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Hoenn field journalPokémon EmeraldGUIDES

Pokémon Emerald Walkthrough: Every Gym, Team Magma & Aqua and the Battle Frontier

The whole adventure in 18 parts, from Littleroot Town to Champion Wallace and on through the post-game and the Battle Frontier. Each part links to the location pages for wild Pokémon, trainers and items.

Edition: the original Game Boy Advance Pokémon Emerald (English, 2005). Ruby, Sapphire and Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire differ.

Parts
18
Badges
8
Elite Four
4 + Champion Wallace
Starters
Treecko · Torchic · Mudkip

Part 1 Littleroot Town to Petalburg City

Littleroot Town Route 101 Oldale Town Route 103 Route 102 Petalburg City

You arrive in Littleroot Town, rescue Professor Birch on Route 101 and choose your first Pokémon. After a first battle with your rival on Route 103 you receive the Pokédex and head west to Petalburg City, where your father Norman runs the Gym.

  1. Set the clock in your bedroom, then visit your rival's house next door in Littleroot Town.
  2. Head north to Route 101, where Professor Birch is being chased by a wild Zigzagoon, and pick Treecko, Torchic or Mudkip (all Lv5) from his bag.
  3. Birch sends you through Oldale Town to Route 103 to find your rival, May if you are Brendan or Brendan if you are May.
  4. Win the first rival battle on Route 103: your rival uses the Lv5 starter that is strong against yours (Torchic against Treecko, Mudkip against Torchic, Treecko against Mudkip).
  5. Back in Professor Birch's lab you receive the Pokédex, and your rival hands you five Poké Balls.
  6. Your mom gives you the Running Shoes as you leave Littleroot; hold B to run.
  7. In Oldale Town a Poké Mart clerk gives you a free Potion; Poké Balls cost ¥200 and Potions ¥300.
  8. Walk west along Route 102 and beat Youngster Calvin (Poochyena 5), Bug Catcher Rick, Lass Tiana and Youngster Allen.
  9. Look for Ralts in the Route 102 grass (4%) and the rare Seedot (1%); Lotad (20%) is a common catch here.
  10. In Petalburg City visit the Gym: Norman will not battle you until you have four badges.
  11. Wally arrives, borrows a Zigzagoon from Norman and you escort him back to Route 102, where he catches his Ralts.
  12. Continue west out of Petalburg City onto Route 104.

Worth catching: Ralts Lotad Seedot Wingull Zigzagoon

Ralts appears only 4% of the time on Route 102, so it is worth a few minutes of searching early; it evolves into Gardevoir and is one of the strongest early catches in Emerald.

Part 2 Petalburg Woods and Rustboro Gym

Route 104 Petalburg Woods Rustboro City

Route 104 leads past Mr. Briney's cottage into Petalburg Woods, where Team Aqua makes its first move against a Devon Corporation researcher. North of the woods lies Rustboro City and Roxanne's Rock-type Gym.

  1. On the southern half of Route 104, note Mr. Briney's cottage on the beach; he becomes important after Rustboro.
  2. Enter Petalburg Woods and catch Shroomish (15%), Slakoth (5%) or Taillow (5%) if you want them.
  3. Deep in the woods a Team Aqua Grunt tries to rob a Devon researcher; beat his Poochyena (Lv9) and the researcher gives you a Great Ball.
  4. Pick up the Great Ball, X Attack, Ether and Parlyz Heal item balls in Petalburg Woods; a Miracle Seed is also handed out here.
  5. On the northern half of Route 104, visit the Pretty Petal Flower Shop for the Wailmer Pail and collect the Chesto Berry, White Herb and TM09 Bullet Seed given out on the route.
  6. Battle Twins Gina & Mia (Seedot 6, Lotad 6) and the Rich Boy and Lady trainers, who pay ¥1400 each for a single Zigzagoon 7.
  7. In Rustboro City, the Pokémon School gives you a Quick Claw.
  8. Inside the Gym, beat Youngster Josh (Geodude 10), Youngster Tommy (Geodude 8, Geodude 8) and Hiker Marc (Geodude 8, Geodude 8).
  9. Challenge Roxanne: Geodude 12, Geodude 12 and Nosepass 15.
  10. Winning earns the Stone Badge, which lets you use Cut outside battle, and TM39 Rock Tomb.
Roxanne

Worth catching: Shroomish Slakoth Taillow Marill Wingull

If you chose Torchic, train a Shroomish from Petalburg Woods or a Lotad or Marill to deal with Roxanne, because Fire moves are not very effective against Rock types.

