Hoenn badges, starter choices and Mega Evolution
Choose a first partner, follow the eight-badge route and prepare for the original and rematch Pokémon League teams.
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire for Nintendo 3DS (2014). These guides cover the eight story Gyms, the first Pokémon League challenge and the stronger League rematches after the Delta Episode.
The eight-badge route
Roxanne, Brawly and Wattson begin the Gym sequence. Flannery follows in Lavaridge, then return to Petalburg for Norman. Winona, Tate & Liza and Wallace complete the badges. Tate & Liza use a Double Battle. All eight story rosters are shared by Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
Treecko: Grass starter
Treecko begins as a Grass type, becomes Grovyle at level 16 and Sceptile at level 36. Grass attacks are useful against many Rock and Water opponents, but Hoenn’s later teams include secondary types and coverage moves. Mega Sceptile adds Dragon typing when the required Mega Evolution equipment is available.
Torchic: Fire starter
Torchic becomes Combusken at level 16 and Blaziken at level 36. Combusken adds Fighting typing, helping cover opponents such as Rock and Normal Pokémon. Choose teammates that handle Water, Flying and Psychic threats. Mega Blaziken is an additional option once its Mega Stone and the trainer’s Key Stone are available.
Mudkip: Water starter
Mudkip becomes Marshtomp at level 16 and Swampert at level 36. Marshtomp adds Ground typing, which makes Electric attacks ineffective but creates a pronounced Grass weakness. Bring another partner to cover Grass opponents. Mega Swampert is a later battle option with the required Mega Evolution equipment.
Mega Evolution and the first League
A compatible Pokémon needs its own Mega Stone, and its trainer needs a Key Stone. Mega Evolution changes its form for the battle and may change its types or ability. Steven’s Metagross Mega Evolves in the first Champion challenge. Inspect the labelled Mega form instead of assuming its ordinary ability still applies.
Plan five consecutive League battles
The Elite Four order is Sidney, Phoebe, Glacia and Drake, followed by Steven. Their specialist types do not describe every weakness: secondary types, immunities and moves affect useful counters. Carry enough recovery supplies for the full sequence and keep more than one attacker available for Steven.
Return after the Delta Episode
Completing the Delta Episode unlocks the stronger League rosters. All four Elite Four members then use six Pokémon and a Mega Evolution. Steven also raises his levels and changes part of his team. Choose the rematch option on the League pages to see the correct roster.
The two story versions
Omega Ruby centres on Team Magma and Groudon; Alpha Sapphire centres on Team Aqua and Kyogre. Their story encounters and available wild Pokémon differ. The Gym, Elite Four and Champion teams in these guides are shared. Wallace awards HM05 Waterfall after the final Gym, alongside the Rain Badge.
Open the next trainer’s team before choosing counters, and use the League battle selector for the stronger post-Delta Episode challenge.