If you’re trying to figure out how to get to Alfornada Gym, you’re in the right place. Reaching the Alfornada Gym will test your navigation skills through the desert’s rocky terrain. This guide provides the clearest, step-by-step directions from any major starting point.
We’ll cover the fastest routes, what to expect on the journey, and tips to make your trip smoother. Whether you’re coming from Mesagoza, Cascarrafa, or the Pokémon League, we have you covered.
How To Get To Alfornada Gym
Alfornada Gym is located in the southwestern corner of the Paldea region. It is the home of the Psychic-type Gym Leader, Tulip. The town itself is nestled within a rocky canyon, making access a bit tricky compared to other cities.
You will need to have certain traversal abilities for your ride Pokémon to reach it. The primary barrier is the rocky, desert-like terrain surrounding the area. Do not attempt this journey until you have progressed far enough in your adventure.
Prerequisites For The Journey
Before you set out, you must meet two critical requirements. Without these, the path to Alfornada will be completely blocked.
Required Koraidon/Miraidon Abilities
Your legendary mount needs to have learned specific moves. Here is what is essential:
- Swim: The ability to cross bodies of water is non-negotiable. You will need to traverse a large lake.
- Glide: This is the most important ability. You must be able to glide from high cliffs to reach the canyon where Alfornada is built.
- High Jump and Dash are also very helpful for navigating the rough landscape quickly, but Swim and Glide are mandatory.
Story Progression Checkpoint
You cannot access Alfornada early in the game. The intended order of Gyms is flexible, but Alfornada is considered a higher-level challenge.
- Most players aim for Alfornada after earning four or five Gym Badges.
- The Victory Road path does not lock you into a sequence, but the surrounding terrain acts as a natural level gate.
- Ensure your team is around level 40-45 to handle the wild Pokémon in Area Zero’s outer reaches.
Starting From Mesagoza (The Academy)
Mesagoza is the central hub and a common starting point. This route is straightforward but involves a long trek south and west.
- Exit Mesagoza through the West Gate, leading into South Province (Area Two).
- Head directly south, passing through Cortondo. You can dash through the fields.
- From Cortondo, go west until you hit the coast. Follow the coastline south.
- You will see a large lake west of Alfornada. This is where you need your Swim ability.
- Cross the lake. On the other side, you’ll find steep cliffs leading up to the Glaseado Mountain foothills.
- Look for the highest point on the cliffs directly east of Alfornada town. Use your Glide ability from here to soar down into the canyon.
Starting From Cascarrafa (West)
Coming from the Water Gym city in the west is a popular alternative route.
- Leave Cascarrafa and head east into the Asado Desert. Be prepared for sandstorms.
- Traverse the desert until you reach the eastern edge, near the cliffs overlooking a huge lake.
- Use your Glide ability from the cliffs to cross over a section of the lake, landing on the rocky slopes on the other side.
- From this landing point, navigate south through the narrow canyon paths. The entrance to Alfornada will be on your left.
This route is shorter but requires precise gliding. Save your game before attempting the glide across the water.
Starting From The Pokémon League (North)
If you’re coming from the north, perhaps after challenging the Elite Four, you’ll be descending from Glaseado Mountain.
- From the Pokémon League building, head south down the mountain paths.
- Stay on the main path until you reach a large, open area with a watchtower. This is near the edge of the cliffs above Alfornada.
- From the watchtower area, locate the gap in the cliffs facing south-west. You’ll see the distinct buildings of Alfornada below.
- This is the highest glide point. Jump and glide down directly into the town center.
Detailed Landmark Navigation
Relying on landmarks is crucial in Paldea’s open world. Here are the key sights to look for.
The Great Crater Lake
This massive lake is the most prominent feature near Alfornada. The town sits on the southern edge of its western side. If you can see the lake, you’re close. Always use the lake for orientation; Alfornada is on the lake’s western shore, tucked into the cliffs.
The Canyon Pass
The final approach to Alfornada is through a winding, orange-rock canyon. The pass has several branching paths, but only one leads to the town gate. Follow the path with the most trainer sightings and visible Poké Balls on the ground—it’s the main route.
Glaseado Mountain’s Shadow
The towering Glaseado Mountain to the north casts a long shadow in the afternoon. If you are gliding, aim for the area where the mountain’s shadow meets the canyon floor. This visual cue points directly to the town.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Many trainers get lost or frustrated on this trip. Avoid these common errors.
