In Pokemon Yellow Version, players begin their journey with Pikachu instead of choosing one of the traditional Kanto starter Pokemon. Fortunately, the game allows trainers to acquire Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle through special in-game events. Obtaining Bulbasaur is an important early-game milestone that provides strong elemental coverage against upcoming gym challenges.
Reaching Cerulean City and Meeting the Requirements
Before you can claim Bulbasaur, you must advance through the early stages of the game and reach Cerulean City. Your main objective in this area is to navigate past Nugget Bridge and defeat the trainers waiting on Route 24. Clearing this path proves your strength and opens access to the northern house where Bulbasaur is kept.
Unlike simple gift Pokemon encounters, receiving Bulbasaur depends on how well you care for your partner Pikachu. The original trainer in Cerulean City wants to ensure her Pokemon goes to a compassionate trainer. Checking Pikachu's friendship level before visiting her will save you unnecessary backtracking.
Building Pikachu's Friendship Level
Pikachu must have a high friendship rating before the NPC agrees to hand over Bulbasaur. You can check Pikachu's happiness by facing it and pressing the A button to view its current emotion animation. A cheerful jump or a glowing heart indicates that your bond is strong enough for the event.
To raise friendship quickly, keep Pikachu in your active party during battles and avoid letting it faint. Using health items like Potions or leveling it up through regular combat also increases its affection efficiently. Once Pikachu shows clear signs of happiness, head straight to the house next to the Cerulean City Pokemon Center.
Claiming Bulbasaur in Cerulean City
Inside the house adjacent to the Pokemon Center, speak with the girl standing near the desk. If your Pikachu's friendship status meets her threshold, she will express gratitude and offer you her Bulbasaur. Make sure you have an open slot in your party of six so the transaction completes without issue.
The Bulbasaur you receive arrives at level 10 and comes equipped with reliable starter moves like Tackle and Growl. Securing this Grass-type ally early on gives your party a significant advantage against Misty's Water-type team in the Cerulean Gym and LT. Surge's Electric-type gym in Vermilion City.
Maximizing Bulbasaur's Potential in Your Party
Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur at level 16 and eventually into Venusaur at level 32, making it a reliable pillar for your roster throughout Kanto. Its status-inflicting moves such as Sleep Powder and Leech Seed offer invaluable tactical utility during tough boss battles. Training Bulbasaur alongside Pikachu creates a balanced foundation for tackling late-game challenges.
