How to Get in the Fortree Gym: Step-by-Step Guide

There’s something magical about Fortree City. Nestled high in the trees with rope bridges, wooden huts, and swaying leaves in every direction, it feels more like an Ewok village than a city built for Pokémon battles. You arrive excitedly, thinking you’re about to snag your following badge. But when you try to walk up to the Fortree Gym, bam! Invisible wall. No sign. No explanation. Just you and a very confusing impasse.

Don’t worry you’re not glitched, cursed, or missing a patch. It’s part of the journey. In this detailed, friendly (and yes, slightly witty) walkthrough, I’ll show you how to get in the Fortree Gym, step by step just like a true Pokémon master would.

Why Can’t You Enter the Fortree Gym?

Let’s start with the question that has puzzled many: Why can’t I access the Fortree Gym?

There’s an invisible Kecleon standing guard, using its color-changing ability to block the entrance without being seen. Yep, Game Freak leaned into the stealth mechanic here. You can’t battle it, sneak around it, or trigger the gym event until you’ve fulfilled a specific storyline task.

Step 1: Leave Fortree City (Yes, Really)

After you’ve tried entering the gym and realized something’s blocking you, your first move is to head east onto Route 120. No hints. No flashing signs. Just pure exploration. This is the developers’ way of encouraging players to embrace curiosity, which defines the Hoenn region.

Take your team, stock up on some Repels or Poké Balls, and stroll through the tall grass. Wild Pokémon ranging from Oddish to Absol might jump out, so be ready.

Step 2: Meet Steven on Route 120

Keep walking east until you encounter Steven Stone, the mysterious rock-loving Pokémon expert and future Champion. He’s standing on a small wooden bridge, gazing into the water like a brooding anime protagonist.

Talk to him, and he’ll drop some critical intel about invisible Pokémon and obstacles. Cue dramatic cutscene.

Step 3: Receive the Devon Scope

Steven won’t just offer philosophy he comes bearing gifts. He hands you the Devon Scope, a high-tech device designed by the Devon Corporation to reveal what the naked eye cannot see. And wouldn’t you know it? As soon as you try it out, a wild Kecleon appears, previously camouflaged.

You can battle it, catch it, or run away either way, you now know how to uncover these invisible barriers.

Step 4: Head Back to Fortree City

Now it’s time to backtrack to the city, armed with your shiny new Devon Scope. Return to where the invisible wall once stood at the gym entrance. Use the Scope, and poof! the second hidden Kecleon appears. You’ve officially solved the puzzle of getting into the Fortree Gym.

Battle or bypass the chameleon again. Once it moves, the gym doors open like magic.

Step 5: Prepare for Winona and Her Flying-Type Team

You’ve finally made it inside the gym. Now comes the real challenge: Winona, the elegant Gym Leader, is passionate about soaring Pokémon.

Her team typically includes:

• Swellow
• Pelipper
• Skarmory
• Altaria (her ace, part-Dragon)

Each packs a punch, especially Altaria, who can use Dragon Dance and Aerial Ace to sweep underprepared teams.

Read More: How Old Do You Have to Go to a Gym? Age Rules Explained

Pro Tips: What Pokémon Should You Bring?

Winona’s Flying-type team isn’t just vulnerable to one thing. You’ve got options.

Best Pokémon Types to Use:

• Electric-types like Manectric or Magneton for hard hits and speed
• Rock-types like Graveler for durability
• Ice-types (rare in Hoenn but valuable if you have one)

Watch out for Pelipper’s Water moves and Altaria’s Dragon-type attacks. Don’t walk in thinking it’s a birdwatching trip these Pokémon mean business.

Tools to Help You Win the Battle

If you’re feeling stuck or want to fine-tune your strategy, here are a few informational tools (yes, soft promotions ahead):

Pokémon Strategy Guide (Digital or Print)

Affordable and filled with detailed routes, stats, and battle tactics. Perfect for visual learners.

Online Battle Simulators

Web-based tools like Pokémon Showdown help you practice team matchups before you risk losing to Winona.

Eco-Friendly Tip:

Choose digital guides over printed versions when possible. It saves money, space, and trees (which seems appropriate in a city made of wood and rope).

Budget & Affordability Hacks

Worried about in-game currency? Here’s how to stretch those Pokédollars:

• Sell items like Nuggets, Stardust, or rare stones at Poké Marts.
• Avoid overbuying X-items they help in battle, but aren’t always necessary.
• Stock up on Super Potions instead of Hyper Potions for mid-level fights like Winona’s.

You don’t need to splurge to win you need strategy.

What You Win for Defeating Winona

After an intense battle, Winona rewards you with:

• Feather Badge – Allows the use of Fly outside of battle.
• TM Aerial Ace – A strong, no-miss Flying-type move.
• A sense of accomplishment only a Pokémon trainer knows.

With the Feather Badge in hand, your path across Hoenn opens up. You can now soar from town to town, skipping long walking routes and gaining access to new areas.

Quick Recap: How to Get in the Fortree Gym

For those who love TL; DR summaries, here’s your full breakdown:

➤ Step-by-Step Recap

1. Reach Fortree City and realize the gym is blocked by something invisible.
2. Head east on Route 120 to trigger the event.
3. Meet Steven and receive the Devon Scope.
4. Battle the first Kecleon and return to Fortree.
5. Use the Scope at the gym entrance to reveal the second Kecleon.
6. Remove the obstacle and enter the gym.
7. Battle Winona, and earn your following badge.

You’ve cracked how to enter the Fortree Gym like a true Trainer.

Why Fortree’s Gym Puzzle Still Holds Up

Fortree City doesn’t just offer a cool treehouse aesthetic. It also represents that Pokémon isn’t just about grinding it’s about exploring, solving mysteries, and paying attention to the world around you.

This hidden challenge the unseen Kecleon adds a clever layer to the gameplay, pushing players to think creatively rather than rely on sheer force. It’s a classic Game Freak move: reward curiosity with progression.

In today’s age of speedruns and shortcuts, this thoughtful mechanic is refreshing and still challenging.

Read More: Can I Staple Down My Gym Turf at Home? Pros & Cons Explained

Frequently Asked Questions: Fortree Gym Edition

1. Why can’t I enter the Fortree Gym in Pokémon Emerald/Ruby/Sapphire/ORAS?

Because a hidden Kecleon is blocking the way, you need Steven’s Devon Scope to reveal it.

2. Where do I find Steven?

He appears east of Fortree City on Route 120. You’ll meet him automatically after triggering the storyline.

3. What is the Devon Scope?

It’s a special tool that reveals invisible Pokémon, mainly Kecleon. You’ll need it to progress.

4. What Pokémon should I use in the Fortree Gym?

Bring Electric-, Rock-, or Ice-type Pokémon. Watch out for Flying/Water and Flying/Dragon combos.

5. Can I skip the Kecleon battles?

You can run from them if you don’t want to battle. The critical part is revealing them so the path opens.

Expert Thoughts: Don’t Let Kecleon Keep You Out

The Fortree Gym puzzle has stumped many Trainers over the years. But now that you know how to get in the Fortree Gym, you’ve got the tools, the plan, and the strategy to keep moving forward.

So go out there, wield your Devon Scope with pride, and fly high literally into the rest of your Hoenn journey.

If this guide helped, share it with a friend because invisible obstacles are easier to handle when you have backup.

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Frederic Oscar

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