Part 3 Rusturf Tunnel, Dewford Town and Granite Cave

Route 116 Rusturf Tunnel Dewford Town Route 106 Granite Cave

A Team Aqua Grunt steals the Devon Goods, and chasing him through Route 116 into Rusturf Tunnel earns you the PokéNav and a Letter for Steven. Mr. Briney then sails you to Dewford Town for Brawly's Gym and Granite Cave.

  1. As you leave the Gym, a Team Aqua Grunt runs off with the Devon Goods; follow him east along Route 116.
  2. In Rusturf Tunnel beat the Grunt's Poochyena (Lv11) to recover the Devon Goods and rescue Mr. Briney's Wingull, Peeko.
  3. Return the goods at Devon Corp. 3F: Mr. Stone gives you the PokéNav and a Letter for Steven in Dewford, and asks you to take the goods on to Slateport's shipyard.
  4. Your rival battles you in Rustboro City: Lotad 13 and Torchic 15 if you chose Treecko, Torkoal 13 (May) or Slugma 13 (Brendan) with Mudkip 15 if you chose Torchic, or Wingull 13 and Treecko 15 if you chose Mudkip.
  5. Visit the Cutter's House in Rustboro for HM01 Cut.
  6. Walk back to Mr. Briney's cottage on Route 104; he now sails you to Dewford Town.
  7. In Dewford Town a fisherman gives you the Old Rod.
  8. In the Dewford Gym, each trainer you beat makes the room brighter; the Black Belts and Battle Girls use Lv13 Pokémon.
  9. Beat Brawly (Machop 16, Meditite 16, Makuhita 19) for the Knuckle Badge, which allows Flash outside battle, and TM08 Bulk Up.
  10. Take Route 106 to Granite Cave, where a Hiker on 1F gives you HM05 Flash.
  11. Find Steven in the back of Granite Cave, hand over the Letter and receive TM47 Steel Wing.
  12. Talk to Mr. Briney in Dewford when you are ready to sail on to Slateport.
Brawly

Worth catching: Abra Whismur Nincada Aron Sableye

Psychic and Flying moves cover Brawly's Fighting types, so an Abra from Route 116 or Granite Cave, or a Taillow, makes the fight much easier.

Part 4 Slateport City and Route 110

Route 109 Slateport City Route 110

Mr. Briney drops you on the beach of Route 109, just south of Slateport City. You deliver the Devon Goods to Captain Stern after a clash with Team Aqua in the Oceanic Museum, then head north on Route 110 for your third rival battle.

  1. Beat the three trainers in the Seashore House on Route 109 to receive six Soda Pops; after that the owner sells them for ¥300 each.
  2. You are also given Soft Sand on the Route 109 beach.
  3. In Slateport City, the shipyard staff tell you Captain Stern has gone to the Oceanic Museum.
  4. On the museum's 2F, beat two Team Aqua Grunts (Carvanha 15; Zubat 14 and Carvanha 14); their leader Archie appears and then leaves.
  5. Give the Devon Goods to Captain Stern.
  6. Visit the Pokémon Fan Club for the Soothe Bell and coloured scarves, and the market stalls selling TM10 Hidden Power and TM43 Secret Power for ¥3000 each.
  7. Go north onto Route 110 and catch Electrike (30%), Minun (15%), Gulpin (15%) or the rarer Plusle (2%).
  8. Your rival battles you on Route 110 at Lv18–20: Wingull 18, Lombre 18 and Combusken 20 if you chose Treecko, Lombre 18, Slugma 18 and Marshtomp 20 if you chose Torchic, or Wingull 18, Slugma 18 and Grovyle 20 if you chose Mudkip.
  9. After the battle your rival gives you the Itemfinder.
  10. The Trick House on Route 110 holds the first of its puzzle rooms; come back after each new badge for more.
  11. Cycling Road needs a Bike, so follow the lower path north to Mauville City.

Worth catching: Electrike Minun Plusle Gulpin Oddish

Electrike evolves into Manectric at level 26 and is a strong, fast Electric type for the middle of the game.

Part 5 Mauville City and Wattson

Mauville City Route 117 Verdanturf Town Rusturf Tunnel

Mauville City sits at the centre of Hoenn and holds the Bike Shop, the Game Corner and Wattson's Electric Gym. Afterwards Route 117 leads west to Verdanturf Town and back into Rusturf Tunnel, where Rock Smash clears the way and earns you HM04 Strength.

