Battle · Lt. Surge (Vermilion Gym)
Beating Lt. Surge
One Raichu at level 28 - but first you have to get through the door.
medium
In Yellow, Surge has exactly one Pokemon. That does not make him easy: Raichu at L28 is fast and hits hard.
Step 1: Solve the trash cans
Two switches are hidden in the gym's trash cans. Find the first, then the second must be in an adjacent can - get it wrong and both re-randomise.
Step 2: Go next door to Diglett's Cave
The cave between Route 2 and Route 11 is full of Diglett, with the occasional Dugtrio. Ground is immune to Electric.
Step 3: Teach it Dig
TM28 Dig comes from the Rocket in the burgled Cerulean house. Dig is 2x on Raichu and Diglett takes nothing back.
Step 4: Fight
Lead the Diglett or Dugtrio, use Dig, done. Reward: Thunder Badge (+12.5% Speed, Fly usable) and TM24 Thunderbolt.
Step 5: Collect your Squirtle
Officer Jenny in Vermilion hands over a free level 10 Squirtle once you hold the Thunder Badge - your third and last free starter.
Do not teach TM24 to your Pikachu: it learns Thunderbolt for free at level 26.