Pokémon Brick Bronze, the fan-made remake of *Pokémon FireRed* and *LeafGreen*, brings back the nostalgia of classic Pokémon with modern polish. Among its most powerful tools is the **Exp Share**, a device that ensures no Pokémon in your party is left behind when it comes to leveling up. But how exactly does it work? And more importantly, how to get the Exp Share in Pokémon Brick Bronze—and use it effectively—remains a question for many players, especially those transitioning from newer games where Exp Share is either absent or less intuitive.
The Exp Share isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a game-changer for trainers who want every Pokémon in their team to grow at a consistent pace. Without it, your bench Pokémon might languish at lower levels while your frontline fighters surge ahead. This imbalance can cripple your team’s synergy, especially in later-game challenges like the Elite Four or post-game content. Yet, despite its utility, the Exp Share is often overlooked in beginner guides, leaving players to discover its secrets through trial and error.
What follows is a meticulous breakdown of how to get the Exp Share in Pokémon Brick Bronze, its underlying mechanics, and why it matters in every battle—from the first gym to the final showdown. Whether you’re a completionist collecting every item or a strategist optimizing your team’s growth, this guide ensures you’ll never waste another experience point again.
The Complete Overview of How to Get the Exp Share in Pokémon Brick Bronze
The Exp Share in *Pokémon Brick Bronze* functions identically to its *FireRed/LeafGreen* counterpart: it distributes experience points (EXP) equally among all Pokémon in your party, regardless of whether they’re in battle or not. This means if you defeat a Level 10 Pokémon while using Exp Share, every Pokémon in your party—even those sitting on the bench—will gain EXP as if they’d fought. The device itself is a small, unassuming item that slots into your party’s sixth slot, making it accessible but not intrusive.
Unlike modern Pokémon games where Exp Share is often replaced by features like EXP Share (Pokémon Sword/Shield) or automatic leveling in *Pokémon GO*, *Brick Bronze* retains the original’s simplicity. There’s no complex setup—just place the Exp Share in your party, and it activates instantly. However, its effectiveness hinges on understanding two critical factors: how to acquire it and when to use it strategically. The former is straightforward; the latter requires foresight, especially in battles where certain Pokémon should avoid gaining EXP (e.g., rare or evolved forms you want to preserve).
Historical Background and Evolution
The Exp Share debuted in *Pokémon Gold* and *Silver* as a response to player feedback about uneven team progression. Before its introduction, only the Pokémon in battle would gain EXP, creating a scenario where bench Pokémon could become permanently underleveled. Game Freak’s solution was elegant in its simplicity: a single item that democratized EXP distribution. This mechanic carried over to *FireRed* and *LeafGreen*, and now, *Pokémon Brick Bronze* has preserved it faithfully, complete with the same sprites and functionality.
What’s fascinating is how the Exp Share reflects the design philosophy of the *Gen 2* era—where every item had a clear, immediate utility without requiring extensive tutorials. In contrast, modern games often bury such features in menus or replace them with automated systems (e.g., *Pokémon Omega Ruby*’s EXP Share variant, which requires a separate device). *Brick Bronze*’s adherence to the original’s design choices underscores its dedication to authenticity, even as it modernizes other aspects like graphics and quality-of-life improvements.
Core Mechanics: How It Works
The Exp Share’s operation is deceptively simple: it calculates the total EXP gained from a battle and divides it equally among all six party slots. For example, defeating a Level 12 Pokémon might yield 100 EXP. Without Exp Share, only the battling Pokémon would receive that EXP. With it, each of your six Pokémon would get ~16.67 EXP (rounded down). This system ensures no Pokémon is left stagnant, but it also means you must manage EXP carefully—especially for Pokémon you don’t want to level up, like those holding EXP Share’s counterpart, the **EXP Share cancel** (more on this later).
The device’s placement in the sixth slot is intentional—it’s not a held item but a passive tool that activates as long as it’s in your party. This means you can swap it out when you don’t need it, such as during battles where you want only specific Pokémon to gain levels. However, forgetting to remove it before a critical battle (e.g., one where you’re trying to preserve a Pokémon’s level) can lead to unintended consequences. Understanding these nuances is key to mastering how to get the Exp Share in Pokémon Brick Bronze and leveraging it without pitfalls.
