Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire: Complete Guide

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire Pokédex →

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are remakes of the third-generation Hoenn games, released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2014. They rebuild the region in full 3D, add Mega Evolution, and extend the story with a new episode.

The core of the adventure is the same as Ruby and Sapphire, but the experience is fuller. You can fly over Hoenn on a legendary Pokémon, track wild Pokémon with a radar-like tool, and customize secret bases more freely.

They suit anyone who enjoyed Hoenn's original journey and want it with newer rules, and newcomers who want the best way to see the region.

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire quick facts

Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire quick facts
Release dateNovember 21, 2014
PlatformNintendo 3DS
RegionHoenn
GenerationGeneration VI
VersionsPokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
New PokémonNone (no new species)
StartersTreecko, Torchic and Mudkip
Legendary and MythicalGroudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Latias, Latios, Regirock, Regice, Registeel and Deoxys

Story and structure

This section describes the shape of the story without spoiling it.

You move to Littleroot Town and meet Professor Birch, who sends you on your first journey. A rival trainer joins you, and you travel across Hoenn to defeat eight Gym Leaders.

Team Magma and Team Aqua are in the background, each seeking to alter the land and sea. Their plans lead to a confrontation with two ancient Pokémon.

Gyms and the Pokémon League

Eight Gyms spread across Hoenn lead to the Elite Four and Champion. The remake updates their teams and the way you meet them.

The Delta Episode

After the main story, a new episode begins. It connects Hoenn to a threat from above and brings a powerful dragon into the story.

Afterwards, the world opens up to more places and Pokémon to catch.

New mechanics explained

Primal Reversion

The cover legendaries can revert to ancient forms when they hold a special orb. The change boosts their stats and alters their type or ability.

Tip: Make sure the legendary is holding the right orb before the battle, as the effect is automatic when the fight begins.

The DexNav

A tool that lets you track wild Pokémon in an area. It helps you find rare species and Pokémon with special moves.

Tip: Use it when a Pokémon is missing from your Pokédex, as it makes hunting much faster.

Soaring over Hoenn

After a certain point in the story, you can fly across the region on a legendary Pokémon. It opens up new areas and lets you land at special locations.

Tip: Fly around the map once you can. There are hidden spots that hold rare Pokémon and items.

Starter Pokémon

The starters are the same as in Ruby and Sapphire. Each of them evolves twice at levels 16 and 36.

Starter Pokémon comparison
StarterFinal formFinal typingEvolves at
TreeckoSceptileGrassLevels 16 and 36
TorchicBlazikenFireFightingLevels 16 and 36
MudkipSwampertWaterGroundLevels 16 and 36

Treecko line

Sceptile, the final form of Treecko

Treecko becomes Sceptile, a fast Grass attacker, and it can Mega Evolve.

Watch out: Fire, Ice, Bug and Flying attacks are a problem.

Torchic line

Blaziken, the final form of Torchic

Torchic becomes Blaziken, a strong Fire and Fighting Pokémon that can Mega Evolve.

Watch out: Water, Flying, Ground and Psychic attacks are a risk.

Mudkip line

Swampert, the final form of Mudkip

Mudkip becomes Swampert, a durable Water and Ground Pokémon that can Mega Evolve.

Watch out: Grass attacks hit it four times as hard.

Our recommendation

For a first playthrough, we recommend Mudkip for its durability. Torchic is the choice for strong attacks and Treecko for speed.

Version differences

Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire share the story and map, with differences in their cover legendary and teams.

  • Omega Ruby features Groudon and Alpha Sapphire features Kyogre.
  • Omega Ruby has Team Magma as the main villain and Alpha Sapphire has Team Aqua.
  • Some wild Pokémon appear in only one of the two.

Both versions share the Delta Episode and the Mega Evolution features.

Keep exploring

Tips for new players

  1. Use the DexNav to find Pokémon you are missing.
  2. Fly across the map once you can. It reveals secrets.
  3. Pick up a Mega Stone and plan a Mega Evolution for important battles.
  4. Set up your secret base and visit other players' bases.
  5. Use the Exp. Share to level your team evenly.
  6. Prepare a balanced team, because the Gym lineup is varied.
  7. Save before the Delta Episode, which has tough battles.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire?

They share the same story and map. Omega Ruby features Groudon and Team Magma, and Alpha Sapphire features Kyogre and Team Aqua.

What is the Delta Episode?

A post-story chapter that adds a new storyline involving Rayquaza and a threat from space.

Do Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire have Mega Evolution?

Yes. They include Mega Evolution for many Pokémon, including Hoenn natives.

Are they remakes of Ruby and Sapphire?

Yes. They remake the third-generation games for the Nintendo 3DS.