3rd Gen How many pokemon in early game

[Kenaij]

Hello all,


Very soon my wife and I are going to replay Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green.
And I was wondering something.
Is there a guideline as to how many pokemon to train at any given time in the early game so you don`t have to farm to much.
What I mean is for example.
Before Brock only use 2 pokemon. So both can get a level that is good for the first gym (lv 10-12 or so)
Then, add 1 or 2 pokemon to you party and use them together with the ones you already trained so all pokemon will be a good level for Misty (around 18-20).
If I put my party full of pokemon early on I will have to stop progressing storywise to train my pokemon up.
Do any of you use any (rough) guidelines for this.
1 pokemon added per badge or 2 or whatever?
Thanks for the replies.

 

[Mab]

Hmm.. I've thought back to how I last played Firered, and I think I remember when and how I caught each Pokémon. My general route is to get my starter (usually Squirtle) and grind him up to fairly high levels (ie, evolve him) then catch a Pikachu in the forest and do the same to him. Then I can use Squirtle on Brock and Pikachu on Misty, and I also catch a Spearow to trade for a Farfetch'd in Vermilion City. After that how and when I catch things varies by each playthrough, but I think I generally catch Pokémon less frequently than the average player, and grind them more. So I think my typical strat would be

Catch 2 Pokémon before you get to the first gym, then add another every 3 gyms (approximately).

 

[Kenaij]

Hi Rainbow,


I ended up starting the game earlier than expected. I started with a bulbasaur.
I wanted this playthrough to be a little different than usual. Not picking the same pokemon I normally would.
So I started with the starter I never picked before.
I have caught several pokemon, but only leveled a few.
I caught a spearow to level up (normally I take pidgey, every time)
In my search for a pikachu in the forest I actually ended up leveling my Bulbasaur and Spearow to about 14/15.
It took a long time to find that little electric ball.
I was planning on sticking with those 3 but after brock and the trainers on route 3 I found a Jigglypuff.
I have always despised it together with its other stages. So I thought it would be nice to get a bond with it.
However, I noticed I ended up having to grind somewhat once I challenged Misty.
Eventhou I had 2 pokes that are strong against her (16 pikachu, 19/20 ivesaur)
So I might drop one and stay closer to your recommendations of added pokemon less quickly.
But will keep 3 in my party for now.
Thanks for your reply.