Route 13 - Lumiose Badlands

Level Range of wild Pokémon: 26-28

* These Pokémon can only be encountered by smashing cracked rocks.

Some wild pokemon burrow in the ground and will pop out at you if you're nearby. This will get annoying in the long run since these burrowing pokemon's movements are based on your own. If you stop moving, they won't pursue you.

It will also be a good idea to bring up your dowsing machine as you explore the area since there are some hidden items here as well. You should also take note of the direction of the wind. If you're biking or rollerblading, you'll find it difficult going against the wind. You won't have difficulties when running though. If you're rollerblading against the direction of the wind while grinding on the rail, you won't be able to get across successfully since you'll be pushed off the rail. To make it easier to give directions, let's explore the eastern side of the area first, with the stairs leading back to the city as our midpoint marker.

Head east past the stairs to find a railing that you can grind on using your roller blades. Head to the northeast corner to find a Smooth Rock. This item extends the duration of the move Sandstorm when used by the holder.

You'll find three code-locked doors to the easternmost side of the area. On the way to the second door lies a lone rock. Examine it to get an X-Accuracy. Somewhere nearby, to the northwest of that rock lies a hidden Guard Spec. Use your Dowsing Machine to locate it.

If you continue to the southeast corner you'll find the third code-locked door. There's a Flame Plate that you can get by jumping across the gap past that door. This held item increases the power of Fire-type moves.

Backtrack to the stairs (not necessary but it will make it easier for me to give directions) and find the hidden Nest Ball near the main path, southwest of the stairs. Continue to the southwest past the railing and examine the lone rock there to find a hidden Heat Rock, a held item that extends the duration of the move Sunny Day. Just a bit southeast from that rock you can find a hidden Star Piece.

Grind on the railing to the west and carefully (it's safe to just get off your rollerblades and run for the meantime) head to the south. Break the rock to the right to reach the Burn Heal. Now backtrack to the north and grind the railing there. Examine the rock in the middle to get a hidden PP UP.

Next, break down the rock leading to the slope and follow the path. There's a hidden

The stairs in the middle leads back to the other side of Lumiose City but a worker won't allow you to pass yet since there's still no power. Grind the winding railing to the west and follow the path to reach a Sun Stone. Now head to the west and locate the metal bridge where a Team Flare grunt is waiting. Before confronting him, examine the large rock before the bridge to get the Power Plant Pass. Proceed to the left to fight the Team Flare grunt.

Team Flare Grunt (Prize Money: 1,320)

• LV31 Houndoom (Dark/Fire)
• LV33 Golbat (Poison/Flying)

Houndoom packs a considerable punch with its attacks. However, they both shouldn't be a problem to deal with, unless you're using an underleveled party. Walk past the Team Flare Member and enter the power plant.