- Attempting to Climb the Cliffs: The cliffs around Alfornada are too steep to climb, even with High Jump. Do not waste time trying. You must glide in from above.
- Misjudging the Glide Distance: From some points, you might not have enough height to make it. If you start descending too rapidly, turn back immediately. The highest points near the watchtower or the desert cliffs are safest.
- Ignoring Wild Pokémon: The Area Zero outskirts have high-level, aggressive Pokémon. Keep repels handy or be ready for battles. It’s easy to get ambushed while focusing on navigation.
- Forgetting to Heal: The journey is long. Stop at a Pokémon Center in Cascarrafa or Cortondo before the final leg. There are no healing facilities in the desert or on the cliffs.
What To Do Upon Arrival
Once you finally arrive in Alfornada, there are a few things you should do first.
- Heal at the Pokémon Center: It’s right by the town entrance. Use it immediately after the likely tough journey.
- Locate the Gym: The Gym is in the central plaza, distinguished by its psychic-themed, ornate architecture. It’s hard to miss.
- Prepare for Psychic-types: Tulip’s team is strong. Stock up on Dark, Ghost, and Bug-type moves. Be aware of potential coverage moves her Pokémon might carry.
- Explore the TM Machine: Alfornada’s TM machine sells useful TMs. Consider picking up Calm Mind or Psychic if you have the League Points.
Alternative Transport Methods
While the intended method is using Koraidon/Miraidon, there are other ways to reach the town.
Flying Taxi Directly
Once you have visited Alfornada once, the Flying Taxi service is unlocked. You can fast travel directly to the town from any other visited location instantly. This is the best way for return trips.
Multiplayer Teleport
If you are playing in a Union Circle with friends, you can teleport to a friend who is already in Alfornada. Join their game, and your position will sync to theirs, placing you directly in the town.
Training Tips For The Gym Challenge
Since you’re here for the Gym, some preparation advice is useful. Tulip’s team is fast and hits hard with special attacks.
- Use Pokémon with high Special Defense. Snarl and other Dark-type moves are excellent for lowering their offensive power.
- Setup moves like Sword Dance or Nasty Plot can help you sweep her team if you outspeed them.
- Be cautious of her Pokémon holding items like Focus Sashes. Try to use multi-hit moves or entry hazards if possible.
- Her signature Pokémon is Espathra. It’s fast and can use Lumina Crash, which harshly lowers Special Defense. Try to take it out in one hit with a strong Bug or Dark move.
Remember to save before challenging the Gym Leader, just in case. The puzzle inside the Gym involves answering questions about beauty, but you can retry it if you get them wrong without penalty.
FAQ: How To Get To Alfornada Gym
What is the easiest way to get to Alfornada Gym?
The easiest way on a first visit is from Cascarrafa. The gliding point from the desert cliffs is very reliable, and the path is shorter than from Mesagoza. Just ensure you have the Swim and Glide abilities first.
Can you walk to Alfornada without gliding?
No, you cannot. The town is designed to be accessible only by gliding into its canyon basin. All ground-level paths are blocked by impassable rock walls. Gliding is a strict requirement.
Why can’t I find Alfornada Gym on my map?
The town icon will not appear on your map until you fly there with the Flying Taxi or physically visit it. It is located in the far southwest, near the edge of the map by the large lake. If you haven’t been there, the area will be blank.
What level should my Pokemon be for Alfornada Gym?
Tulip’s team is around levels 42-44. It is recommended your team be at least level 45 to handle the battle comfortably. The wild Pokémon in the surrounding area are also around this level, providing good training.
Is there a Pokemon Center close to Alfornada Gym?
Yes, Alfornada has a full Pokémon Center located just inside the main entrance of the town. It is very close to the Gym building itself, so you can heal easily between attempts.
Finding out how to get to Alfornada Gym is a rite of passage in Paldea. The journey requires planning and the right tools, but the path is clear once you know what to look for. Secure the necessary abilities for your ride Pokémon, pick your starting route, and use the landmarks like the great lake and the canyon pass as your guide. With this knowledge, you’ll arrive ready to take on Tulip’s Psychic-type challenge. Good luck with your Gym battle.