Introduction
Pokemon Stadium on the Nintendo Sixty-Four, released in the year two thousand, offered a compelling alternative to the handheld Pokemon games. Stepping out of the handheld format for the first time, this game allowed players to witness their cherished pocket monsters battling in fully rendered three-dimensional arenas. While the core gameplay of catching and training Pokemon remained in the portable games, Pokemon Stadium N64 provided a platform to showcase your team’s power and skill against challenging opponents.
This article serves as your complete Pokemon Stadium N64 walkthrough, guiding you through the game’s primary challenges. Whether you’re struggling to conquer the Gym Leader Castle, aiming for victory in the Stadium battles, or simply looking to master the fun mini-games, this comprehensive guide has you covered. We will concentrate more on the battling, providing strategies and tips to help you succeed in every aspect of the game, from building a strong team to exploiting enemy weaknesses. This walkthrough is designed to help you become a Pokemon Stadium N64 master.
Understanding the Basics of Gameplay
The core of Pokemon Stadium’s gameplay revolves around bringing your own Pokemon to the battlefield, or using rental Pokemon provided by the game. Let’s break down the fundamental mechanics you’ll need to master.
Pokemon Transfer
The most rewarding experience in Pokemon Stadium comes from battling with Pokemon you’ve raised yourself in the Game Boy titles Red, Blue, and Yellow. To bring your team into the game, you’ll need the Nintendo Sixty-Four Transfer Pak, which allows you to plug in your Game Boy cartridges and transfer your Pokemon to the big screen. The Transfer Pak acts as a bridge between the handheld and the console, bringing your virtual companions to life in a brand new way.
Rental Pokemon
If you don’t have access to the classic Game Boy games or a Transfer Pak, don’t worry! Pokemon Stadium offers a selection of Rental Pokemon. While not as personalized as your own team, these rental creatures allow you to participate in all the game’s challenges. They provide a starting point for those new to the game or who simply want to try out different team compositions. Using rental teams offers a unique gameplay experience that can challenge you to learn how to use unfamiliar pokemon effectively.
Battle Rules and Mechanics
Battles in Pokemon Stadium follow the same basic type matchup rules as the handheld games. Understanding type effectiveness is paramount to victory. Fire is strong against Grass, Water is strong against Fire, Grass is strong against Water, and so on. Similarly, status conditions like paralysis, poison, burn, and sleep can significantly impact the flow of battle. The game features both Single Battles and Double Battles, each requiring different strategic approaches. Single Battles focus on individual Pokemon matchups, while Double Battles introduce a layer of complexity, requiring you to consider how your two active Pokemon synergize.
Pokemon Stats and Training
Each Pokemon possesses six core stats: Health Points, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. These stats determine a Pokemon’s combat prowess. While the modern concept of Effort Value training (EVs) doesn’t exist in this version, leveling up your Pokemon is essential to boosting their stats and teaching them powerful moves. In Pokemon Stadium, a high-level, well-equipped Pokemon will always have a significant advantage over a weaker opponent.
Gym Leader Castle Walkthrough
The Gym Leader Castle is the main single-player campaign of Pokemon Stadium. Your goal is to defeat all eight Gym Leaders from the Kanto region, then the Elite Four and the Champion to claim victory.
Overall Strategy for Gym Leader Castle
To conquer the Gym Leader Castle, you’ll need a well-balanced team that can handle a variety of threats. Type coverage is crucial. A team comprised solely of Fire-type Pokemon, for example, will be easily defeated by Water-type opponents. Before challenging each Gym Leader or Elite Four member, it’s wise to scout their teams, allowing you to tailor your team to exploit their weaknesses. Remember to save your progress frequently, as each tower can be time consuming to traverse.
Pewter City (Brock)
Brock specializes in Rock- and Ground-type Pokemon. Therefore, you’ll want to bring along Pokemon with Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, and Ground-type moves. Water Gun, Mega Drain, Ice Beam, Low Kick, and Dig can be highly effective. Consider using Water-type Pokemon like Starmie or Tentacruel, or Grass-types like Venusaur or Exeggutor.
Cerulean City (Misty)
Misty favors Water-type Pokemon, so Electric and Grass-type attacks are your best bet. Thunderbolt, Thunder, Solar Beam, and Razor Leaf can deal significant damage. Pokemon like Jolteon and Venusaur can be valuable assets in this battle. Watch out for Misty’s Starmie, which can be a formidable opponent with its high Special Attack and Speed.