  1. Outside the Mauville Gym, Wally and his uncle are waiting; Wally battles you with his Ralts (Lv16).
  2. At Rydel's Bike Shop choose the Mach Bike or the Acro Bike; you can swap them there at any time.
  3. Visit the Rock Smash Guy's house for HM06 Rock Smash; a woman in another Mauville house trades you the Coin Case for a Harbor Mail, which Slateport's Poké Mart sells for ¥50.
  4. Game Corner prizes include TM24 Thunderbolt, TM35 Flamethrower and TM13 Ice Beam for 4000 coins each.
  5. In the Gym, beat the trainers (Lv17 Pokémon) on the way to Wattson.
  6. Defeat Wattson (Voltorb 20, Electrike 20, Magneton 22, Manectric 24) for the Dynamo Badge, which allows Rock Smash outside battle, and TM34 Shock Wave.
  7. Head west along Route 117, past the Pokémon Day Care, and catch Illumise (18%) or the rare Volbeat (1%).
  8. In Verdanturf Town visit the Battle Tent, where TM45 Attract is handed out.
  9. Enter Rusturf Tunnel from Verdanturf, smash the rocks and reunite the young couple; the man gives you HM04 Strength.
  10. Return to Mauville and head north onto Route 111.
Wattson

Worth catching: Illumise Volbeat Oddish Seedot Marill

Ground types ignore Electric moves, so Marshtomp, or a Geodude from Granite Cave, can take on Wattson's whole team safely.

Part 6 Route 111 to Meteor Falls

Route 111 Route 112 Fiery Path Route 113 Fallarbor Town Route 114 Meteor Falls

With Rock Smash you can push north from Mauville, through Fiery Path and the ash-covered Route 113, to Fallarbor Town. Team Magma and Team Aqua meet at Meteor Falls, where Magma takes Professor Cozmo's Meteorite.

  1. On Route 111, enter the Winstrate family's house and beat Victor (Taillow 16, Zigzagoon 16), Victoria (Roselia 17), Vivi (Marill 15, Shroomish 15, Numel 15) and Vicky (Meditite 18) in a row to earn the Macho Brace.
  2. Smash the rocks north of Mauville; the desert in the middle of Route 111 needs Go-Goggles, so stay off it for now.
  3. Team Magma blocks the cable car on Route 112, so go west into Fiery Path instead.
  4. In Fiery Path, catch Torkoal (18%) or the rare Grimer (2%); TM06 Toxic and a Fire Stone sit behind boulders you can move with Strength.
  5. Exit onto northern Route 112 and follow Route 111 north to Route 113.
  6. On Route 113, ash falls on the grass; the Glass Workshop gives you a Soot Sack to collect it for glass flutes and ornaments.
  7. Catch Spinda (70%) or the rare Skarmory (5%) on Route 113, and use the Itemfinder to find the hidden TM32 Double Team.
  8. At Professor Cozmo's house in Fallarbor Town you learn that he has gone to Meteor Falls.
  9. On Route 114, a trainer whose Pokémon only knows how to roar gives you TM05 Roar and the Fossil Maniac gives you TM28 Dig; Swablu (40%) and Seviper (9%) live in the grass.
  10. In Meteor Falls, Team Magma takes the Meteorite from Professor Cozmo and leaves for Mt. Chimney just as Archie and Team Aqua arrive.
  11. Pick up the Moon Stone in Meteor Falls (TM23 Iron Tail sits on a ledge that needs Surf and Waterfall, so leave it for later), then return to Route 112, where the cable car is now open.

Worth catching: Torkoal Spinda Skarmory Swablu Seviper

Swablu from Route 114 becomes Altaria at level 35, a Dragon/Flying type that resists Fire, Water and Grass moves and is immune to Ground moves.

Part 7 Mt. Chimney and Lavaridge Gym

Mt. Chimney Jagged Pass Lavaridge Town

The cable car on Route 112 takes you to the top of Mt. Chimney, where Team Magma is using the Meteorite on the volcano. After stopping Maxie you walk down Jagged Pass to Lavaridge Town and Flannery's Fire Gym.

