Reaching Blackthorn City is one of the final and most exciting milestones for trainers exploring the Johto region in the Pokémon series. Hidden behind steep mountain passes and treacherous caverns, this iconic location serves as the home to the eighth and final Johto Gym Leader, Clair. Navigating the journey demands strategic preparation, essential Gym Badges, and solving environmental puzzles along the way.
Fulfilling Mandatory Story Prerequisites
Before setting off toward Blackthorn City, players must first clear several critical story bottlenecks throughout Johto. You must earn seven Gym Badges, which includes defeating Pryce in Mahogany Town and Jasmine in Olivine City. Additionally, defeating Team Rocket at both the Mahogany hideout and the Goldenrod Radio Tower is required before the route onward opens up.
Once these major conflicts are resolved, the guard standing east of Mahogany Town will finally allow you onto Route 44. This route serves as the scenic gateway leading directly into the subterranean entrance of the Ice Path. Preparing your team with status heal items like Antidotes and Burn Heals will make traveling this section much easier.
Navigating Route 44 and the Ice Path
Route 44 offers a great opportunity for trainers to battle wild Pokémon and gather items before entering the cavern system. Follow the path eastward through the grassy areas until you reach the entrance of the Ice Path. This multi-level cavern is filled with slippery ice floor puzzles that require careful movement planning to cross.
To progress through the Ice Path, players must slide across icy panels, push boulders into holes using Strength, and locate key items. Finding HM07 Waterfall inside one of the cavern chambers is an essential task during your trip through the cave. Sliding carefully from ledge to ledge will eventually bring you to the exit on the south side.
Arriving in Blackthorn City and What Comes Next
Emerging from the darkness of the Ice Path immediately brings you into the peaceful mountain settlement of Blackthorn City. Here, you can rest your party at the local Pokémon Center and restock on supplies at the Poké Mart before challenging the gym. The city is also home to the Move Deleter and Move Reminder, who offer valuable party management services.
Your primary goal in town is confronting Gym Leader Clair inside the Blackthorn Gym to earn the Rising Badge. Defeating her dragon-type team unlocks the ability to use Waterfall in the overworld and grants access to the Dragon's Den. Taking the time to explore this ancient city completes your main journey across the Johto mainland.
