Pokemon - Ruby Version (USA)

Starting your Pokémon Ruby Version playthrough on GBA? These key tips and strategies will help you breeze through the Hoenn region and catch every available Pokémon. First, choosing your starter Pokémon: Torchic is widely recommended for new players, as its final evolution Blaziken offers powerful Fire and Fighting-type coverage that can take out most early and mid-game Gym Leaders with ease. Treecko works well for speedruns and fast playthroughs thanks to its high base Speed stat, while Mudkip is the most defensive, beginner-friendly option that can take hits well through most early encounters. Early on, be sure to keep a Zigzagoon in your party – its Pickup Ability lets you collect free hidden items, including rare potions and Ultra Balls, just by walking across the map. When progressing through Gyms, remember the first Gym is Rock-type: a Grass, Water, or Fighting-type Pokémon will make the first badge fight trivial. The third Gym is Electric-type, so catch a Ground-type from the desert routes early to absorb all Electric attacks with no damage. The biggest story challenge in Ruby Version is confronting Team Magma at the Seafloor Cavern before they awaken Groudon. Make sure your entire team is at level 40 or higher before entering, and bring multiple Water and Ice-type Pokémon to counter Groudon’s powerful Ground and Fire-type attacks. To catch Groudon easily, stock up on 20+ Ultra Balls and bring a Pokémon with False Swipe to lower Groudon’s health to 1 HP, drastically increasing your capture odds. After defeating the Elite Four and becoming the Hoenn Champion, unlock the post-game Battle Frontier for dozens of unique challenge battles, and hunt for roaming legendary Latios across the region. If you’re playing on an emulator, always save your game right before encountering any legendary Pokémon in case you accidentally knock it out.