You’ve been wandering around Kanto in Pokémon Infinite Fusion for hours. You’ve fused a Pidgey with a Rattata just to see the horror, and you've probably gotten lost in Mt. Moon at least once. But there is a specific, quiet corner of the map that most players breeze past because it isn’t exactly "on the way" to the Elite Four.
The Viridian River.
Honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you’ll never find it. It isn't just a scenic water route; it is the absolute gold mine for anyone trying to complete their Pokédex or find that perfect base for a high-tier fusion. This area is essentially the "Starter Safari" of the game. If you want a Charmander, a Mudkip, or even a Froakie without waiting for a rare gift or trade, you have to get here.
How to Actually Find the Viridian River
Getting there is half the battle. You can’t just walk out of Viridian City and hope for the best.
Basically, there are two main ways to break into this hidden zone. The first—and most common—is through the Hidden Forest. To get to the Hidden Forest, you need to head to Route 16, which is just west of Celadon City (where the Snorlax usually naps). There’s a cuttable tree near the "Fly house." Chop it down, push through the trees, and you’ll find yourself in a dense, green area.
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If you head south through that forest, you’ll pop out into the Viridian River.
Alternatively, if you’re coming from the Viridian City side (Route 2), you’re going to need HM Rock Climb. You’ll see a ledge that looks inaccessible early on. Once you can scale it, follow the path toward the middle of the map and head south.
The Weird "Two-Tile" Glitch You Need to Know
This is where things get kinda technical and weirdly specific.
The community discovered that the way you enter the Viridian River from the Hidden Forest actually dictates what Pokémon spawn. It sounds like an urban legend, but it’s 100% real in the current game logic.
There are two "warp" tiles at the entrance.
- The Top Tile: If you step on the upper tile to enter the river, the game tends to only spawn Kalos starters. If you're hunting for Chespin, Fennekin, or Froakie, this is your zone.
- The Bottom Tile: If you hug the southern trees and enter through the lower tile, you unlock the rest—Gen 1 through Gen 4 starters like Bulbasaur, Cyndaquil, and Treecko.
If you’ve been resetting for an hour and only seeing Froakies, now you know why. You’re literally standing on the wrong blade of grass.
Farming Starters Like a Pro
Once you're in the area, don't expect them to just jump out of the tall grass in random encounters. These are overworld spawns.
When you enter the map, listen closely. You’ll often hear a faint audio cue—it’s the sound effect used when a Pokémon "flees" or enters a scene. That’s your signal. If you hear that noise, at least one starter has spawned somewhere on the screen.
They can be anywhere:
- Running around in the tall grass.
- Chilling right in front of the house on the map.
- Floating on the water (yes, I've seen Chikorita just vibing on the river).
Pro tip: Use a Max Repel. It won’t stop the overworld starters from appearing, but it will stop the annoying Level 5 Pidgeys from interrupting your hunt. Once you catch what’s there, leave the area, go back to the Hidden Forest, and immediately return. This resets the spawns.
Is Mew Actually Here?
There’s been a lot of chatter about the legendary Mew appearing in the Viridian River.
The short answer: Yes, but it's complicated.
Mew is a static encounter tied to a specific questline involving the Hidden Forest and the River. Some players report hearing a different, unique audio cue when Mew is present compared to the standard starter sound. If you're hunting the pink mythical, make sure your volume is up.
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What to Do Next
If you’re ready to beef up your team with some iconic fusions, here is your checklist:
- Check your HMs: Ensure you have Cut (for the Celadon route) or Rock Climb (for the Route 2 route).
- Bring Great/Ultra Balls: Starters have notoriously low catch rates, even at low levels. Don't waste your time with standard Pokéballs unless you love the struggle.
- Identify your target: Decide if you want Kalos starters or legacy starters so you know which entrance tile to use.
- Listen for the "Pop": Don't just run around aimlessly; wait for that audio cue before you start scouring the grass.
The Viridian River isn't just a location; it's a tool. Use it to grab a Mudkip, fuse it with something high-attack like a Machamp, and go wreck the Elite Four.