  1. Ride the cable car up from Route 112 to Mt. Chimney.
  2. Beat the Team Magma Grunts and Expert Shelby (Meditite 21, Makuhita 21) on the summit.
  3. Defeat Magma Admin Tabitha (Numel 18, Poochyena 20, Numel 22, Zubat 22).
  4. Defeat Magma Leader Maxie (Mightyena 24, Zubat 24, Camerupt 25), then take the Meteorite from the machine.
  5. After Maxie is beaten, an old lady appears on the summit selling Lava Cookies for ¥200 each.
  6. Walk south down Jagged Pass, catching Spoink (20%) along the way.
  7. In Lavaridge Town an old woman by the hot springs gives you a Wynaut Egg, and the Herb Shop gives you Charcoal.
  8. Work through the Gym's trainers to reach Flannery.
  9. Defeat Flannery (Numel 24, Slugma 24, Camerupt 26, Torkoal 29) for the Heat Badge, which allows Strength outside battle, and TM50 Overheat.
  10. Outside the Gym your rival gives you the Go-Goggles for the Route 111 desert.
  11. Return the Meteorite to Professor Cozmo in Fallarbor Town to receive TM27 Return.
Flannery

Worth catching: Spoink Numel Machop Wynaut

Water moves are the answer to Flannery, but watch Camerupt: it is part Ground, so Electric moves do nothing to it.

Part 8 The Desert, Mirage Tower and Norman

Route 111 Mirage Tower Petalburg City

With the Go-Goggles you can cross the sandstorm on Route 111 and climb Mirage Tower for a fossil. Now that you have four badges, you return to Petalburg City to challenge your father, Norman, and receive HM03 Surf.

  1. Wear the Go-Goggles to cross the Route 111 desert, where Trapinch (35%), Baltoy (24%) and Cacnea (6%) appear.
  2. Pick up TM37 Sandstorm in the desert.
  3. Climb Mirage Tower with the Mach Bike and Rock Smash, then choose the Root Fossil or the Claw Fossil at the top; the other crumbles away.
  4. Take the fossil to Devon Corp. 2F in Rustboro to revive Lileep or Anorith at Lv20.
  5. Head back to Petalburg City; Norman accepts your challenge now that you have four badges.
  6. Work through the Gym's rooms, each with a Cooltrainer using one Lv26 Pokémon (¥1248 each).
  7. Defeat Norman (Spinda 27, Vigoroth 27, Linoone 29, Slaking 31) for the Balance Badge, which allows Surf outside battle, and TM42 Facade.
  8. Visit Wally's house in Petalburg, where his father gives you HM03 Surf.
  9. Surf now opens the water in Petalburg City and on Route 102, where Marill is almost the only Pokémon you meet.
Norman

Worth catching: Trapinch Cacnea Baltoy Lileep Anorith

Norman's Slaking has Truant and only attacks every other turn, so use its idle turns to set up or switch, and lead with a Fighting type such as Makuhita or Machop.

Part 9 Surfing the Western Seas and New Mauville

Route 115 Route 105 Route 107 Route 108 Abandoned Ship New Mauville

Surf lets you explore the sea routes between Petalburg, Dewford and Slateport, including the Abandoned Ship on Route 108. Back in Mauville, Wattson asks you to shut down the generator in New Mauville.

  1. Route 115, north of Rustboro, holds TM01 Focus Punch among its items.
  2. Surf south from Route 104 onto Route 105, where swimmers use Lv25–26 Pokémon and an Iron item ball waits.
  3. Continue east along Route 106 and Route 107, battling the swimmers and Triathlete Camron (Staryu 26).
  4. On Route 108, explore the dry decks of the Abandoned Ship and its Captain's Office, where the Storage Key lies.
  5. The ship's flooded hidden floor, with TM18 Rain Dance, the Water Stone and the Scanner, needs Dive later; Captain Stern at Slateport's harbour trades a DeepSeaTooth or DeepSeaScale for the Scanner.
  6. Surf on to Route 109 and Slateport, then return to Mauville City.
  7. Wattson gives you the Basement Key; surf along Route 110's water to reach New Mauville.
  8. Inside New Mauville, three of the item balls are Voltorb (Lv25); collect the Thunderstone and Ultra Ball as you go.
  9. Switch off the generator, then return to Wattson for TM24 Thunderbolt.
  10. Head east from Mauville along Route 118.

Worth catching: Magnemite Voltorb Tentacool Pelipper Wingull

Pick up TM24 Thunderbolt from Wattson as soon as you finish New Mauville; it is one of the best Electric moves in the game and fits Manectric, Magneton or Electrode.

Part 10 Route 119, Fortree City and Winona

Route 118 Route 119 Fortree City Route 120

East of Mauville, Route 118 leads to the long, rainy Route 119, where Team Aqua raids the Weather Institute. In Fortree City an invisible Kecleon blocks the Gym until Steven gives you the Devon Scope on Route 120.

