When you reach the Pokémon League in gen I, the level difference between the 8th gym and the last Elite Four member is a total of 12 levels. So yeah, grinding is always part of the game. And in this ranking we’ll check out some of the best grinding spots in the Gen I RBY titles. Protip: while grinding in larger areas, maybe run from most first-stage monsters and try to fight more evolved Pokémon, since they usually yield quite a bit more EXP.
5. Pokémon Tower
Pokémon Tower is the best early game grind spot because it’s the only place in the game which has a special healing spot, located in the center of the 5th Floor. It also helps that Gastly and Haunter are frail, which makes them easy to knock out in one hit. (well, with the right Pokémon!) You can also finish off all the trainers in Pokémon Tower before doing a total grind for wild Pokémon. So that’s a ton of EXP right after you get through Rock Tunnel. And if you want to make the grind faster, teach your Pokémon Dig from the Rocket Grunt’s TM.
4. Power Plant
The Power Plant is filled with Magnemite and Voltorb, but also the occasional Magneton, Raichu, Muk, or Electabuzz (depending on what version you’re playing). It does require surf to get here, but it’ll make the grind worthwhile. There are also fake item balls that are actually Voltorb and Electrode, so make sure to stop and pick some up to see what you get. And if you’re looking to grind before taking on Giovanni for the 8th Gym Badge, this is the place to hit. You can use your Dig TM for this spot pretty effectively, too.
3. Victory Road
Victory Road is the final place you’d hang out in Kanto before beating the Pokémon League. And more specifically, it’s the final spot where you can encounter the highest number of evolved Pokémon. This includes Pokémon such as Golbat, Graveler, Machoke, Marowak, and Venomoth. It’s a broad mix, but a lotta leveling opportunities there. But if you have no luck taking on those evolved Pokémon, you can go down to Route 23 for some easier battles with Fearow, Arbok, Sandslash, Nidorino/Nidorina, or Primeape (depending on what version you’re playing).
2. The Pokémon League
Like most main series games, once you beat the Pokémon League, it acts like a tough grinding spot that you can hit over and over again. And this is definitely true in gen I, since they’re the only trainers in the game you can battle multiple times. This also means outside of Pay Day, this is the best way to earn more money too. It may be hard to beat the entire E4 on your first few tries. But once you’ve leveled up a few times, you’ll be able to use your Exp All and bring some of your weaker mons while your lead Pokémon basically solos the league.
1. Cerulean Cave
Notorious for its powerful wild spawns, the Cerulean Cave is accessible once you beat the Pokémon League. And for a good reason: the spawns are high-leveled. Most Pokémon are leveled between 45-55, and if you go deeper into the lower floors you’ll even find some over level 60. And with wild Pokémon ranging from Golbat to Ditto to Kadabra, you won’t have a hard time grinding up some levels. And if you’re lucky you might even encounter a Chansey, which has the biggest XP yield in the game. So if you’re into the post-game and don’t really need the money that the Pokémon League offers, Cerulean Cave is a solid spot for grinding.
