Pokémon Ruby is the first Game Boy Advance iteration, released alongside Pokémon Sapphire, introducing the Hoenn region with engaging gameplay and improved graphics, starting in Littleroot Town.
1.1 Overview of the Game
Pokémon Ruby is set in the Hoenn region, where players begin their journey in Littleroot Town. The game follows the classic Pokémon formula, with the goal of becoming the Pokémon Master by defeating Gym Leaders and the Elite Four. It introduces double battles, contests, and a rich storyline with engaging characters. The game features improved graphics and a vast array of Pokémon to catch and train, making it a memorable experience for both new and veteran trainers.
1.2 Key Features of Pokémon Ruby
Pokémon Ruby offers a dynamic experience with its double battles, character contests, and a vibrant Hoenn region. It includes over 200 Pokémon, improved graphics, and an engaging storyline. The game also features connectivity with other titles via link cable, enabling trades and battles. These features make it a standout title in the Pokémon series, blending innovation with traditional gameplay elements that fans love.
Walkthrough of Pokémon Ruby
Embark on an epic adventure in the Hoenn region, guiding your trainer through vibrant towns, challenging Gym Leaders, and diverse routes, completing the main storyline.
2.1 Starting the Adventure in Littleroot Town
Your journey begins in Littleroot Town, where you move into your new home. Your mom greets you and introduces you to Professor Birch, a renowned Pokémon researcher. He gifts you a Pokédex to document your encounters and offers a choice between three starter Pokémon: Treecko, Torchic, or Mudkip. This marks the start of your quest to explore the Hoenn region and become a Pokémon Master.
2;2 Exploring the Hoenn Region
The Hoenn region, featured in Pokémon Ruby, is a vast and diverse area with various landscapes, including lush forests, volcanic mountains, and coastal routes. Players explore cities like Oldale Town, Rustboro City, and Mauville City, encountering wild Pokémon and battling trainers. Each location offers unique challenges and opportunities to strengthen your team, ensuring a dynamic and engaging adventure throughout the region.
2.3 Completing the Main Storyline
To complete the main storyline in Pokémon Ruby, you must thwart Team Magma’s plans to expand the land by awakening Groudon. Travel through the Hoenn region, defeat Gym Leaders to earn Badges, and confront the villainous team in their secret lair. The final showdown with Groudon at the heart of Mount Pyre determines the region’s fate, concluding the main quest and setting the stage for post-game adventures.
Gym Leaders and Badges
In Pokémon Ruby, eight Gym Leaders await, each specializing in a specific type. Defeating them earns Badges, essential for challenging the Pokémon League Champion and progressing through the Hoenn region.
3.1 List of Gym Leaders in Hoenn
The Hoenn region in Pokémon Ruby features eight Gym Leaders, each specializing in a specific Pokémon type. They are:
- Roxanne (Rock-type) in Rustboro City.
- Brawly (Fighting-type) in Dewford Town.
- Wattson (Electric-type) in Mauville City.
- Flannery (Fire-type) in Lavaridge Town.
- Norman (Normal-type) in Petalburg City.
- Winona (Flying-type) in Fortree City.
- Liza and Tate (Psychic-type) in Mossdeep City.
Defeating each Gym Leader rewards the player with a Badge, essential for advancing in the game.
3.2 Strategies for Defeating Each Gym
To defeat each Gym Leader in Pokémon Ruby, focus on their type weaknesses. Use super-effective moves like Ground for Rock-types or Water for Fire-types. Ensure your team has diverse types to counter theirs. Train Pokémon with high stats and teach them powerful moves like Earthquake or Hydro Pump. Heal frequently and adjust your strategy based on their Pokémon’s strengths and weaknesses for success.
Catching Legendary Pokémon
Catching legendary Pokémon in Ruby requires strategy and preparation. Rayquaza awaits at the Sky Pillar, while others may appear under specific conditions. Use the right items and Pokémon to ensure success.
4.1 How to Catch Rayquaza
To catch Rayquaza in Pokémon Ruby, you must first reach the Sky Pillar, located in the Hoenn region. Ensure your team is well-prepared with high-level Pokémon, Master Balls, and potions. Approach Rayquaza cautiously, as it is a powerful foe. Save your game before engaging to avoid losses. Use strategies like status effects or weakening moves to increase your chances of capturing this legendary Pokémon.
4.2 Accessing the Sky Pillar
The Sky Pillar is a towering structure located in the Hoenn region, accessible after progressing through the main storyline. To reach it, navigate through the rugged terrain and climb the pillar’s multiple levels. Ensure your team is prepared with high-level Pokémon, Master Balls, and plenty of potions. Save your game before attempting to climb, as the journey is challenging and Rayquaza awaits at the summit.
HMs and TMs Guide
HMs and TMs are essential tools in Pokémon Ruby, enabling moves like Cut, Surf, and Strength for exploration, while TMs boost your team’s battle capabilities effectively.
5.1 Essential HMs for Exploration
Essential HMs in Pokémon Ruby include Cut, Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, and Whirlpool. These moves are crucial for accessing new areas, crossing water, moving boulders, and breaking obstacles, enabling full exploration of the Hoenn region. They are obtained from specific NPCs or through events, ensuring your journey remains uninterrupted and allows you to uncover hidden paths and secret locations efficiently.
5.2 Best TMs for Your Pokémon Team
Key TMs in Pokémon Ruby include Flamethrower, Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Psychic, and Earthquake. These moves provide strong type coverage and high damage output; Obtainable through various game locations or purchases, they enhance your team’s versatility. Choose TMs that complement your Pokémon’s strengths and strategies to maximize their effectiveness in battles and ensure a well-rounded team for the Hoenn region’s challenges.
