Follow the early requests from Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Scyther and Hitmonchan to change the terrain.
The early terrain-changing sequence is learn Water Gun from Squirtle → water grass for Bulbasaur's Leafage → progress the story and take Scyther's and Hitmonchan's requests. Learn each move as the game introduces it before trying to clear the whole area.
This guide summarizes early Switch 2 sources. Check move names, controls and your request state in the game; we haven't replayed the sequence independently.
Squirtle: learn Water Gun
After the opening conversation, follow Professor Tangrowth outside and interact with Squirtle. Once you learn Water Gun, follow the prompt to use it on Squirtle; the guide source lists ZR on Switch 2. Then water nearby dry grass or flowers and watch the environment revive.
Water Gun covers a plus-shaped area in front of the character. Your position changes which tiles get hit. Stand near the target and check that Water Gun is selected before using it, rather than spending PP repeatedly on a spot already treated.
Bulbasaur: water ten patches and learn Leafage
Revive nearby dry grass, look for shaking tall grass and investigate to meet Bulbasaur. When a request appears above it, speak to Bulbasaur. Water ten dry grass patches as requested, then speak again to learn Leafage.
Select Leafage and use it on grass to grow tall grass. A source describes switching with the directional buttons, or holding L to choose a move; check your control settings if yours differ. To complete Squirtle's following request, make four adjacent tall-grass patches, wait for Squirtle to approach, then speak to it again.
G G
G G
G represents four adjacent patches, not four uses on the same tile. If the request doesn't complete, check that four patches grew and connect, then read the request and Pokémon's prompt.
Cut and Rock Smash: finish each request
Continue toward the Pokémon Center and meet Scyther and Hitmonchan through the story. Nintendo Life reports that when their requests appear, Scyther asks for two Sturdy Sticks and Hitmonchan for two Stones, teaching Cut and Rock Smash respectively. Check the delivery screen for the items it accepts.
Cut can clear grass, vines and dead wood for materials; Rock Smash breaks rocks and some stone walls to open paths. Check what you're targeting before using either move, especially around blocks you've just arranged at your base.
If a move or request isn't working
| Situation | Check first |
|---|---|
| You can't use a move | Did you finish that Pokémon's request and select the right move? |
| Water Gun or Leafage changes nothing | Get closer and target a suitable surface, not the same treated tile repeatedly. |
| You slow down or stop while using moves | Check PP and prepare Leppa Berries; follow the game's amounts and controls. |
| Four-grass request is incomplete | Check that four patches are adjacent, wait for the Pokémon and speak again. |
Sources
- Thonky: Beginning the Game — Water Gun, ten patches, Leafage and move switching
- Nintendo Life: Withered Wasteland Walkthrough — Early requests and items for Cut and Rock Smash
- Nintendo Life: All Ditto Transformations & Skills — Water Gun area and surfaces for Leafage
Revision history
— Recently updated