Levelling up your Pokémon can feel like a never-ending grind, especially when juggling a team of six. This is where the EXP Share comes in handy. This helpful item allows you to share experience points with Pokémon that aren’t even participating in battle. In Pokémon FireRed, the EXP Share is a game-changer for trainers who want to level up their weaker Pokémon without the hassle. This guide will show you exactly where to find it, how to use it, and why it’s one of the most helpful items in the game.
What Is the EXP Share?
The EXP Share is a particular item in Pokémon FireRed that splits experience points earned during battle. Giving the EXP Share to a Pokémon will gain part of the experience points from every battle, even if it doesn’t fight. For example, if you give it to a weak Pokémon and battle with your strongest one, the weaker Pokémon will still grow stronger without being exposed to danger.
This item is handy for players who want to create a balanced team. If a Pokémon falls behind, the EXP Share ensures it gets the EXP it needs without taking hits in battle. It’s also great for training Pokémon that are difficult to use effectively in fighting, such as Magikarp or Abra.
Why Is the EXP Share So Important?
In Pokémon games, levelling up is vital to winning battles and progressing through the story. But let’s be honest: training weaker Pokémon can be tedious. Here’s why the EXP Share is a must-have for any trainer:
- Saves Time: Instead of switching Pokémon during battle to share EXP, you can focus on fighting with your strongest Pokémon while the weaker ones grow.
- Builds a Balanced Team: Keeping your entire team at similar levels is more accessible, which is crucial for tough battles like gym leaders and the Elite Four.
- Perfect for Training New Captures: If you catch a new Pokémon late in the game, you can quickly bring it up to speed using the EXP Share.
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Where to Find the EXP Share in FireRed
Now let’s get to the main question: how do you get the EXP Share in Pokémon FireRed? It’s not something you’ll find lying on the ground—you have to earn it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Catch 50 Pokémon
The first requirement to get the EXP Share is to register at least 50 Pokémon in your Pokédex. This means you need to catch or evolve 50 different Pokémon. If you’re not there yet, don’t worry! Here are some quick tips to boost your Pokédex count:
- Catch Pokémon on Every Route: As you progress through the game, explore all the grass patches, caves, and water routes to find new Pokémon. Even common ones like Rattata and Pidgey add to your total.
- Focus on Evolving Pokémon: Many Pokémon evolve into more potent forms after gaining levels. For example, evolving a Caterpie into Metapod and then Butterfree counts as three Pokémon in your Pokédex.
- Use the Safari Zone: The Safari Zone in Fuchsia City is packed with unique Pokémon not found elsewhere. It’s a great place to catch multiple species quickly.
- Trade with Friends: If you can access another game like Pokémon LeafGreen, trade for Pokémon that aren’t available in FireRed. This is especially useful for version-exclusive Pokémon.
Reaching 50 Pokémon might take some effort, but it’s manageable if you explore thoroughly and use all available areas.
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2. Head to Route 15
Once you’ve caught 50 Pokémon, it’s time to visit Professor Oak’s aide. He’s the one who will give you the EXP Share as a reward for your efforts. Here’s how to find him:
- Travel to Route 15, located to the east of Fuchsia City.
- Look for the gatehouse near the entrance to Route 15.
- Enter the building and speak to the aide inside.
Ensure you have your Pokédex with you, as the aide will check it to confirm that you’ve caught at least 50 Pokémon.
3. Talk to the Aide
He’ll ask if you’ve registered 50 Pokémon when you talk to the aide. If you meet the requirement, he’ll hand over the EXP Share. If not, he’ll encourage you to keep catching more Pokémon. Once you have the EXP Share, it will be stored in your inventory.
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How to Use the EXP Share
Using the EXP Share is simple, but you need to use it strategically to get the most out of it. Here’s how:
- Equip the EXP Share: Open your bag, find the EXP Share, and give it to a Pokémon. This Pokémon will now receive part of the EXP from every battle.
- Battle Normally: Go into battles with your strongest Pokémon. The Pokémon holding the EXP Share will gain EXP even if it doesn’t participate.
- Rotate It: If you want to train multiple Pokémon, switch the EXP Share between them after each battle or set of fighting.
Best Strategies for Using the EXP Share
To maximize the benefits of the EXP Share, keep these tips in mind:
- Focus on Weak Pokémon: Use the EXP Share to level up your weakest Pokémon. This is especially useful for Pokémon with low starting stats, like Magikarp or Abra.
- Train in High-EXP Areas: Battle in locations with strong wild Pokémon or trainers to earn more EXP.
- Combine with the Vs. Seeker: The Vs. Seeker allows you to rematch trainers, making grinding easier for EXP. Use it in areas where trainers have high-level Pokémon.
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Great Places to Train with the EXP Share
If you’re looking for the best places to train Pokémon using the EXP Share, consider these spots:
- Victory Road: This area has strong wild Pokémon that give high EXP.
- Seafoam Islands: Perfect for training Electric- and grass types against Water Pokémon.
- Cerulean Cave: Available after beating the Elite Four, this cave is home to some of the strongest wild Pokémon in the game.
- Elite Four Battles: After completing the game, you can rematch the Elite Four to earn massive EXP.
Common Issues and Solutions
Sometimes, players face challenges when trying to get or use the EXP Share. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:
- Not Enough Pokémon in Your Pokédex: If you haven’t reached 50 Pokémon, focus on catching and evolving more. Use guides to find Pokémon you might have missed.
- Low EXP Gains: If the Pokémon holding the EXP Share isn’t levelling up fast enough, battle against more vigorous opponents or use the Vs. Seeker to rematch trainers.
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Conclusion
The EXP Share is one of the most valuable items in Pokémon FireRed. It simplifies levelling up weaker Pokémon, saves time, and ensures your team is battle-ready. You must catch 50 Pokémon and visit Professor Oak’s aide on Route 15 to get it. Once you have it, use it wisely to train your team and prepare for tough battles, including the Elite Four.
Now that you know where to find the EXP Share and how to use it, it’s time to take your training to the next level. With this powerful tool, you’re one step closer to becoming a Pokémon Master!