Pokemon Encounters - Vast Poni Canyon¶

Pokemon Encounters - Vast Poni Canyon Exterior¶

As you enter the cave, there’s a very skilled-looking Pokémon trainer immediately to the east that you cannot avoid.

Veteran Harry¶

Beheeyem is an evolved Elgyem with stellar Special Attack, but terrible Speed. This one can use Psychic to deal powerful STAB damage, Signal Beam to hurt Dark-types and Shock Wave to surprise other Types. Bug or Ghost-types are ideal.

Banette is an evolved Shuppet with high Attack, but otherwise mediocre stats. Harry’s can use Phantom Force, which makes the user disappear on the first turn and inflict damage on the second. Unlike similar moves, it is unimpeded by Protect etc. It also knows Sucker Punch.

Past Harry, there’s a gap in the floor and a giant block on the other side. This is a tell-tale sign that you’ll eventually come here from the opposite side. Moving on, go east, up the nearby slope. At the top, there’s a Backpacker who paces up and down and routinely stops to look around. If you’re quick, you can run behind her while she’s walking.

Or, easier still, you could smash the boulders below with Tauros and then crawl through the hole at the end. On the other side, there’s a Protein to the east and a ledge just above that takes you right past the Backpacker.

Backpacker Perdy¶

Right after Harry provided some semblance of a challenge, Perdy shows up with a Spinda. This frankly underpowered Pokémon does have some interesting moves. Most notably Uproar, which deals decent damage and prevents sleep, as well as Teeter Dance and Sucker Punch. In the hands of Spinda though, they’re wasted.

Regardless of the path you took, head south-east along the slope to the right of Perdy. When you reach the top, let Tauros smash the nearby boulder so you can pick up the Max Potion. Next, carefully go up the slope to the south-west. Towards the west, a pair of tough trainers are looking left and right.

You can sneak past the pair by hugging the wall to the east, then using Tauros to charge straight through the boulders along the south side of the cave.

Ace Duo Kent and Aimee¶

This pair has the evolved forms of the version exclusive Alolan Ice-types. Sandslash can use Icicle Spear and Metal Claw to deal STAB damage. Like its previous form, it’s weak to Ground and doubly weak to Fire and Fighting.

Meanwhile Ninetales has Snow Warning, which summons hail at the start of battle. It can use Ice Beam and Dazzling Gleam to deal STAB damage, and Ice Shard to attack first. Having gained Fairy, it’s weak to Fire, Rock and Poison, and doubly weak to Steel.

Continue west up the next slope, smashing through the boulders near the top with Tauros. At the very top is another of those peculiar stone structures, and directly south is the exit.

Outside, you’ll emerge higher up the canyon. Head east and follow the grassy path clock-wise around the rocky hill. Along the way, pick up the Max Revive that’s sitting outside the grass towards the south-east. When you reach the west side of the hill, you’ll find that the path converges towards the north, and a new path stretches further west.

Cross over the to the opposite side of the canyon. If you look below, you can see the entrance of the canyon–with the large, leafless tree–in the distance. After reaching the other side, squeeze your way north to reach another cave entrance. Before wandering inside, follow the narrow path to the right of the nearby tall stone structure.

Search the rock at the far end of this path,to discover a hidden X Attack. After that, double back and enter the cave.

Inside, grab the X Defense by the side of the nearby rock. Towards the west, there are two paths available to you. You can either ride on Mudsdale to traverse the rocky terrain along the upper path or squeeze through the narrow lower path. Going through the lower path will put you right in front of a Pokémon trainer though.

Hiker Zachary¶

Zachary has two formidable fossil Pokémon. Kabutops, evolved from Kabuto, has high Attack and Defense, and decent Speed. Sadly, it has a fairly poor movepool, with Aqua Jet as its only threatening attack. Grass, Electric or Fighting-types are recommended.

Tyrantrum is an evolved Tyrunt that also boasts high Attack and Defense, but this time has mediocre Speed. In terms of attacks, it fares much better, with access to Dragon Claw for STAB damage. Slay it with Ice, Ground, Fighting, Steel or Fairy-types.

Past Zachary is a tall stone structure, indicating a nearby exit–towards the south. Back outside, a suspension bridge can be seen towards the west. For now, go east and crawl through the small gap in the cliff wall. You’ll emerge in the previous cavern, to the south of Zachary. Nearby, there are once again two paths laid before you.

To the east, there’s a narrow path you can squeeze through, but a trainer awaits on the other side. Meanwhile, to the south is a stretch of rocky terrain that you can travel to go behind the trainer.

Veteran Lynn¶

Xatu is an evolved Natu that has respectable Special Attack and Speed. Lynn’s Xatu can use Psychic and Air Slash to deal STAB damage. Fast or bulky Pokémon are recommended, especially if they’re Electric, Ice, Rock, Ghost or Dark.

Dewgong, evolved from Seel, has fairly balanced stats, with HP and Special Defense being standouts. The one you fight can use Aqua Jet and Ice Shard to go first, and Protect and Aqua Ring to stall and restore HP. Electric or Fighting-types are ideal.

Finally Kangaskhan has great stats overall, but is hindered by its inability to deal super-effective STAB damage. Still, it can use Fake Out for a first turn flinch, Dizzy Punch to inflict decent damage and potentially confuse, and Crunch to hit Ghosts.

No matter which path you go through, be sure to pick up the Escape Rope above Lynn. Afterwards, you can either continue along the rocky terrain towards the east or dismount from Mudsdale and squeeze through the narrow path towards the south. This time, a trainer is waiting at the end of the rocky path.

Ace Trainer Junko¶

Mawile is a slow and bulky Steel and Fairy-type. It can use Iron Head to deal STAB damage and Stockpile to boost its defensive stats, before using Swallow or Spit Up to deal damage or restore HP. Nail it with Fire or Ground-types if possible.

Weavile is an evolved Sneasel with blistering Speed and Attack, but fragile Defense. Junko’s Weavile is capable of using Night Slash for powerful STAB damage, and Snatch to steal stat boosts or healing effects. Punish it with Fire, Fighting, Rock, Steel or Fairy-types.

Below Lynn is a hole you can crawl through. Beyond, you’ll emerge in an enclosed space. Search the rock immediately to the right to find a hidden X Sp. Def. Next, be sure to pick up TM99 Dazzling Gleam below. If any of your Pokémon can learn this Fairy-type move, definitely teach it to them ASAP.

From here, retrace your steps until you’re near the wooden suspension bridge, then approach the bridge from its south side. Lillie will catch up and, after crossing the bridge, she’ll helpfully heal your Pokémon party. On the other side, enter the cave entrance directly in front of you.