Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald: Complete Guide
Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald Pokédex →Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald are the third-generation games, released for the Game Boy Advance starting in 2002. They moved the series to Hoenn, a region of islands, seas and weather, and added 135 new Pokémon.
Most of the lasting changes came from the battle system. Every Pokémon gained an Ability, a trait that changes how it behaves in battle, and a Nature that nudges its stats in a certain direction. Double Battles, with two Pokémon on each side, gave trainers new ways to plan.
They suit players who like deep team building: Hoenn was the first place where a Pokémon's hidden traits mattered as much as its type.
Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald quick facts
| Release date | November 21, 2002 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Game Boy Advance |
| Region | Hoenn |
| Generation | Generation III |
| Versions | Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire and Pokémon Emerald |
| New Pokémon | 135 new species |
| Starters | Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip |
| Legendary and Mythical | Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Latias, Latios, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi and Deoxys |
Story and structure
This section is spoiler-free and focuses on the structure of the adventure.
You move to the town of Littleroot and meet Professor Birch, who gives you your first Pokémon after an unexpected rescue. A rival trainer with a friendly attitude tags along, and you set off to challenge Hoenn's eight Gyms.
Two teams, one fixated on land and one on sea, work in the background of the story. Their ambitions bring two powerful Pokémon of opposing elements into the picture.
Gym challenge and the Pokémon League
Eight Gyms are spread across Hoenn, including a Gym in a volcano town and one that only works if you can find the right door. The League is at the far end of the region.
Secret bases and contests
Away from battling, you can decorate a secret base in a tree or rock and compete in Pokémon Contests that judge your Pokémon on style rather than strength.
Emerald brings both teams into the story together and adds a post-game Battle Frontier.
New mechanics explained
Abilities and Natures
Abilities are passive traits, such as raising a stat when hit or blocking certain damage. Natures slightly boost one stat and lower another, so two Pokémon of the same species can play differently.
Tip: Check a Pokémon's Nature before investing time in it. A Nature that helps its best stat gives a small but permanent edge.
Double battles
In double battles, both sides send out two Pokémon at once. Moves can hit multiple targets, and teammates can protect or boost each other.
Tip: Pair a Pokémon that can handle damage with one that supports, rather than two attackers with the same weaknesses.
Contests and secret bases
Contests judge Pokémon on their moves and condition. Secret bases are small hideouts you can furnish and share with friends.
Tip: Contest ribbons are a side goal, so try them when you want a break from the badge route.
Starter Pokémon
Professor Birch offers three starters, and each evolves twice at levels 16 and 36. Their final forms gain a second type.
| Starter | Final form | Final typing | Evolves at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treecko | Sceptile | Grass | Levels 16 and 36 |
| Torchic | Blaziken | FireFighting | Levels 16 and 36 |
| Mudkip | Swampert | WaterGround | Levels 16 and 36 |
Treecko line
Torchic line
Mudkip line
Our recommendation
For a first playthrough, we recommend Mudkip. Swampert has only one weakness and handles the Gym lineup well. Torchic suits players who want a strong attacker, and Treecko suits those who like speed.
Version differences
Ruby and Sapphire share a map and story but differ in their cover legendary and some wild Pokémon. Emerald is the enhanced edition that combines the two.
- Ruby features Groudon and Sapphire features Kyogre; Emerald features Rayquaza on its cover and lets you encounter both Groudon and Kyogre.
- Mawile, Solrock and Zangoose appear in Ruby, while Sableye, Lunatone and Seviper appear in Sapphire.
- Emerald adds a Battle Frontier and a different set of rare Pokémon, so it is the most complete release.
Exclusive Pokémon by version
The table lists the Pokémon recorded for each version of the original pair.
| Pokémon Ruby | Pokémon Sapphire |
|---|---|
| Groudon | Kyogre |
| Mawile | Sableye |
| Solrock | Lunatone |
| Zangoose | Seviper |
| Seedot | Lotad |
| Nuzleaf | Lombre |
| Shiftry | Ludicolo |
| Latios | Latias |
If you only want one, Emerald is the strongest pick, with Ruby and Sapphire as the originals.
Keep exploring
Tips for new players
- Check abilities before battles. They can protect you from entire move types or boost enemy stats.
- Use double battles to your advantage by pairing a supporter with an attacker.
- Learn which Pokémon carry the Hidden Machines you need. Surf and Dive take you to areas you cannot otherwise reach.
- Catch a few extra Pokémon of different types. The Gym lineup is varied and rewards a flexible team.
- Visit contest halls when you want a change of pace and rare rewards.
- Save before the final battle, as the League has a strong lineup.
- Your secret base is a good place to store decorations, so take time to decorate it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald?
Ruby and Sapphire are the paired originals with different cover legendaries and some version-exclusive Pokémon. Emerald is an enhanced version that combines the story and adds a Battle Frontier.
How many Pokémon are in Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald?
These games introduced 135 new Pokémon, bringing the total to 386.
Which starter is best in Ruby and Sapphire?
Mudkip is the most forgiving thanks to Swampert's single weakness. Torchic and Treecko suit players who prefer strong or fast attackers.
Are there remakes of Ruby and Sapphire?
Yes. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire remade them for the Nintendo 3DS.