how to get flash on pokemon red

In the vast and shadowy world of Kanto, few obstacles are as initially confounding as the pitch-black darkness of certain caves. For any aspiring Pokémon Master playing the classic *Pokémon Red*, the move Flash is not merely a convenience; it is an absolute necessity for progression. This article serves as a comprehensive guide on how to obtain and use Flash, illuminating the path through Rock Tunnel and beyond.

Table of Contents

The Role of Flash in Pokémon Red
Prerequisites: Before Seeking Light
Obtaining the Flash TM from the Pokémon Fan Club
Teaching Flash to a Pokémon
Navigating Rock Tunnel with Flash
Strategic Considerations and Team Building
Flash Beyond the Cave: Additional Utility
Conclusion: Lighting Your Path to Victory

The Role of Flash in Pokémon Red

Flash is a Normal-type move with a unique field application. Its primary and most critical function is to illuminate dark areas within the game world. Without it, locations like Rock Tunnel, connecting Cerulean City to Lavender Town, are rendered nearly impassable, appearing as a void of blackness with only the immediate surroundings of your character faintly visible. While determined players might attempt to memorize a path through the darkness, this is an exercise in extreme frustration and wasted time. The game's design intentionally gates progression behind this key item, making the acquisition of Flash a non-negotiable milestone in the main storyline.

Prerequisites: Before Seeking Light

Your journey to obtain Flash begins after earning the Cascade Badge from Misty in Cerulean City. This badge allows you to use the move Cut outside of battle, which is the first prerequisite. You must travel south from Cerulean, cut down the small tree blocking the path, and make your way through the underground path to reach Vermilion City. Upon arrival, your immediate goal is to challenge Lt. Surge for the Thunder Badge. However, to access his gym, you need to find the hidden switch in the trash cans, a puzzle that requires patience. Defeating Lt. Surge is essential, as his Thunder Badge enables the use of Flash outside of battle when you eventually acquire it.

Obtaining the Flash TM from the Pokémon Fan Club

With the Thunder Badge in hand, the quest for Flash truly begins. In the northern part of Vermilion City, you will find the Pokémon Fan Club. Inside, the Chairman is engrossed in a conversation about his beloved Rapidash. You must speak to him and listen to his lengthy story about his Pokémon's speed and beauty. This conversation is the key. After he finishes his tale, as a token of appreciation for your patience, he will reward you with the TM for Flash. It is crucial to note that you must have an open slot in your item bag to receive this Technical Machine. This moment highlights the game's design philosophy, where progression often rewards engagement with the world's characters, not just battle prowess.

Teaching Flash to a Pokémon

Technical Machine 24 (TM24) contains the move Flash. To use it, open your bag, select the TM, and choose a compatible Pokémon from your party. Nearly any Pokémon can learn Flash, which presents a strategic choice. It is wise to teach Flash to a Pokémon you intend to keep in your party long-term but which may not have a full set of four essential combat moves. Common and practical choices include a utility Pokémon like a Butterfree, a Geodude/Graveler, or even your starter. Some players opt to teach it to a "HM slave," a Pokémon dedicated to learning field moves like Cut, Strength, and Flash to conserve move slots on their main battle team. The act of teaching is irreversible without special in-game services later on, so choose thoughtfully.

Navigating Rock Tunnel with Flash

Once Flash is taught, return to the entrance of Rock Tunnel on Route 10, east of Cerulean City. Enter the cave, and your screen will go dark. Open your Pokémon menu, select the Pokémon that knows Flash, and choose the "Flash" command from its move list. The cave will instantly become fully lit, revealing trainers, items, and the winding paths ahead. The layout, while complex, becomes manageable. It is advisable to have a Pokémon with a type advantage against the common Rock, Ground, and Fighting-types found inside, such as a Water or Grass-type. Using Flash does not consume PP in this field context, so you can keep the area illuminated indefinitely as you navigate towards the exit on the route to Lavender Town.

Strategic Considerations and Team Building

The decision of which Pokémon learns Flash warrants deeper strategic thought. While using an "HM slave" is efficient, it can be a suboptimal use of a party slot. An alternative approach is to integrate Flash onto a supporting Pokémon that already fulfills a dual role. For example, a Butterfree can learn Flash while also providing sleep-inducing moves like Sleep Powder for capturing wild Pokémon. A Pokémon with high defense, like Onix, can serve as a tank while providing light. Furthermore, in a pinch, Flash can be used in battle. Its in-battle effect lowers the opponent's accuracy, which can be a surprisingly useful tactic against tough foes like the Elite Four, adding a layer of utility beyond its field purpose.

Flash Beyond the Cave: Additional Utility

While Rock Tunnel is its primary application, Flash's utility extends further. Any dark area in the game, though rare, can be illuminated by it. More importantly, the move's secondary function as an accuracy-lowering tool in trainer battles should not be overlooked. A well-timed Flash can turn the tide of a difficult battle by causing powerful attacks like Hyper Beam to miss. This dual-purpose nature makes it more valuable than a simple key item. It embodies the classic game design of *Pokémon Red*, where resources often have multiple applications, encouraging players to think creatively about their team's composition and move sets.

Conclusion: Lighting Your Path to Victory

Acquiring and using Flash in *Pokémon Red* is a fundamental rite of passage. The process—defeating gym leaders, engaging with NPCs, and making strategic choices about your team—encapsulates the core gameplay loop. It transforms an insurmountable obstacle into a clear path forward, both literally and figuratively. Mastering this step ensures you are prepared for the challenges ahead, from the eerie Pokémon Tower to the final confrontation with the Elite Four. Remember, in the world of Pokémon, the right move in the right place does not just win battles; it lights the way to becoming a Champion.

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