  1. Surf east across Route 118, where a fisherman gives you the Good Rod.
  2. On Route 119, catch Tropius (9%) in the tall grass and try any rod on the river's six hidden Feebas tiles.
  3. At the Weather Institute, defeat the Team Aqua Grunts and Aqua Admin Shelly (Carvanha 28, Mightyena 28).
  4. A scientist thanks you with a Castform (Lv25).
  5. Further north your rival battles you: Pelipper 29, Lombre 29 and Combusken 31 if you chose Treecko, Lombre 29, Slugma 29 and Marshtomp 31 if you chose Torchic, or Slugma 29, a Lv29 Lombre or Pelipper, and Grovyle 31 if you chose Mudkip.
  6. After the battle your rival gives you HM02 Fly.
  7. In Fortree City, something invisible blocks the Gym entrance.
  8. On Route 120, Steven uses the Devon Scope to reveal a hidden Kecleon (Lv30) blocking a bridge, then gives you the Devon Scope.
  9. Use the Devon Scope in Fortree to reveal and battle the Kecleon blocking the Gym.
  10. Climb the Gym's rotating gates, beating the Bird Keepers and Campers (Lv27–30).
  11. Defeat Winona (Swablu 29, Tropius 29, Pelipper 30, Skarmory 31, Altaria 33) for the Feather Badge, which allows Fly outside battle, and TM40 Aerial Ace.
  12. Route 120 also holds Absol (8%) and the Scorched Slab, which contains TM11 Sunny Day.
Winona

Worth catching: Tropius Feebas Castform Absol Kecleon

Winona's Altaria is Dragon/Flying, so an Ice move such as TM13 Ice Beam does four times damage to it.

Part 11 Lilycove City and Mt. Pyre

Route 121 Safari Zone Lilycove City Route 122 Mt. Pyre

Route 121 runs east to the Safari Zone and the port of Lilycove City, where your rival waits for one last battle. To the south, Mt. Pyre is where Team Aqua steals the Red Orb and an old woman entrusts you with the Magma Emblem.

  1. Head east from Route 120 onto Route 121, where Shuppet (30%) and Mightyena appear.
  2. In Lilycove City, the Contest Hall reception gives you a Pokéblock Case, which you need to enter the Safari Zone.
  3. Your rival battles you in Lilycove: Tropius 31, Pelipper 32, Ludicolo 32 and Combusken 34 if you chose Treecko, Tropius 31, Ludicolo 32, Slugma 32 and Marshtomp 34 if you chose Torchic, or Tropius 31, Slugma 32, Pelipper 32 and Grovyle 34 if you chose Mudkip.
  4. Visit the Department Store: 4F sells TM38 Fire Blast, TM25 Thunder and TM14 Blizzard for ¥5500 and TM15 Hyper Beam for ¥7500.
  5. Pay ¥500 to enter the Safari Zone off Route 121 for Phanpy, Rhyhorn, Heracross, Pinsir, Girafarig and Wobbuffet.
  6. Surf south down Route 122 to Mt. Pyre, where an old woman on 1F gives you a Cleanse Tag.
  7. Inside the tower, collect TM30 Shadow Ball on 6F; Duskull joins Shuppet on the upper floors.
  8. Outside on the mountain, pick up TM48 Skill Swap and watch for Vulpix (30%).
  9. At the summit, beat the Team Aqua Grunts; Archie takes the Red Orb, and Team Magma has already taken the Blue Orb.
  10. The old woman at the summit gives you the Magma Emblem, which opens Team Magma's hideout.

Worth catching: Heracross Pinsir Phanpy Duskull Vulpix

Chimecho appears only at the Mt. Pyre summit (2%), so search there if you want a full Pokédex.

Part 12 The Magma and Aqua Hideouts

Route 123 Jagged Pass Magma Hideout Slateport City Aqua Hideout

The Magma Emblem opens Team Magma's base inside Jagged Pass, where Maxie awakens Groudon. Team Aqua then steals Captain Stern's submarine in Slateport, and you raid their hideout in Lilycove City.

