Kalos introduced fans to Mega Evolution, the flagship feature of Pokémon X and Y that re-energized the series and recaptured the imaginations of older fans. Though it’s been a while since their initial release, we still haven’t forgotten Kalos’ regional charm and French aesthetic. And it has more to offer. There are castles and cafes to visit, abandoned mineshafts and caverns to explore, waterlogged routes and badlands to cross, and sleepy forests to get lost in.
Still, not every gamer is a completionist. Here are some out of reach areas you may have missed, which offered exciting in world rewards and discoveries.
10 Lumiose City - Local Attractions
Lumiose City makes the bustling metropolis of Celadon look like the sticks. And there’s a lot more to do. At the Hotel Richissime you can actually work as a chambermaid, a room service attendant, and a hotel assistant. Every day you can put in a full day’s work and be rewarded for your performance (though the pay’s a pittance: five Pokéballs’ worth). There’s also an art museum which is Pokémon-themed. Just like any real city, you can get lost in all the excitement.
9 Lost Hotel
The Lost Hotel on Melancholie Path (great name) is an old abandoned hotel with plenty of vacancies; the bottom floor is mostly taken up by Ghost Pokémon like Litwick, rebellious teens, and punks. For whatever reason, it’s also the hideout of Lumiose’s rolling skating boss. And he doesn’t battle you. Instead, he teaches you a skating trick that lets your character perform a 360 spin while jumping off a rail or ledge. Radical.
If you’re feeling brave, you can find rare items in the garbage bins, smelly Trubbishes, or even Rotom. Results may vary.
8 Sea Spirit’s Den
Players who surfed all the way out to the Sea Spirit’s Den were likely disappointed on their first visit. With such an enigmatic name, players might think of places like the Seafoam or Whirl Islands. Sadly, the first time you visit, the den is empty. What’s the meaning of such a tease? Upon defeating the Pokémon League, if you’ve overcome your frustration, return and you’ll be rewarded with a chance to catch one of three Legendary Birds. Did we mention this game has an obsession with Kanto?
7 Kiloude City
Not all of us like to grind in our Pokémon games; post-game events are not everyone’s cup of Sinistea. However, Kiloude City is a must-see for any competitive player and it’s accessible after beating the game. Plenty of powerful trainers are waiting for you there, including your rival.
But for a real challenge, step inside the Battle Maison where the competition is fierce and the rules are strict. Among the competitors are four classy lasses with ridiculous Legendaries. They’re also the toughest trainers in the game. And did we mention you can’t use Legendaries either?
6 Frost Cavern
Just outside of Dendemille Town inside of a huge snowy mountain is the Frost Cavern. Think of it as a modern take on Johto’s Ice Path: though there are a few simple ice puzzles, the snow-covered walls and glassy ice make your character feel the cold, literally. There are awesome Ice Pokémon to catch including Beartic, Cryogonal, and Kalos original Bergmite. Here’s something cool: level up your Eevee next to the ice-covered rock on the second floor and it will evolve into Glaceon. Go ahead! Not everyone has to like Sylveon.
5 Battle Chateau
If you’re looking to train Pokémon and to make Pokédollars fast, Battle Chateau is the best place to do both. You’ll begin as a Baron or Baroness, but by defeating higher ranking nobles like Duchesses, Earls, and Marquises, you will be awarded with more dignified titles.
Send out Writs (they’re not cheap) that issue challenges to nobles all across Kalos, even Gym Leaders, and see how far you can climb. We love this surprisingly deep mini-game. The character designs and their dialogue are fun, the Pokémon battles are challenging, and let’s face it: becoming a ten-year-old Grand Duke is both implausible and hilarious.
4 Glittering Cave
Wouldn’t it be nice to view your character from a closer, third-person perspective? If you visit Glittering Cave you’ll get the opportunity, which closes in the environment and makes for a claustrophobic feel. It’s a beautiful maze, filled with minerals and shining gems; it’s also filled with large Pokémon that block your path.
If you’re lucky you might catch a Solrock or a Lunatone, but Rhyhorn’s also a great catch because you can evolve it into Rhyperior. Look for the Protector in the Lost Hotel.
3 Terminus Cave
Terminus Cave is an old abandoned mine packed with powerful trainers and Pokémon. The music is a little eerie and the Pokémon divebombing you from the ceiling doesn’t help either. However, you can select the Dowsing Machine to find many useful items, including Max Potions, Elixirs, and even a Dusk Stone.
Okay, what’s the real surprise? If you return after becoming the champion, the trainer that was blocking the way to the final room will be gone. Sound familiar? The Order Pokémon Zygarde will be waiting for you inside… but won’t be happy to see you.
2 Winding Woods
South of Snowbelle City is the Winding Woods. This appropriately named area can be a little disorienting. If you take a turn and retrace your steps you’ll find your character right back where they started. Why might you venture into such unseen territory other than being an obsessive completionist?
There are plenty of powerful Pokémon trainers to battle, a Meadow Plate, and the rare TM53 Energy Ball to pick up. You might also run into a horde of nasty Trevenant so come prepared. But ignore conventional wisdom: When you see a light at the end of the forest, go to it.
1 Pokémon Village
Hidden deep in the Winding Woods, slumbering peacefully in a sunswept glade is the Pokémon Village. It is, unsurprisingly, a home for Pokémon that prefer the company of other Pokémon. They roam free, blissful, and unaware of the obsessive children that travel far and wide to capture their friends in Pokéballs.
Here you’ll encounter the first Snorlax in the series that isn’t absentmindedly blocking your path and it simply won’t wake up. But if you go into the cave nearby you’ll find a far greater power stirring. The only Mewtwo in the game! How’s that for being rewarded?
NEXT: Pokémon: 10 Amazing Pieces of Mewtwo Fan Art