Post-Game Content
After completing the main story, explore the Hoenn region, unlock the Battle Tower, and engage in challenging battles for additional rewards and post-game fun.
6.1 Unlocking the Battle Tower
The Battle Tower becomes accessible after defeating the Pokémon League Champion, offering a challenging arena for trainers to test their skills. By winning consecutive battles, players can earn valuable rewards and badges, enhancing their team’s strength and reputation in the Hoenn region’s competitive scene.
6.2 Exploring the Hoenn Region Post-Game
After completing the main storyline, the Hoenn region offers additional exploration opportunities, such as accessing new areas like the Sky Pillar to confront Rayquaza. Trainers can also focus on completing their Pokédex, discover hidden items, and strengthen their Pokémon. This post-game phase allows for deeper immersion and mastery of the region, ensuring a fulfilling experience beyond the initial adventure.
Cheats and Codes
Pokémon Ruby GameShark codes enable cheats like infinite money and encounter modifiers. Use a Game Boy Advance with a cartridge to apply these codes for enhanced gameplay.
7.1 GameShark Codes for Pokémon Ruby
GameShark codes for Pokémon Ruby allow players to unlock cheats like infinite money, master balls, and encounter modifiers. Codes are input via a GameShark device attached to the Game Boy Advance. Popular codes include 999 items, wild Pokémon modifiers, and instant leveling. Ensure codes are entered correctly to avoid game instability. Using cheats can enhance gameplay but may affect save data integrity. Always test codes in a separate save file first.
7.2 Using Cheats Responsibly
Using cheats in Pokémon Ruby should be done cautiously to preserve game integrity. Avoid overusing cheats, as they can corrupt save files or disable achievements. Test codes in a separate save to ensure stability. Cheats are ideal for experimentation but not recommended for competitive play. Always source codes from trusted websites to minimize risks and maintain an enjoyable gaming experience without compromising your progress or system.
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Differences
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire differ in version-exclusive Pokémon and minor storyline variations. Trading is required to complete the Pokédex, enhancing the game’s community and replay value.
8.1 Version-Exclusive Pokémon
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire feature version-exclusive Pokémon, with certain species only available in one game. For example, Ruby players can encounter Treecko, while Sapphire players find Torchic. This encourages trading between versions to complete the Pokédex. Exclusive Pokémon include legendaries like Groudon in Ruby and Kyogre in Sapphire, adding unique elements to each version’s storyline and gameplay experience.
8.2 Storyline Differences
While the core storyline of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire remains similar, there are key differences. Ruby focuses on Groudon and its ability to expand land, while Sapphire centers on Kyogre, which controls the oceans. These version-exclusive legendaries influence the narrative, with Ruby chasing Team Magma and Sapphire targeting Team Aqua. The final showdowns and climaxes differ slightly, adding unique twists to each version’s journey, enhancing replayability and encouraging players to explore both games for a complete experience.
Transfer and Trade Guide
Transfer Pokémon using tools like Poké Transporter GB, while trading requires compatible games and hardware, allowing players to collect version-exclusive Pokémon and complete their Pokédex efficiently.
9.1 Transferring Pokémon from Other Games
Transferring Pokémon from other games to Pokémon Ruby requires specific tools like the Poké Transporter GB. This tool allows players to transfer Pokémon from older versions such as Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, and Silver. The process involves connecting the Game Boy Advance to a Nintendo DS using a compatible cartridge. Ensure all games are compatible with the transfer process to avoid data loss. This method is essential for bringing classic Pokémon into the Hoenn region, enhancing your team’s diversity and strength.
9;2 Trading with Friends
Trading with friends in Pokémon Ruby is a great way to complete your Pokédex. Connect two Game Boy Advances using a link cable, ensuring both systems have either Pokémon Ruby or Sapphire. Access the Trade Center in-game, interact with the trade machine, and select the Pokémon to exchange. Confirm the trade on both systems to finalize the transfer. This feature allows players to share Pokémon and strengthen their teams collaboratively.
Tips for Completing the Pokédex
To complete the Pokédex, explore the Hoenn region thoroughly, use effective strategies to catch rare Pokémon, and utilize items like Poké Balls and Repels to aid your journey.
10.1 Rare Pokémon Locations
Rare Pokémon in Pokémon Ruby can be found in specific locations like the Sky Pillar for Rayquaza, Route 120 for Bagon, and the Great Marsh for rare spawns. Explore caves, routes, and water bodies thoroughly. Use items like Repel to increase encounter rates and be patient, as some rare Pokémon appear randomly. Focus on areas with unique terrain or weather conditions to maximize your chances of finding elusive species.
10.2 Strategies for Catching Shiny Pokémon
Catching shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Ruby requires patience and strategy. Use the Masuda method by breeding foreign Pokémon to increase shiny odds. Chain encounters of the same species in the wild to boost chances. Utilize Repel to encounter higher-level Pokémon and focus on areas with diverse wild spawns. Persistent effort and thorough exploration are key to finding these rare, alternate-colored Pokémon.
Pokémon Ruby offers an engaging journey through the Hoenn region, blending strategic battles, exploration, and collection. Its timeless charm and memorable experiences make it a classic GBA title.
11.1 Final Thoughts on Pokémon Ruby
Pokémon Ruby is a timeless classic that captivates with its engaging gameplay and immersive world. The Hoenn region offers diverse environments, memorable characters, and strategic challenges. Its innovative features and charm have solidified its place as a beloved entry in the Pokémon series, providing countless hours of adventure for trainers of all ages.