How To Get Into Fortree Gym

If you’re playing Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald, figuring out how to get into Fortree Gym is a common challenge. To challenge Winona in Fortree Gym, you must navigate the invisible pathways on the gym’s main floor.

The gym’s puzzle is unique. It uses transparent, see-through floors that are not immediately obvious. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step path to reach the Gym Leader.

We will cover everything from reaching Fortree City to defeating Winona’s team.

Before you can even attempt the gym puzzle, you need to ensure you have access to Fortree City. This involves progressing through the main story and obtaining a specific key item.

Your journey begins after you defeat the fifth gym in Petalburg City. You then need to navigate through Mt. Pyre and the Team Magma/Aqua hideout.

Reaching Fortree City

After the events at Weather Institute on Route 119, you will receive the Devon Scope from President Stone. This item is absolutely critical.

The Devon Scope allows you to see invisible Kecleon blocking paths. One such Kecleon blocks the entrance to Fortree City itself.

From the Weather Institute, head north on Route 119.
You will encounter a Kecleon blocking a narrow path. Use the Devon Scope.
Battle or capture the Kecleon to clear the path.
Continue north to enter Fortree City, the treetop settlement.

Locating The Gym Building

Fortree City is built on wooden platforms in the trees. The gym is located in the northwest part of the city.

From the city entrance, follow these directions:

Head north from the Pokemon Center.
Take the first wooden ramp going west.
Go north across the next platform.
Take the western ramp, and you will see the gym ahead.

The building looks like a large, traditional wooden structure with a red roof.

Understanding The Invisible Floor Puzzle

The core challenge of Fortree Gym is its invisible maze. The floor is covered with transparent tiles that form walkable paths, while the rest of the floor is empty space.

If you step off the invisible path, you will fall to the lower floor and have to start the puzzle section over. The key is to move slowly and recognize visual cues.

Look for slight shimmering effects on the floor. The game provides subtle graphical hints to show where the path is.

Visual Cues and Landmarks

While the paths are invisible, the gym room has fixed landmarks. Use the trainers, pillars, and Gym Leader Winona’s position as your guide.

Always move in straight lines from one trainer to the next. The paths are generally straight lines connecting these points.

Step-by-Step Path To Winona

This is the exact walking sequence to reach Winona without falling. Start from the entrance mat.

From the entrance, walk straight north until you are directly in front of the first Bird Keeper trainer.
Battle Bird Keeper Jared. After winning, turn west and walk straight to the wall.
Turn north and walk straight until you are aligned with the next trainer to the east.
Turn east and walk straight to battle Bird Keeper Edward.
From Edward, turn north and walk straight until you hit the north wall.
Turn east and walk straight along the wall until you reach the corner.
Turn south and walk straight to battle Bird Keeper Darius.
From Darius, turn east and walk straight to the wall.
Turn north and walk straight. You will now be on the platform with Winona.

Following these directions precisely will get you to the Gym Leader everytime.

Recommended Team And Strategy For Winona

Winona is the Flying-type Gym Leader. Her team varies slightly between Ruby/Sapphire and Emerald, but the core strategy remains the same.

Electric and Ice-type moves are supremely effective. Rock-type moves are also very good, but be wary of Flying-type moves in return.

Winona’s Team in Ruby and Sapphire

Swablu (Lv. 29) – Normal/Flying
Tropius (Lv. 29) – Grass/Flying
Pelipper (Lv. 30) – Water/Flying
Skarmory (Lv. 31) – Steel/Flying
Altaria (Lv. 33) – Dragon/Flying

Winona’s Team in Emerald

Her Emerald team is stronger and includes a notable powerhouse.

Swablu (Lv. 29) – Normal/Flying
Tropius (Lv. 29) – Grass/Flying
Pelipper (Lv. 30) – Water/Flying
Skarmory (Lv. 31) – Steel/Flying
Altaria (Lv. 33) – Dragon/Flying

Counters and Best Pokemon

You should have several strong options by this point in the game.

Manectric or Electrike: A fast Electric-type can deal with Pelipper and Skarmory (if it knows an Electric move).
Raichu: Another excellent Electric choice.
Ice Beam or Blizzard Users: Teach Ice Beam to a Water-type like Starmie or Azumarill to handle Altaria and Tropius.
Rock Types: Graveler or Golem can use Rock Throw or Rock Slide, but watch for Water and Grass moves from Pelipper and Tropius.

Altaria is the main threat due to its Dragon typing. Ice-type moves are the best solution, dealing quadruple damage.

Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Many players get frustrated with this gym. Here are the typical errors and how to fix them.

Rushing: Moving too quickly causes falls. Take it one step at a time.
Not Using Visual Cues: Pay attention to the slight shimmer on the floor and the positions of the trainers.
Incorrect Team Prep: Do not rely on Fighting or Bug types here. They are weak to Flying attacks.
Forgetting the Devon Scope: You cannot even enter the city without it. Complete the Weather Institute event.

Rewards For Beating Fortree Gym

Defeating Winona grants you the Feather Badge. This badge has several important effects.

It allows Pokemon up to level 50 to obey you, even traded ones. It also enables the use of the HM move Fly outside of battle.

You will also receive TM40 (Aerial Ace), a Flying-type move that never misses. This is a valuable technical move for your own team.

With the Feather Badge, you can now fly between visited cities, making travel across Hoenn much faster.

What To Do After The Gym

Your next destination is the city of Mossdeep, to the east. To get there, you need to use Surf.

Head east from Fortree City onto Route 120. You will need to navigate this route, which includes another invisible Kecleon blockade.

Use the Devon Scope again to clear the path. Continue east to Route 121, then south to Lilycove City. From there, you can Surf to Mossdeep.

The Mossdeep Gym features Psychic-type twins, so consider preparing Dark, Ghost, or Bug-type Pokemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Find The Invisible Path In Fortree Gym?

The invisible path is fixed. Use the positions of the Bird Keeper trainers as guides. Move in straight lines from one trainer to the next, and use the slight visual shimmer on the floor as a cue. The step-by-step walkthrough above provides the exact safe route.

What Do You Need Before Fortree Gym?

You need the Devon Scope to enter Fortree City. You get it from President Stone after rescuing him and stopping Team Magma/Aqua at the Weather Institute on Route 119. You also need a team strong against Flying-types, ideally with Electric and Ice moves.

Why Can’t I Enter Fortree City?

If you cannot enter the city, an invisible Kecleon is blocking the path on Route 119. You must use the Devon Scope on the spot where the path narrows just before the city to make it appear. You then must battle or capture it to proceed.

What Level Should My Pokemon Be For Fortree Gym?

Your Pokemon should be at least level 30, with your strongest attackers around level 32-35. Winona’s highest-level Pokemon is her level 33 Altaria, so being under-leveled will make the fight very difficult.

Is There A Trick To The Fortree Gym Puzzle?

The main trick is patience and using the trainers as markers. The path is a series of straight lines connecting the trainers and the walls. If you fall, remember where you stepped and adjust your path next time. There is no random element; the safe route is always the same.