  1. Route 123 links Route 122 with Route 118; it has the Berry Master's house, and a trainer who loves Grass types gives you TM19 Giga Drain if you have one in your party.
  2. Return to Jagged Pass, where the Magma Emblem reveals the hidden entrance to the Magma Hideout.
  3. Battle through the Team Magma Grunts (Lv28–29) and collect the Full Restore, Max Elixir, PP Max and Max Revive.
  4. Defeat Magma Admin Tabitha on 4F (Numel 26, Mightyena 28, Zubat 30, Camerupt 33).
  5. Maxie awakens Groudon, which leaves the hideout; then defeat Maxie (Mightyena 37, Crobat 38, Camerupt 39).
  6. Fly to Slateport City and go to the harbour, where Archie and Team Aqua escape in Captain Stern's submarine.
  7. Surf to the Aqua Hideout on the edge of Lilycove City.
  8. Inside, warp panels connect the rooms; two of the item balls are really Electrode (Lv30).
  9. Grab the Master Ball item ball on B1F.
  10. Defeat Aqua Admin Matt on B2F (Mightyena 34, Golbat 34); the submarine has already left with Archie.

Worth catching: Torkoal Graveler Electrode Geodude

Save the Master Ball from the Aqua Hideout for Rayquaza, Kyogre or Groudon after the Hall of Fame, or for a roaming Latias or Latios.

Part 13 Mossdeep City and Tate & Liza

Route 124 Mossdeep City

Surf east from Lilycove across Route 124 to Mossdeep City, home of the Space Center and the twin Gym Leaders Tate & Liza. After the Gym, Team Magma attacks the Space Center and you team up with Steven.

  1. Surf east from Lilycove City onto Route 124 and collect the Red, Blue and Yellow Shards.
  2. In Mossdeep City, one of the houses gives you the Super Rod.
  3. Inside the Gym, work through the floor puzzle and the Psychic trainers (Lv36).
  4. Defeat Tate & Liza in a double battle (Claydol 41, Xatu 41, Lunatone 42, Solrock 42) for the Mind Badge, which allows Dive outside battle, and TM04 Calm Mind.
  5. Team Magma, led by Maxie, storms the Space Center to steal its rocket fuel.
  6. Beat the Team Magma Grunts on 1F and 2F (Lv26–32).
  7. On 2F, Steven joins you for a Multi Battle against Maxie and Tabitha; choose three of your Pokémon to fight alongside him.
  8. Visit Steven's house in Mossdeep afterwards to receive HM08 Dive.
  9. Use Dive in the dark water of Route 124 to catch Clamperl (65%), Chinchou (30%) and Relicanth (5%).
Tate & Liza

Worth catching: Clamperl Chinchou Relicanth Sharpedo Wailmer

Lunatone and Solrock are weak to Water, Grass, Bug, Ghost and Dark, so Surf, which hits both opponents in a double battle, is especially useful here.

Part 14 Shoal Cave and Seafloor Cavern

Route 125 Shoal Cave Route 127 Route 128 Seafloor Cavern

Shoal Cave on Route 125 is an optional ice cave that changes with the tide. The main story takes you south to Route 128, where you Dive to Seafloor Cavern and confront Archie as he awakens Kyogre.

  1. Surf north from Mossdeep City to Route 125 and enter Shoal Cave.
  2. The tide in Shoal Cave changes with the in-game clock; at low tide you can reach more of the cave and collect Shoal Salt.
  3. Bring four Shoal Salts and four Shoal Shells to the old man at the entrance for a Shell Bell.
  4. Catch Spheal (up to 50%) and, in the ice room, Snorunt (10%); TM07 Hail and NeverMeltIce are also there.
  5. Surf south through Route 127 to Route 128 and Dive down to the entrance of Seafloor Cavern.
  6. Inside, use Strength and Rock Smash to get past the boulders.
  7. Beat the Team Aqua Grunts (Lv35–36) and Aqua Admin Shelly (Sharpedo 37, Mightyena 37).
  8. In Room 9, defeat Aqua Leader Archie (Mightyena 41, Crobat 41, Sharpedo 43) and pick up TM26 Earthquake.
  9. Archie awakens Kyogre anyway, setting off extreme weather across Hoenn; Maxie arrives soon after.
  10. Head for Sootopolis City, the centre of the disturbance.

Worth catching: Spheal Snorunt Corsola Luvdisc

With the Super Rod on Route 128, Corsola (15%) and Luvdisc (40%) bite; both are worth registering in the Pokédex.

Part 15 Sootopolis City and Sky Pillar

Route 126 Sootopolis City Cave of Origin Route 129 Route 130 Route 131 Pacifidlog Town Sky Pillar

Groudon and Kyogre are fighting in Sootopolis City, and only Rayquaza can stop them. Steven and Wallace send you to Sky Pillar on Route 131 to wake it.