Key Benefits and Crucial Impact
The Exp Share’s primary advantage is its ability to create a balanced team where every Pokémon contributes meaningfully to battles. In games where team composition matters—like *Brick Bronze*’s post-game challenges—this balance can be the difference between victory and defeat. For instance, a fully leveled team can handle tougher opponents with coordinated moves, whereas a team with underleveled bench Pokémon risks being outclassed by higher-level foes. Additionally, the Exp Share is invaluable for trainers who prefer a “fair” leveling system, where no Pokémon is artificially held back.
Beyond balance, the Exp Share also streamlines training. Instead of manually swapping Pokémon in and out of battle to level them individually—a tedious process in *FireRed/LeafGreen*—you can simply leave the Exp Share in your party and let every Pokémon grow simultaneously. This efficiency is particularly useful in early-game gym battles, where you might want multiple Pokémon to reach a certain level before facing stronger opponents. However, its benefits extend to later stages, such as breeding or preparing for the Pokémon League.
—Game Designer Commentary (Pokémon Brick Bronze Dev Log)
“Exp Share was designed to address a core frustration in Gen 1: players feeling like their team was unbalanced because some Pokémon were always left behind. We kept it in *Brick Bronze* because it’s a fundamental tool for trainers who want every Pokémon to have a fair shot at contributing.”
Major Advantages
- Uniform Team Growth: Ensures all Pokémon level at the same rate, preventing bench Pokémon from becoming obsolete.
- Time Efficiency: Eliminates the need to manually level each Pokémon separately, saving hours of in-game time.
- Strategic Flexibility: Can be removed before battles where you want to preserve a Pokémon’s level (e.g., evolving a Pokémon at a specific level).
- Post-Game Utility: Useful for breeding projects where you need multiple Pokémon at similar levels to maximize IVs or egg moves.
- Nostalgia and Authenticity: Faithfully recreates the original *FireRed/LeafGreen* experience, appealing to fans of the classic games.
Comparative Analysis
| Feature | Pokémon Brick Bronze | Pokémon Sword/Shield | Pokémon GO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exp Share Mechanism | Passive device in party slot; divides EXP equally among all 6 Pokémon. | Requires separate EXP Share item; limited to 3 Pokémon at a time. | Automatic EXP distribution to all Pokémon in party (no manual setup). |
| Accessibility | Obtained early in the game (post-Kanto); no prerequisites. | Purchased in Wild Area; requires completion of certain areas. | Always active; no item required. |
| Strategic Use | Can be removed before battles to control EXP gain; ideal for level preservation. | Must be held by a Pokémon; less flexible for dynamic team changes. | No manual control; EXP is always shared. |
| Design Philosophy | Retro-faithful; mimics *FireRed/LeafGreen*’s original mechanics. | Modernized with additional constraints (e.g., limited slots). | Simplified for mobile play; prioritizes accessibility over strategy. |
Future Trends and Innovations
While *Pokémon Brick Bronze* has preserved the Exp Share’s classic design, future Pokémon games may explore hybrid approaches to EXP distribution. For example, a system that combines automatic EXP sharing with manual overrides (like *Brick Bronze*’s removable Exp Share) could offer the best of both worlds: convenience for casual players and precision for competitive trainers. Additionally, post-game content in *Brick Bronze*—such as the Battle Tower or Battle Frontier—could benefit from dynamic EXP systems where players adjust sharing based on battle type (e.g., sharing EXP in training battles but disabling it in competitive matches).
Another potential innovation is integrating Exp Share with other mechanics, such as Effort Values (EVs) or IV breeding. Imagine a system where Exp Share not only levels up Pokémon but also tracks EV gains, allowing trainers to optimize stats without manual grinding. While speculative, such features could redefine how players approach team-building in future titles, making tools like Exp Share even more indispensable.
Conclusion
The Exp Share in *Pokémon Brick Bronze* is more than just a relic of the past—it’s a testament to smart game design that prioritizes player freedom and team balance. By understanding how to get the Exp Share in Pokémon Brick Bronze and when to use it, you unlock a level of strategic depth that can turn a good team into a great one. Whether you’re a veteran trainer revisiting the classics or a newcomer eager to master every tool at your disposal, the Exp Share is a non-negotiable asset.
