Completing the Nugget Bridge Glitch in Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen

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Earning a lot of money early in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen can be tough, but the Nugget Bridge money glitch allows you to make unlimited cash quickly. Since the latest FRLG versions are very similar to the original Game Boy Advance releases from 2004, this game-breaking trick is still present in both games’ files.

To use this glitch properly, you need to follow a specific process. With it, you can easily gather enough Poke Dollars to fund your entire game. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to exploit the Nugget Bridge glitch and earn money fast in FRLG.

How To Make Money With The Nugget Bridge Glitch

In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, this glitch lets you repeatedly obtain Nuggets from the Team Rocket Grunt at the end of Nugget Bridge in Cerulean City. The process involves intentionally losing to him in battle, causing your character to faint and respawn at the Pokémon Center with the Nugget still in your inventory. Repeat this cycle to accumulate as many Nuggets as you want.

Getting To Nugget Bridge

If you’re not yet in Cerulean City, start by defeating Brock, the Rock-type Gym Leader in Pewter City. Afterward, travel through Route 3, go beyond Mt. Moon, and follow Route 4 heading east to reach Cerulean City.

The Rocket Grunt in Disguise

When you arrive at Nugget Bridge north of Cerulean, you’ll know you’re heading the right way when your rival challenges you to a battle at the bottom. Defeat him, then proceed along the bridge to find five Trainers above. At the end, you’ll see a Team Rocket Grunt in disguise facing away from you.

Once you beat the fifth Trainer, the NPC with his back to the hedge is the disguised Rocket member. He’s holding a Nugget he gives you as a prize—meant to entice you to join his organization. If you automatically decline, he will challenge you to a battle.

Exploiting the Glitch Effectively

Before talking to him, save your game, go back to the Pokémon Center, deposit your entire team, and withdraw just one weak Pokémon (such as a Level 2 Mankey from Route 2). This makes the battle easier since his Ekans can easily defeat a low-level Pokémon, allowing you to quickly reset and repeat the process.

After losing to him, you’ll white out and respawn at the Pokémon Center with the Nugget still in your bag. You can then repeat the battle as many times as you like, each time gaining a Nugget worth 5,000 Poke Dollars.

Repeating the Glitch for Maximum Money

From the Pokémon Center in Cerulean, walk back to Nugget Grunt, battle him, and lose again. This cycle takes roughly 72 seconds each time, meaning you can earn around 60,000 Poke Dollars in just 12 minutes by repeating the process.

Tip: Before starting, spend your current cash at the Poké Mart on extra supplies to avoid losing money in battles, since losing normally costs a bit of cash.

Other Ways To Make Money Quickly

Selling Nuggets

Check your bag — the Nuggets received from the glitch are still there after each encounter. Each Nugget can be sold for 5,000 Poke Dollars at any Poké Mart. If you keep repeating the process, you’ll accumulate a large stack of Nuggets to sell for quick cash. Since your game resets the progress before you fought him, he will keep giving you Nuggets each time, and your stockpile will grow.

Using the Amulet Coin

If you’ve defeated the Rocket Grunt and can no longer exploit the glitch, boosting your earnings is still possible. The Amulet Coin is a held item that doubles the prize money from battles. You can get it from Professor Oak’s Aide on Route 16, west of Celadon City, provided you have caught at least 40 different Pokémon.

The Vs. Seeker

Head to the Pokémon Center in Vermilion City and talk to the blue-haired NPC to get the Vs. Seeker. This key item lets you rematch Trainers you’ve already beaten, allowing you to earn additional money by repeatedly battling them. Using this with the Amulet Coin will boost your earnings even more, making it easier to rack up cash fast.

Selling Other Valuables

Throughout the game, you’ll find valuable items that can be sold at Poké Marts. Items like Big Pearls (worth 5,000), Stardust (1,500), Pearls (1,000 each), and Big Mushrooms (2,500 each) can give you a quick cash boost. Sell these items when needed to top up your funds.