How to get the thirsty guards a drink in Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow

When comparing the original Pokemon games to newer ones, despite their smaller scale and less advanced technology, the older games were much less linear. These games often included puzzles that required players to explore the available area without any hints.

One example of this in the Generation 1 Pokemon games is the quest to find a drink for the thirsty guards blocking passage through various gates in Kanto. In later remakes, this was simplified to a key item given through story progression.

However, in Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow, players had to go through a more elaborate process.

Where to get a drink for the thirsty guards

To pass the thirsty guards in Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow, players needed to purchase either a fresh water, soda pop, or lemonade from one of the vending machines on the rooftop terrace of Celadon City department store.

To get there from the point of encountering the blocked gates, players had to defeat the trainers on the nugget bridge in Cerulean City, then proceed to Bill’s house, save him, and obtain the SS Anne ticket.

Subsequently, they had to navigate to Vermillion City through a specific route, including obtaining the Cut HM and Flash HM along the way. Eventually, players would reach Celadon City and acquire the necessary drink from the department store to pass the guards.

By following this intricate path and solving the puzzles along the way, players could progress through the game and unlock shortcuts to different locations in the Kanto region.