Vermilion City (Lt. Surge)
Lt. Surge’s Electric-type Pokemon are vulnerable to Ground-type attacks. Earthquake and Dig are the moves you need here. Ground-type Pokemon like Dugtrio and Golem will be your most valuable assets. Be cautious of Lt. Surge’s Raichu, which can pack a punch with its Electric-type moves.
Celadon City (Erika)
Erika uses Grass-type Pokemon, so Fire, Flying, Poison, Bug, and Ice-type moves are super effective. Fire Blast, Flamethrower, Fly, Poison Gas, Bug Buzz, and Ice Beam will help you melt through her team. Pokemon like Charizard and Moltres can make quick work of Erika’s Grass-types.
Fuchsia City (Koga)
Koga’s Poison-type Pokemon are susceptible to Psychic and Ground-type attacks. Psychic, Confusion, Earthquake, and Dig are the moves you need. Alakazam and Golem are good choices to use in this fight. Be careful of Koga’s status inflicting moves.
Saffron City (Sabrina)
Sabrina relies on Psychic-type Pokemon, making Dark, Bug, and Ghost-type moves highly effective. However, these types are not readily available in this generation. Instead, use a Pokemon with high special attack and speed to take out the psychic type pokemon. A good option would be a special attacking electric type like Jolteon.
Cinnabar Island (Blaine)
Blaine’s Fire-type Pokemon are weak to Water, Rock, and Ground-type attacks. Surf, Waterfall, Rock Slide, and Earthquake will be your keys to success. Pokemon like Blastoise and Golem are great choices.
Viridian City (Giovanni)
Giovanni utilizes Ground- and Rock-type Pokemon. This means Grass, Water, and Ice-type moves are your best options. Solar Beam, Surf, Ice Beam, and Blizzard can deal massive damage. Venusaur, Blastoise, and Articuno are all effective here.
Elite Four (Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, Lance)
The Elite Four pose a significant challenge, requiring strategic planning and a well-rounded team.
Lorelei
Her Ice and Water-type Pokemon are weak to Electric, Rock, Fighting, and Grass-type attacks.
Bruno
Bruno’s Fighting, Rock, and Ground-type Pokemon are vulnerable to Flying, Psychic, Water, Grass, and Ice-type attacks.
Agatha
Agatha’s Ghost and Poison-type Pokemon are weak to Psychic and Ground-type attacks.
Lance
Lance’s Dragon and Flying-type Pokemon are susceptible to Ice, Rock, and Dragon-type attacks.
Gym Leader Castle Champion (Self)
Beating the champion is the ultimate test of your skill and team building. The Champion will use a variety of Pokemon across different types, so a very well-balanced team is essential. You need a solid strategy against every type to win.
Stadium Battles Walkthrough
The Stadium Battles offer a series of tournaments that test your skills against pre-set teams. Each has its own unique rules and challenges.
Round Robin Mode
Winning the Round Robin Mode requires consistent performance against a diverse range of opponents. Building a balanced team with a strong core strategy is key. Adapt your tactics based on your opponent’s team composition.
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup forces you to rely on rental Pokemon, making team composition and tactical adaptability crucial. Prioritize Pokemon with type coverage.
Prime Cup
The Prime Cup features powerful, well-rounded teams. You’ll need a carefully crafted team and strategic use of moves to triumph. Exploit type weaknesses and status conditions to gain an edge.
Little Cup
The Little Cup requires you to use unevolved Pokemon, presenting a unique challenge. Focus on exploiting their strengths.
Mini-Games
Pokemon Stadium includes a variety of fun mini-games. Some examples include Clefairy Says, Ekans Hoop Hoot, and Run, Rattata, Run!. While these games may seem simple, mastering them can be rewarding.
Unlockables and Secrets
Pokemon Stadium is full of secrets. Beating the Gym Leader Castle unlocks the ability to play as the Gym Leaders, adding a new layer of replayability.
Advanced Strategies & Tips
Team Building
Create a team that covers a wide range of types to counter various threats.
Move Selection
Teach your pokemon a diverse set of moves.
Exploiting AI Weaknesses
Learn the enemy AI to exploit patterns and gain an advantage.
Conclusion
This Pokemon Stadium N64 walkthrough aims to provide you with the knowledge to conquer the game’s challenges. Mastering the Gym Leader Castle, Stadium battles, and mini-games requires skill, strategy, and a deep understanding of Pokemon types and moves. Remember to experiment with different teams and strategies to find what works best for you.
Pokemon Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of many Pokemon fans. Its groundbreaking three-dimensional battles and nostalgic charm continue to captivate players to this day. Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer, this walkthrough should give you all the tools to succeed in the game. What are your favorite Pokemon Stadium N64 memories? Share them in the comments below!
