grunt, he will drop the key behind him. Pick it up, proceed to the elevator, and go to B4F and look for Giovanni’s office.
Defeat him in battle to obtain the Silph Scope.
Step 4: Go back to the Ghost
Once you have the Silph Scope, return to Lavender Town and enter Pokemon Tower again.
Climb up the tower until you reach the same spot where the ghost appeared. This time, something different will happen.
With the Silph Scope, the giant ghost will reveal its true identity—Marowak. And if you know the backstory of this particular Pokemon and its son Cubone, you’ll definitely be in tears.
Finally, you will now be able to battle it properly. This is a special encounter and cannot be caught.
I still remember throwing Poke Balls repeatedly on it while playing on a GBA emulator.
Tips for Fighting Marowak
Although Marowak is not extremely difficult, it can still surprise unprepared players. But since it’s a ground type and you’ve already beaten Giovanni, I’m sure you can handle it.
Here are some general tips to keep in mind so you won’t have to make an extra trip to the Pokemon Center when battling it:
- A balanced team around Level 25 to 30 is recommended, but lower levels can still work.
- Use Water, Grass, or Ice moves for super-effective damage.
- Carry healing items, just in case.
These tips are extra helpful for Nintendo Switch players, since you don’t have access to save states.
What Happens After You Beat the Ghost?
After defeating it, the ghost will disappear, allowing you to continue to the upper floors of the Pokemon Tower. There, you will encounter multiple Team Rocket members who are causing mischief in the tower.
Defeat them to rescue Mr. Fuji, an important NPC in Lavender Town.
After saving him, he will take you to his home and reward you with the Poke Flute, which is required to wake up the sleeping Snorlax blocking two important routes.
Conclusion
The giant ghost in Pokemon Tower is one of the most memorable moments in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, especially if you watch Pokemon Origins.
Yes, it can be confusing if you don’t know what to do next and the game doesn’t really give you any clues.
But with this guide, you now know everything you need to keep progressing in the game and are one step closer to becoming the Champion.
If you need any help in your Kanto adventure, Pokecoders is the best place to go. Whether you’re playing on an emulator or the Nintendo Switch, we got you covered.
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