  1. Dive on Route 126 and surface inside the crater of Sootopolis City.
  2. Groudon and Kyogre are clashing in the city; the Gym is closed, and Maxie and Archie are standing nearby.
  3. Steven meets you and takes you to the Cave of Origin to find Wallace.
  4. Inside the Cave of Origin, Wallace explains about Rayquaza and heads for Sky Pillar.
  5. Travel through Routes 129, 130 and 131; on Route 129, Wailord appears 1% of the time while surfing.
  6. On Route 130, Mirage Island occasionally appears, and Wynaut is the only Pokémon in its grass.
  7. In Pacifidlog Town, a house gives TM27 Return or TM21 Frustration depending on your lead Pokémon's friendship, and another resident gives you a Horsea in exchange for a Bagon.
  8. Wallace meets you outside Sky Pillar on Route 131 and opens the door.
  9. Ride the Mach Bike over the cracked floors to reach the top; Claydol, Banette and, on 5F, Altaria (6%) appear inside.
  10. At the top, Rayquaza awakens and flies to Sootopolis, where it calms Groudon and Kyogre.

Worth catching: Wailord Claydol Banette Altaria Sableye

Sky Pillar's cracked floors only hold if you cross them quickly on the Mach Bike, so swap bikes at Mauville's Bike Shop beforehand if you are riding the Acro Bike.

Part 16 Juan and Victory Road

Sootopolis City Route 128 Ever Grande City Victory Road

With peace restored, Wallace gives you HM07 Waterfall and the Sootopolis Gym reopens. Juan's Rain Badge is your eighth, and Waterfall carries you up to Ever Grande City and Victory Road.

  1. Talk to Wallace in Sootopolis City after Maxie and Archie leave to receive HM07 Waterfall.
  2. In the Sootopolis Gym, step on every cracked ice tile exactly once to open the stairs; stepping on one twice drops you into the basement with the trainers.
  3. The Gym's trainers use Lv35–40 Pokémon; Lady Brianna pays ¥8000 for her Seaking.
  4. Defeat Juan (Luvdisc 41, Whiscash 41, Sealeo 43, Crawdaunt 43, Kingdra 46) for the Rain Badge, which allows Waterfall outside battle, and TM03 Water Pulse.
  5. Surf east along Route 128 and climb the waterfall to Ever Grande City.
  6. At the entrance to Victory Road, Wally battles you with Altaria 44, Delcatty 43, Roselia 44, Magneton 41 and Gardevoir 45.
  7. Inside Victory Road you need Surf, Strength and Rock Smash to reach the exit.
  8. Pick up TM29 Psychic and a Full Restore on B1F, and a Max Elixir on 1F.
  9. Catch Hariyama, Lairon or Mawile if you want them.
  10. Exit Victory Road to reach the Pokémon League building.
Juan

Worth catching: Hariyama Lairon Mawile Golbat

Kingdra is Water/Dragon and only Dragon moves hit it for super-effective damage, so plan to wear it down with strong neutral attacks.

Part 17 The Pokémon League

Ever Grande City

The Pokémon League in Ever Grande City pits you against the Elite Four, Sidney, Phoebe, Glacia and Drake, one after another, followed by Champion Wallace. Win all five battles to enter the Hall of Fame.

  1. Buy Full Restores (¥3000), Max Potions (¥2500) and Revives (¥1500) at the Pokémon League 1F Poké Mart.
  2. Once you enter, you face the five battles in a row, with no Pokémon Center between rooms, so carry plenty of healing items.
  3. Sidney (Dark): Mightyena 46, Shiftry 48, Cacturne 46, Crawdaunt 48, Absol 49.
  4. Phoebe (Ghost): Dusclops 48, Banette 49, Sableye 50, Banette 49, Dusclops 51.
  5. Glacia (Ice): Sealeo 50, Glalie 50, Sealeo 52, Glalie 52, Walrein 53.
  6. Drake (Dragon): Shelgon 52, Altaria 54, Kingdra 53, Flygon 53, Salamence 55.
  7. Champion Wallace (Water): Wailord 57, Tentacruel 55, Ludicolo 56, Whiscash 56, Gyarados 56, Milotic 58.
  8. Fighting moves hurt most of Sidney's team, and Fire, Fighting or Electric moves help against Glacia.
  9. Ice moves work well against Drake's Dragons, though Kingdra only takes neutral damage from them.
  10. Electric and Grass moves cover most of Wallace's team, but Whiscash is immune to Electric and Ludicolo takes only neutral damage from both.
  11. Defeat Wallace to enter the Hall of Fame and see the credits.
Wallace

Worth catching: Corsola Luvdisc Wailmer

Fishing with the Super Rod at Ever Grande City brings up Luvdisc (40%) and Corsola (15%), so you can register them while you are stocking up on items.