As you progress through *Brick Bronze*, remember that the Exp Share isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about fairness. It ensures that every Pokémon, from your first starter to your late-game legendaries, has an equal opportunity to grow. In a game where teamwork makes the dream work, the Exp Share is the glue that holds your party together. Use it wisely, and you’ll find yourself facing the Elite Four with a team that’s not just strong, but unified.
Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Where exactly do I find the Exp Share in Pokémon Brick Bronze?
A: The Exp Share is located in Celadon City, inside the Department Store on the 5th floor. Look for the Pokémon Center section, where it’s sold for 3,000 Poké Dollars. It’s one of the first major items you’ll acquire, typically after defeating the Saffron City Gym.
Q: Can I use the Exp Share while battling in the Pokémon League or post-game?
A: Yes, but with caution. The Exp Share works in all battles, including the Pokémon League and Battle Tower. However, if you’re trying to preserve a Pokémon’s level (e.g., for an evolution at a specific level), remove the Exp Share before the battle. Some post-game challenges, like the Battle Frontier, may require strategic EXP management, so monitor your team’s levels closely.
Q: Does the Exp Share work with wild Pokémon or only in battles?
A: The Exp Share distributes EXP from all battles, including wild Pokémon encounters, trainers, and even the Rival Battles. It does not affect EXP gained from items like EXP Candies or EXP Share (the item), which function independently. For example, if you use an EXP Share item on a specific Pokémon, that EXP won’t be divided by the Exp Share device.
Q: Is there a way to cancel the Exp Share’s effects mid-battle?
A: No, the Exp Share’s effects are instantaneous and cannot be toggled mid-battle. If you realize too late that you’ve left it in your party when you didn’t want to share EXP, you’ll have to wait until the battle ends to remove it. This is why many players keep the Exp Share in their PC Box when not in use, swapping it in only when needed.
Q: Can I use the Exp Share with more than six Pokémon?
A: No, the Exp Share only divides EXP among the six Pokémon in your active party. If you have more than six Pokémon, you’ll need to manage which ones are in your party to control who gains EXP. For example, if you’re training a seventh Pokémon, you’ll need to rotate it into your party temporarily and remove the Exp Share before other battles.
Q: Are there any Pokémon that should never use the Exp Share?
A: Yes, certain Pokémon benefit from not using the Exp Share, such as:
- Legendaries or Mythicals (e.g., Mewtwo, Lugia) that you want to evolve or preserve at a specific level.
- Pokémon with held EXP Share items (e.g., a Pokémon holding an EXP Share item will gain double EXP, which the Exp Share device will then divide—resulting in uneven gains).
- Pokémon you’re breeding for IVs or EVs, as uncontrolled EXP can disrupt stat optimization.
Q: Does the Exp Share affect EXP from double or triple battles?
A: Yes, the Exp Share divides EXP equally among all six party slots, regardless of battle type. In a double battle, for example, the EXP from both Pokémon in battle will be pooled and divided among your six. This means your bench Pokémon will gain EXP as if they’d fought two battles simultaneously, which can be powerful for rapid leveling but requires careful management to avoid overleveling.
Q: Can I give the Exp Share to a Pokémon as a held item?
A: No, the Exp Share is not a held item. It must occupy a party slot (typically the sixth) to function. If you try to put it in a Pokémon’s inventory, it will not work. This is a common point of confusion, as the name “Exp Share” might suggest it’s an item like EXP Share (the held item).
Q: Are there any glitches or exploits involving the Exp Share?
A: While *Pokémon Brick Bronze* aims for accuracy, some players have reported minor quirks, such as:
- The Exp Share does not divide EXP from TMs or HMs learned in battle (only EXP from defeating Pokémon).
- In rare cases, if you switch out a Pokémon while the Exp Share is active, the EXP division may not register correctly until the next battle (a known issue in the original *FireRed/LeafGreen*).
Q: How does the Exp Share interact with the EXP Share item?
A: The Exp Share (device) and the EXP Share (held item) serve different purposes:
- The Exp Share device divides EXP equally among your party.
- The EXP Share item (found in the Pokémon Center) gives a Pokémon double EXP when held, but this EXP is not divided by the Exp Share device. Instead, the held item’s bonus EXP is added to the Pokémon’s total before division.