Part 18 Post-game: Battle Frontier and Legendaries

Littleroot Town S.S. Tidal Battle Frontier Artisan Cave Mossdeep City Meteor Falls Sky Pillar Marine Cave Terra Cave Sealed Chamber Desert Ruins Island Cave Ancient Tomb Desert Underpass Safari Zone Trainer Hill

After the Hall of Fame, Hoenn opens up: the S.S. Tidal sails to the Battle Frontier, legendary Pokémon can be caught and Gym Leaders offer rematches. Catching all 200 Hoenn Pokémon also earns you a Johto starter from Professor Birch.

  1. Back home, your dad gives you the S.S. Ticket, and your mom asks what colour the Pokémon on the TV was: answer red for a roaming Latias or blue for a roaming Latios (Lv40).
  2. Board the S.S. Tidal at Slateport or Lilycove to reach the Battle Frontier; a Leftovers is hidden on its lower deck.
  3. The Battle Frontier has seven facilities, each with a Frontier Brain, such as Salon Maiden Anabel at the Battle Tower and Pyramid King Brandon at the Battle Pyramid.
  4. Water the odd tree at the Battle Frontier with the Wailmer Pail to battle Sudowoodo (Lv40), and catch Smeargle (Lv40–50) in Artisan Cave.
  5. Pick up the Beldum (Lv5) left in Steven's house in Mossdeep City.
  6. Steven waits in a new cave in Meteor Falls with Skarmory 77, Claydol 75, Aggron 76, Cradily 76, Armaldo 76 and Metagross 78.
  7. Climb back to the top of Sky Pillar to catch Rayquaza (Lv70).
  8. Talk to the scientist on Weather Institute 2F: he names the route with the strange weather, where Marine Cave (Kyogre, Lv70, needs Dive) or Terra Cave (Groudon, Lv70) appears.
  9. For the Regis, Dive on Route 134 to the Sealed Chamber and solve its Braille puzzle with Wailord first and Relicanth last in your party; Regirock, Regice and Registeel (Lv40) then wait in the Desert Ruins, Island Cave and Ancient Tomb.
  10. The Fossil Maniac's house on Route 114 now leads to the Desert Underpass, where you find the fossil you left behind and catch Ditto (50%).
  11. The Safari Zone's new areas hold Johto Pokémon such as Aipom, Teddiursa, Houndour, Miltank, Gligar and Wooper.
  12. Gym Leaders now accept rematches through the PokéNav; Roxanne's first rematch is a double battle with Golem 32, Kabuto 35, Onix 35 and Nosepass 37, and Wally waits at the Victory Road exit with a stronger team.
  13. Trainer Hill on Route 111 opens for timed challenge runs.
  14. Catch all 200 Hoenn Pokémon and return to Professor Birch to choose Chikorita, Cyndaquil or Totodile (Lv5).

Worth catching: Rayquaza Kyogre Groudon Beldum Ditto

Latias and Latios flee on the first turn, so a Pokémon with Mean Look, or the Master Ball if you saved it, makes catching the roamer far easier.

FAQ

What is the Gym order in Pokémon Emerald?

Roxanne (Rustboro City), Brawly (Dewford Town), Wattson (Mauville City), Flannery (Lavaridge Town), Norman (Petalburg City), Winona (Fortree City), Tate & Liza (Mossdeep City), Juan (Sootopolis City).

Which starter should I pick in Emerald?

Mudkip has the smoothest run: Marshtomp’s Ground typing makes it immune to Wattson’s Electric moves and its Water attacks handle Roxanne and Flannery. Treecko struggles through the middle Gyms; Torchic gains Fighting moves that help against Roxanne, Norman and Tate & Liza’s partners.

What is different in Emerald from Ruby and Sapphire?

Both Team Magma and Team Aqua appear in the story, Juan replaces Wallace as the Sootopolis Gym Leader, Wallace is the Champion, Rayquaza is awakened during the story, Gym Leaders can be rematched, and the Battle Tower is replaced by the seven-facility Battle Frontier.

Sources & picture credits

Guide text is original retrogameindex writing, checked against Bulbapedia and the game data. Wild Pokémon and encounter chances, items, trainers, rematch teams, gifts, trades and shops come from the pret/pokeemerald decompilation. Maps and sprites © Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK, archived from the Bulbagarden Archives; the Hoenn map is drawn from the game’s own PokéNav map graphics (listed on the image gallery).